Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue
Country: UK
Released: May 2025Originally released in 1959 on Argo Records, Sweet England marks the debut album from Shirley Collins—one of the most influential figures in the British folk revival. This reissue brings renewed attention to a foundational work that captures Collins' early mastery of traditional English folk song, presented with stark simplicity and emotional depth.
Accompanied by guitarist Guy Carawan on several tracks, Collins’ unadorned vocal delivery and sparse instrumentation lend an archival purity to this collection of ballads, laments, and country songs. Her interpretation emphasizes the stories and melodies handed down through generations, offering a direct connection to England’s folk tradition.
This 2025 UK reissue faithfully preserves the original recordings, making it an essential addition for collectors, folk historians, and new listeners discovering the roots of modern British folk.