Shades Of A Blue Orphanage  by Thin Lizzy

Shades Of A Blue Orphanage is the second studio album by the Irish rock band Thin Lizzy. The album's name was derived from the combination of the members' previous bands: "Shades of Blue" (Eric Bell) and "Orphanage" (Lynott & Downey). It was released in March 1972. The musical style of the album is characterized by an eclectic sound that combines hard rock with strong elements of folk rock and blues rock.

The album was recorded between December 17, 1971, and January 1972 at De Lane Lea Studios in Wembley, London. Almost all the tracks on the album are compositions by Phil Lynott. "Sarah" was written for Phil Lynott's grandmother, who raised him. It should not be confused with the 1979 hit of the same name (from the album Black Rose), which Lynott later wrote for his daughter. The cover of Shades Of A Blue Orphanage depicts the three members of the band (Phil Lynott, Eric Bell, Brian Downey) in a photo with distinctive lighting and period aesthetics.

The album did not achieve commercial success at the time and failed to enter the charts in the UK and Ireland. The reviews were mixed, with some considering it "disorganized," though they recognized Lynott's lyrical talent.