Graham Nash - Songs For Beginners

Graham Nash — Songs For Beginners

Analogue Productions (Atlantic 75 Series)

Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Atlantic Records!

Graham Nash's auspicious solo album debut!

Features "I Used to Be a King" and "Man in the Mirror" plus "Chicago"

Hybrid Stereo SACD

Mastered by Bernie Grundman direct to DSD from the original analog master tape

"Nash's first solo was released in 1971 following CSNY's masterpiece, Deja Vu, all four producing solos at that time, eg., Stephen Stills (FHN Jul '26). This sounds more like one of the group's efforts rather than a solo, but that attests to Nash's importance in CSNY, as both writer and vocalist. This is a delicious, archetypal Left Coast singer-songwriter effort, full of glorious harmonies and, mandatory at the time, A-list guest musicians including Crosby, Young, members of The Grateful Dead, The Turtles' John Barbata, et. al. Standouts include protest songs 'Military Madness' and 'Chicago,' with an uplift from 'We Can Change The World.' Sound Quality: 90% — Ken Kessler, Hi Fi News, August 2026 

After finding fame with the Hollies and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, expatriate Englishman turned West Coast rock icon Graham Nash made an auspicious solo debut on this 1971 disc. It's an exemplary singer-songwriter effort, striking a vital balance between graceful introspection and political fervor — and while it's deeply personal, it still carries the harmonies, heart and politics that made CSN(Y) so essential.

With assistance from the likes of David Crosby, Jerry Garcia, and Dave Mason, highlights include the sensitive internal explorations "I Used to Be a King" and "Man in the Mirror" and the impassioned protest anthems "Chicago" and "Military Madness."

If Déjà Vu was a wild canyon party with four competing egos, Songs for Beginners is Nash's introspective morning after — a mix of heartbreak, hope, and a little bit of righteous protest. He recorded it while reeling from his split with Joni Mitchell, and you can feel that melancholy seeping through the grooves.

But don't mistake this for a wallowing breakup album — it's also a call to action, packed with the kind of folk-rock anthems that made Nash an indispensable voice of his era. If you love CSN's folk-rock harmonies but also crave a more personal, raw touch, this is a must-listen.

 

1. Military Madness

2. Better Days

3. Wounded Bird

4. I Used To Be A King

5. Be Yourself

6. Simple Man

7. Man In The Mirror

8. There's Only One

9. Sleep Song

10. Chicago

11. We Can Change The World

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