Gravy Train - Second Birth

Review by Knut Kristian Johansen

Second Birth by Gravy Train: A Journey Through Time and Sound Released in 1991, Second Birth by Gravy Train is a fascinating blend of Pop/Rock and Prog Rock that feels like a time capsule from an era when experimentation was king. Hailing from the UK but finding audiences in places as diverse as Russia, Japan, and Germany, this album doesn’t just stick to one sound—it dances between styles with confidence. Labels like Philips, Sequel Records, and Esoteric Recordings helped bring it to life, giving it a polished yet raw edge. The album's lineup reads like a who’s who of underrated talent: Les Williams handling bass and vocals, Norman Barratt delivering lead vocals, George Lynon shredding on guitar, and John D. Hughes wearing multiple hats (keyboards, flute, saxophone). It’s clear these guys weren’t messing around—they had something to say, and they said it loud. Standout Tracks That Stick While every track has its charm, two songs stand out for different reasons. First up, “Strength Of A Dream.” This tune hits hard right outta the gate. The interplay between Hughes’ keys and Lynon’s guitar creates this swirling atmosphere that pulls you in. Then there’s Barratt’s voice—smooth but not overdone, like he’s telling you a story over coffee. You don’t forget this one easily because it somehow feels both epic and intimate at the same time. Then there’s “Goodtime Girl,” which shows off the band’s playful side. With Russell Cordwell laying down some tight drumwork and Hughes adding quirky keyboard flourishes, it’s impossible not to tap your foot. What makes it memorable isn’t just the catchy melody; it’s how the song shifts gears midway without losing steam. It’s proggy enough to keep things interesting but accessible enough to make ya grin. Why It Works (Mostly) What makes Second Birth work is its refusal to be boxed in. Sure, some tracks feel a bit dated now, but others still hold up surprisingly well. Songs like “Fields And Factories” balance poetic lyrics with rich instrumentation, while “Climb Aboard the Gravy Train” leans into pure rock energy. Even the bonus version of “Goodtime Girl” adds a little extra spice, showing the band wasn’t afraid to tinker. Jonathan Peel’s production deserves a shout-out too. He gives the album a warm, analog vibe that suits the material perfectly. And let’s not forget Paul Chave’s design—it may seem minor, but good artwork can really set the mood, y’know? Final Thoughts Listening to Second Birth today feels like rediscovering an old friend you lost touch with. It’s not perfect—some transitions feel clunky, and a few moments drag—but that’s part of its charm. In a world obsessed with sleek perfection, Gravy Train reminds us that music should breathe, wander, and maybe even stumble a bit. And hey, here’s a random thought: if aliens ever landed and asked for proof of human creativity, handing them this album wouldn’t be the worst idea. Just saying.

Artist: Gravy Train
Album: Second Birth

1973

Rating: 4.6

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Filename: gravy-train-second-birth.zip

MP3 size: 135 mb
FLAC size: 988.2 mb

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Tracks

Track	Duration	Preview
Starbright Starlight	4:29
Good Time Girl
Motorway	5:50
Fields And Factories
Strength Of A Dream
Strength of a Dream	4:0
Goodtime Girl	4:15
Goodtime Girl (Bonus Track)
Sanctuary	4:0
September Morning News	5:40
Climb Aboard the Gravy Train	3:11
Goodtime Girl
Second Birth	6:59
Peter	4:9
Morning Coming	6:43
Second Brth
Fields and Factories	8:35
Tolpuddle Episode	5:9

Video

Gravy Train Second Birth (1973)

Gravy Train - Second Birth

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Catalog Numbers

Labels

Strange Days Records
Dawn
Philips
Private Area
Victor
Won-Sin Music Company
Sequel Records
Esoteric Recordings

Listen online

escuchar en línea
ouvir online
kuunnella verkossa
lytte på nettet
écouter en ligne
online luisteren
online anhören
lyssna på nätet
ascolta in linea

Formats

CD
Album
Reissue
Paper Sleeve
Vinyl
LP
33 ⅓ RPM
Unofficial Release
Mini LP Papersleeve
Promo
Stereo
Remastered

Companies

Role	Company
Record Company	ЗАО "Витаком"
Manufactured By	Unknown (SV)
Phonographic Copyright (p)	Sanctuary Copyrights Ltd.
Copyright (c)	Sanctuary Copyrights Ltd.

Credits

Role	Credit
Design	Paul Chave
Producer	Jonathan Peel
Written-By	Gravy Train
Bass Guitar	Les Williams
Vocals	Les Williams
Drums	Russell Caldwell (tracks: 2,3,4,6,8)
Percussion	Barry Davenport (tracks: 1,5,7)
Guitar	George Lynon
Lead Vocals	Norman Barrett
Keyboards	John D. Hughes
Flute	John D. Hughes
Saxophone	John D. Hughes

Bass	Les Williams
Liner Notes	Andy Boot

Notes

Comes in a CD sized papersleeve album replica (gatefold), with obi-strip and insert of notes mostly in Japanese.
"Original Release: Dawn / DNLS 3046 / 1973"
Original Release: Dawn / DNLS 3046 / 1973"
a replica (in jewel case) of Strange Days Records release – Gravy Train - Second Birth with Japan booklet but without OBI
(P)&(C)1972
ЗАО "Витаком"
Лицензионное соглашение № ССР-145/2000
от 25 сентября 2000 г. между РАО и ЗАО Витаком.
There is mistake on CD: band's name writing like "Gravi Train"
No track durations on the release
Under the Vertigo came the two LPs Gravy Train and Ballad of a Peaceful Man . Then Gravy changed to Dawn, there were 2 LPs Second Birth and Staircase to the Day under this label.
This "Second Birth" LP is produced by Philips. Exactly with the same titles as the Dawn issue, but with a completely different cover and label. The cover was printed in offset printing, it consists only of 2 single sheets, so it is highly probable a test printing. The labels are White Labels with the usual addition "Sample copy - not for sale".
Although the original "Second Birth" was already produced by Dawn, Philips produced this White Label Sample Copy of "Second Birth". Rather strange!
Originally released in 1973.
Esoteric Recordings are pleased to announce the release of a newly re-mastered and expanded edition of the highly collectable and legendary 1973 album by Gravy Train, Second Birth. Formed in Lancashire in 1969, Gravy Train was fronted by guitarist and vocalist Norman Barratt, along with J.D. Hughes on keyboards, flute and saxophones, Les Williams on bass and Barry Davenport on drums. The band first came to public attention when they signed to Vertigo Records in 1970. Gravy Train recorded two classic Progressive Rock albums for the label before signing with Pye Records' Progressive label, Dawn in 1973. 'Second Birth' was the band's first album for Dawn Records, by which time Gravy Train had added guitarist Ross Caldwell to their ranks. Issued in 1973, the album was a fine collection of Progressive Rock music that took in influences from bands such as Jethro Tull, Roland Kirk et al. A highly sought after artefact by vinyl collectors (with original LP copies changing hands for high sums), this Esoteric Recordings reissue of 'Second Birth' has been re-mastered and includes the bonus track 'Good Time Girl', released as the B-side of a single in early 1974.

Barcodes

Barcode: 4988005435699
Matrix / Runout: POCE-1024
Mastering SID Code: IFPI L263
Mould SID Code: IFPI 9C09
Rights Society: JASRAC
Matrix / Runout: SV-442
Matrix / Runout (mirrored): VICP-62164-1 1W A
Mastering SID Code (mirrored): IFPI L244
Mould SID Code: IFPI 4011
Barcode: 8809288856802
Barcode: 5017285522122
Barcode: 5 013929466241

About Gravy Train

ProgRock band from Lancashire, UK, formed in 1969 by guitarist/vocalist . They managed to get a contract with the famous label. And their first outing aptly named "Gravy Train" hit the street in early 1971. Second album, by many critics and followers hailed as their best, came later that same year (december 1971) titled: "(A Ballad of) a Peaceful Man". That also saw the ending of contractaul obligations with Vertigo. However Dawn records signed them for another 2 albums. "Second Birth" were released in 1973 and "Staircase to the Day" 1974.

Name Vars

Grani Train
Gravytrain

Members

Russell Cordwell
Barry Davenport
Les Williams
Norman Barratt
John D. Hughes

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s something cool: The album *Second Birth* by Gravy Train is a bit of a musical time capsule. Released in 1991, it blends progressive rock with pop sensibilities, making it stand out even years after its initial creation. Fun fact—Les Williams not only laid down the basslines but also took on vocal duties, showing off some serious multitasking skills. And get this: the album saw life in multiple countries like the UK, Japan, and Germany, under a bunch of different labels, including Philips and Victor. It’s like the album had a passport! Plus, there’s a track called “Goodtime Girl” that pops up more than once, almost like it couldn’t get enough of itself. Maybe it really was a good time.

Comments

zamrinanyan

2025-03-13

It was always special when this band were playing... they were regulars on the Manchester prog scene. All my mates thought I was mad... so I solved that problem by moving abroad. Haha !!! ?