Hand of Kindness

Serving as his first solo outing following his professional and personal split with Linda Thompson, the album is a sharply observed, emotionally complex foray into English folk-rock. Thompson recruits a backing band featuring two saxophonists, infusing his signature virtuosic guitar work with upbeat rock and subtle Cajun rhythms. It is widely hailed as one of the strongest, most resiliently buoyant records in his extensive catalog.