Album Review: 朝の露 by Bonnie Dobson – A Timeless Blend of Folk and Psychedelic Rock
Released in 1969 under the Victor Company of Japan, Ltd., 朝の露 (Morning Dew) is a hidden gem that deserves more than just a passing glance. Bonnie Dobson’s work here transcends borders, blending folk rock with psychedelic undertones to create something both intimate and expansive. It’s not your everyday album—it’s one of those records where you feel like you’ve stumbled into someone’s secret world.
The record kicks off with “Morning Dew,” an iconic track that feels hauntingly familiar yet refreshingly unique. Dobson’s voice carries this raw vulnerability, almost as if she’s whispering secrets directly into your ear. The arrangement by Ben McPeek adds layers of depth, weaving strings and subtle instrumentation around her vocals. What makes it stick? Maybe it’s how effortlessly it captures the fleeting beauty of life—like morning dew itself, shimmering briefly before vanishing under the sun. You can’t help but replay it, trying to bottle up that magic.
Another standout is “Everybody’s Talking.” This isn’t Harry Nilsson’s version; Dobson takes the song and makes it entirely her own. Her interpretation strips away some of the original’s urgency, replacing it with a dreamy, introspective vibe. Listening to it feels like floating downstream on a lazy river—you’re carried along, lost in thought, until suddenly you realize the lyrics are speaking straight to your soul. Hats off to producer Dave Bird and Jack Richardson for letting Dobson’s artistry shine without overproducing.
What’s wild about 朝の露 is its context. Released in Japan at the height of global musical experimentation, it sits comfortably between genres like rock, folk, and country while maintaining a distinctly Japanese touch thanks to the label’s influence. Credit also goes to Nick Speke for the cover design—it’s simple yet striking, much like the music within. And let’s not forget engineer Ian Jacobson, who ensures every note sounds crisp and alive.
But why does this album matter today? Perhaps because it reminds us of what music could be when stripped down to its essence: honest storytelling wrapped in lush soundscapes. Or maybe it’s the way tracks like “Morning Dew” and “Everybody’s Talking” linger long after the needle lifts from the vinyl.
Here’s the kicker though—listening to 朝の露 feels like finding a message in a bottle from another time. Sure, it might have been overlooked back then, but now? It’s proof that great art doesn’t need flashy marketing or massive hype to leave a mark. In fact, sometimes the quietest voices speak the loudest.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Final thought: If you ever find yourself stuck in a rainy afternoon with nothing but old records for company, give 朝の露 a spin. Who knows? You might just discover your new favorite escape.
