Nick Drake’s Pink Moon is one of those rare albums that seems to exist outside of time. Just 28 minutes long, featuring only Drake’s voice and guitar, it’s an album of whispered intimacy, filled with poetic reflections on life, isolation, and fleeting beauty. But beyond its quiet genius, Pink Moon carries a history just as intriguing as its music. Here are five things you probably didn’t know about the final album from one of England’s most enigmatic songwriters.
1. It Was Recorded in Total Secrecy in Just Two Nights
Forget elaborate studio sessions—Pink Moon was recorded in complete secrecy over two late-night sessions in October 1971. Nick Drake arrived at Sound Techniques studio in London unannounced, with only trusted engineer John Wood present. Over the course of just a few hours, he laid down the entire album—no backing band, no overdubs, just voice and guitar. The only exception? The title track, which features a single, haunting piano melody, added at the very last moment. Even Island Records had no idea he was working on a new album until he quietly dropped off the tapes at their office.
2. The Album Almost Had a Forgotten 13th Track
Tucked away on the original master tapes was an additional song that never made the final album—a classical French love song from 1784 called Plaisir d’amour. It was listed as the first track of Side Two, but a handwritten note alongside it read: “Spare title – Do not use.” Why Drake decided to exclude it remains a mystery. The song, a delicate instrumental, remained hidden for decades before finally appearing as a bonus track on the 2004 compilation album A Treasury. Had it been included, it would have been the only non-original composition on any of Drake’s albums.
3. The Cover Art Was Chosen Without His Input
With an album as deeply personal as Pink Moon, you might assume the cover was carefully chosen by Nick Drake himself—but in reality, he had nothing to do with it. Originally, Island Records wanted a photograph of Drake, but his withdrawn nature and deteriorating appearance made them rethink. Instead, they turned to artist Michael Trevithick, a friend of Drake’s sister, Gabrielle. His surrealist Dali-esque artwork—featuring a floating pink orb and strange dreamlike imagery—became one of the most iconic folk album covers of all time. While Drake never publicly commented on it, those close to him believed he approved.
4. Its Release Was Met With Near Silence
Island Records knew Nick Drake wouldn’t tour or promote Pink Moon, so they tried something bold: they spent the entire marketing budget on full-page ads in music magazines, featuring nothing but the album artwork. No descriptions, no interviews, just the surreal image that matched the album’s ethereal nature. Despite this, the album sold poorly, much like Drake’s previous work. It wasn’t until the late 1990s, when Pink Moon was used in a Volkswagen Cabrio commercial, that it finally reached a wider audience. Today, it’s considered one of the greatest folk albums ever made.
5. Nick Drake Was Not in Deep Depression When He Recorded It
Given its sparse, melancholic sound and Drake’s tragic death just two years later, many assume Pink Moon was recorded in a state of deep depression. But those who knew him tell a different story. John Wood, the engineer who recorded the album, later said that Drake wasn’t depressed during the sessions—he was focused, intentional, and proud of what he was creating. Cally Callomon, who manages Drake’s estate, has confirmed this, stating: “Nick was incapable of writing and recording while suffering from depression. He was immensely proud of the album.” While Pink Moon certainly carries an air of loneliness, it was not a farewell letter, but rather a deliberate artistic statement.
Pink Moon might have been overlooked upon release, but it has since become one of the most beloved folk albums of all time. Its influence stretches far beyond its era, inspiring countless artists and finding new generations of listeners who are drawn to its haunting beauty.
Whether you discovered it through the Volkswagen commercial, a late-night vinyl listen, or by pure chance, Pink Moon has a way of staying with you.
