This album marks a shift toward contemporary R&B and synth-jazz textures, featuring the hauntingly beautiful duet "Comin' Home to You." Passionfruit (1983)
In the 21st century, Franks recorded less frequently, but each release was a masterclass in elegant songwriting and pristine acoustic engineering.
Michael Franks’ recording career began quietly but quickly shifted into high gear once he signed with Warner Bros. Records, establishing a smooth jazz blueprint that many would follow. michael franks discography 19732018 flac ja link
: His debut for Koch Records, Rendezvous in Rio is a thematic album centered around Brazilian music and summer themes. It features the vibrant "Under the Sun" and the title track.
| Year | Album Title | Key Tracks / Notes | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Michael Franks | Debut album, re-released in 1983 as Previously Unavailable . Tracks: "King of Oklahoma," "Born with the Moon in Virgo." | | 1976 | The Art of Tea | His major-label debut, featuring his most famous songs. Gold certification. Tracks: "Popsicle Toes," "Eggplant." | | 1977 | Sleeping Gypsy | Often cited as a masterpiece, continuing his signature style. Gold certification. Tracks: "The Lady Wants to Know," "Antonio's Song (The Rainbow)." | | 1978 | Burchfield Nines | A fan favorite from the late '70s. Tracks: "When the Cookie Jar Is Empty." | | 1979 | Tiger in the Rain | A classic album from this period. Track: "Tiger in the Rain." | | 1980 | One Bad Habit | A commercial breakthrough, yielding the popular title track. | | 1982 | Objects of Desire | Continued his run of sophisticated pop-jazz. Tracks: "Jealousy," "Ladies' Nite." | | 1983 | Passionfruit | A beloved album among fans, considered by some to be his best. Tracks: "Rainy Night in Tokyo," "Tell Me All About It." | | 1985 | Skin Dive | Continued his collaboration with top-tier session musicians. | | 1987 | The Camera Never Lies | Features a duet with Art Garfunkel. | | 1990 | Blue Pacific | His first album of the '90s, considered a strong return to form. | | 1993 | Dragonfly Summer | His peak output year, featuring "The Art of Love." | | 1995 | Abandoned Garden | A more eclectic and less pop-oriented album. | | 1999 | Barefoot on the Beach | A highly praised album, with a title track that became one of his most-streamed songs. | | 2003 | Watching the Snow | A collection of romantic, seasonal-themed songs. | | 2006 | Rendezvous in Rio | An album heavily inspired by Brazilian music, a recurring theme in his work. | | 2011 | Time Together | His first album for the Shanachie label, praised for its continued quality. | | 2018 | The Music in My Head | Marks his return to recording after a seven-year hiatus, his most recent studio album. | This album marks a shift toward contemporary R&B
A seamless bridge between his late-70s acoustic roots and early-80s pop sensibilities, featuring tracks like "On My Way to You."
Produced by John Simon, this record leans into a whimsical, acoustic jazz atmosphere with a stellar lineup including Ron Carter and Ben Riley. : His debut for Koch Records, Rendezvous in
A rare, stripped-down folk-jazz album featuring political themes and early versions of his trademark witty lyricism.
: Whether you are downloading or streaming, always opt for FLAC over lossy formats like MP3. It is the only way to hear the full depth and detail of the recordings.
Marking 45 years since his debut, this album serves as a beautiful capstone to the 1973–2018 era, proving his lyrical wit and harmonic sensibilities remained entirely intact. Why the Michael Franks Catalog Demands FLAC
An eclectic album tackling themes of modern life, memory, and his love for animals ("Feathery Steps"). The dynamic range on this recording is exceptional.
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