Gordon Lightfoot
Summertime Dream


4.5
superb

Review

by dh198 USER (8 Reviews)
May 15th, 2014 | 19 replies


Release Date: 1976 | Tracklist

Review Summary: An excellent release from an unfortunately overlooked singer-songwriter

Gordon Lightfoot is a Canadian folk singer who gained prominence in the Seventies through numerous hits, such as “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” and “If You Could Read My Mind.” While relatively little-known today, he released a series of acclaimed albums over a decade-long period beginning in the mid-1960s. Summertime Dream, released in 1976, is often considered the last of his truly great works, before his future material declined to some degree. However, Summertime Dream itself stands the test of time, being representative of the great aspects of Lightfoot’s music.

Comprised of ten songs adding up to less than 38 minutes, the album is far from an intimidating listen. The songs themselves are predominantly folk-based, with some rock, country, and pop influences, as frequently appeared throughout Lightfoot’s musical career. While the album is generally cohesive, there is enough variety between tracks, from slow-paced ballads to more cheerful rock-oriented songs, to keep the album from becoming bland.

The most well-known song on Summertime Dream is undoubtedly “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” Indeed, many music listeners may only be familiar with Gordon Lightfoot through that classic song. While “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” is truly a haunting and powerful piece of music, it is far from clearly the best song on this album.

Many of Summertime Dream’s other songs focus on themes of love and heartbreak. While such topics have been widely explored in music, and have often become boring and cliche, that is not the case here. Lightfoot’s lyrics are generally excellent and when delivered in his recognizable baritone voice provide these ballads with substantial emotional power. Particularly successful in this respect is “I’m Not Supposed to Care”, which is excellent in expressing a feeling of sadness and resignation.

There are also more upbeat tracks, with catchy melodies and somewhat more optimistic lyrics. “Race Among The Ruins” and the title track are good examples of these songs. The former is one of the album’s standouts, while “Summertime Dream” showcases an immensely appealing melody, even if it is less profound lyrically.

Overall, Summertime Dream is an exceptional album, particularly for listening to while in a relaxed or contemplative mood. Many of the songs are among Lightfoot’s greatest, and are arguably all-time musical classics as well. While several tracks, such as “I’d Do It Again” and “Too Many Clues In This Room” are slightly weaker and prevent the album from achieving perfection, all music fans could potentially enjoy Summertime Dream. Fans of folk and older music should definitely consider looking into this album, if they have not done so already.



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user ratings (49)
4.3
superb


Comments:Add a Comment 
dh198
May 15th 2014


463 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Thanks, I appreciate the advice.

ExcentrifugalForz
May 16th 2014


2124 Comments


Every time i cross the border for a visit I always blast Gordie for the mounties to hear.

MO
May 17th 2014


24132 Comments


the wreck of the edmund fitzgerald is such a fucking classic song. great, great album

deathschool
May 27th 2014


29012 Comments


Good first review.

argonaut
July 24th 2015


818 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

And if you come 'round when the mill shuts down

You can see what chivalry means

Let's steal away in the noonday sun

It's time for a summertime dream

BigHans
July 24th 2015


30959 Comments


If You Could Read My Mind isn't on here and that's a shame as its pretty much the best song ever made.

argonaut
July 24th 2015


818 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Yeah, it really is. Tons of great songs on this one as it is though.

Sunnyvale
Staff Reviewer
October 14th 2015


6228 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

I'm Not Supposed To Care is such an emotionally powerful song, damn.

butt.
February 27th 2020


11155 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

any other michiganders up in here??



I had to explain to an intern the other day what the edmund fitzgerald is. I almost lost my damn mind. un-fucking-acceptable.

Sunnyvale
Staff Reviewer
June 27th 2020


6228 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Album slays. Protocol is one of the greatest songs of all time

butt.
May 18th 2022


11155 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Seeing Lightfoot tonight!! He better play Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald goddammit

parksungjoon
May 18th 2022


47231 Comments


summertime dream by butt

Sunnyvale
Staff Reviewer
May 18th 2022


6228 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Hell yeah! Love me some Gordon Lightfoot

Lichtbringer
June 16th 2023


1236 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

shame i only heard of this guy cause he died. what a beautiful album this is!

butt.
May 5th 2024


11155 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Damn is this the only album of Lightfoot’s that has been reviewed on this site? Wtf

ShadowRemains
November 22nd 2024


28091 Comments


Canadian icon, through and through

Futures
November 22nd 2024


12797 Comments


i love the edmund fitzgerald memes, great song

ShadowRemains
November 22nd 2024


28091 Comments


fitz is pure poetry

Lichtbringer
November 22nd 2024


1236 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

jammin now. 4 seems a bit low tbh



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