Mike Scott - Bring 'Em All In (1995)

Scott's always been one to wear his heart on his sleeve, and has perhaps never done so to a greater extent than on his debut solo effort. Fans might not appreciate the comparison, but he sometimes sounds like a far rawer and surlier Al Stewart on these folkish, acoustic guitar-dominated ruminations; shadows of Dylan and Van Morrison, which have never been far from his work, continue to lurk here. Perhaps his most soul-baring release ("Long Way to the Light" is a virtual travelog of The Waterboys' demise and the birth of Scott's solo career), though not necessarily his best, or one that's too likely to win over converts to his devoted fan base.