Bryter Layter is the second studio album by English folk singer-songwriter Nick Drake. Recorded in 1970 and released on 5 March 1971 by Island Records.

The second album fromNick Drakecame in 1970, and while not quite as melancholy as his debut, Five Leaves Left, there are certain brooding qualities that continued to propagate theNick Drakemystique. Horns, flute, and strings arrangements lift such songs as “At the Chime of a City Clock” and “Hazy Jane I” and “II” out of the realm of sad, folk-guitar music into something jazzier and lighter, while the beautiful piano and simple guitar of “One of These Things First” laments what could have been without sounding like a song of despair. But two tracks featuringJohn Caleon various instruments (such as viola and harpsichord) have the dark fragility of “Pink Moon”: The lovely “Fly” is a fragile apparition, and “Northern Sky” is a dreamy, brooding plea for long-lasting love. Definitely not the same mood music as his starker work, but still a fine showcase forNick Drake. Musicians include:Richard Thompson, guitar; Dave Pegg, bass; Dave Mattacks, drums; John Cale, keyboards and viola; Ray Warleigh, viola and flute; Pat Arnold and Doris Troy, vocals It was remastered by John Wood at Abbey Road studios from the original 40 year old analogue master tapes.

Tracklisting

1. Introduction
2. Hazey Jane II
3. At the Chime of a City Clock
4. One of These Things First
5. Hazey Jane I
6. Bryter Layter
7. Fly
8. Poor Boy
9. Northern Sky
10. Sunday