John Martyn-Sapphire (1984)

When the legendary British singer-songwriter John Martyn released his thirteenth album, "Sapphire", his style was very different from what he had produced in his earlier works. Here, his music, full of electronics and synthesizers, was the complete opposite of his early, avant-garde folk that had established him as one of the most experimental and creative British artists of the early 1970s. However, this crucial change was already evident in releases like "One World" (1977), "Grace and Danger" (1980), and "Glorious Fool" (1981), works in which the musician from Surrey was already showing his more mainstream inclinations, moving closer to sophisticated pop-rock. On "Sapphire", Martyn showcases his approachable side with sounds reminiscent of the 1980s in a series of memorable songs such as the beautiful "Fisherman's Dream", a true classic among the most sensual ballads of the decade, the magnificent "Mad Dog Days", the empowering "Acid Rain", the elegant funk-pop "Well Kept Secret", and the irresistible "Watching Her Eyes". While this album didn't surpass his iconic works, it nonetheless solidified his status as one of Britain's most beloved and respected musicians, renowned for his professionalism and musical integrity.