50 years ago today (4/30/74), Richard Thompson released his second album and first with his then-wife Linda Thompson – I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight. The album features a blend of traditional folk influences with Thompson’s own songwriting style, resulting in a collection of timeless tracks that showcase his musical prowess and storytelling ability. In 2003, the album was placed number 479 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, and it was number 485 in the 2020 edition. Thompson’s work remains highly influential today, but it’s his two standouts with his wife Linda (this album and 1982’s Shoot Out The Lights that are must-listens.
