Songs Without Words

Stephanie - Lindsey Buckingham
From Buckingham Nicks (1973)

Denise at 16 - Al Stewart
From Bed-Sitter Images (1967)

I think these songs both aim to capture the same sentiment; if not that of a first love, then a love of exceeding novelty and sweetness. They're both acoustic instrumentals, they're both from their respective artists' first albums, and they both make me feel . . . wistful? Bittersweet? I can't find the right word, but it's an extraordinary emotion. Sometimes lyrics are simply unnecessary - what words could create the moods of these songs? I also wonder about the title characters, what they look like, how they act - perhaps Stephanie is a little more bubbly, and Denise a little more coy.

Stephanie is from Buckingham before he joined Fleetwood Mac, off of his and Stevie Nicks's album (still unreleased on CD!). Denise is from Stewart before he achieved his limited fame in the 70's playing "historical storytelling" songs - a decision I wish he hadn't made. Songs about Sir Richard Grenville and Jean-Paul Marat can be fun, but from a songwriter of his calibre I prefer a tender song about a pretty girl. Sufjan Stevens, you'd be wise to listen.