Donovan

Donovan is the 14th studio album, and sixteenth album overall, from British singer-songwriter Donovan. It was released in the US (Arista AB 4143) in August 1977 and in the UK (RAK SRAK 528) with a different track order in October 1977. Background In 1976, Donovan's record contract with Epic Records came to an end with Slow Down World. The album had only achieved limited chart success, and his contract was not renewed. Donovan's old record producer Mickie Most had launched Rak Records in the UK in 1969 and Donovan and Most teamed up to record Donovan's next album on Rak Records in 1977. Arista Records picked up the distribution rights in the US. In a distinct change from Slow Down World, the songs on Donovan were an attempt to reach mass audiences again. The songs feature a contemporary sound and, with the exception of "Maya's Dance", generally avoid the gentle balladry of Donovan's previous work. Despite these measures, Donovan failed to chart in both the US and UK, and signalled the end of Donovan's attempts to reach a mainstream audience. He would not release another original album in the United States until 1984. Reissues On 27 March 2000, Beat Goes On Records released the US version Donovan (BGOCD375) in the UK on CD. This marked the first time the album was released on CD.