Scott Walker carried on the same general path with his second solo album, released one year after the first in 1968, to even greater acclaim and attention, topping the charts in the UK. Finding a dazzling middle ground between rock’s increasing self-seriousness and mainstream ‘adult’ music still holding space, Walker once again delivered with covers – Jacques Brel once more being key, with “Jackie” being a notable hit – and gripping, lyrically involving originals such as “The Amorous Humphrey Plugg” and “Plastic Palace People,” his strong singing in full effect.

– Ned Raggett