Blood of Man cover

Blood of Man

Mason Jennings · 2008

42 min · 10 tracks · pop music

A tapestry of intimate storytelling woven with folk-inspired melodies and gentle acoustic instrumentation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    City of Ghosts — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its haunting melody and evocative imagery, establishing Jennings' distinct narrative style from the outset.
  • →
    Ain't No Friend Of Mine — With its raw emotion and poignant lyrics, this track delves into themes of betrayal and loneliness, showcasing Jennings' ability to convey complex feelings through simple yet impactful language.
  • →
    Blood Of Man — The title track encapsulates the album's overarching themes of humanity and struggle, featuring a compelling narrative that reflects on personal identity amidst societal challenges.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

55 /100
Foothills
Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album features strong songwriting and cohesive themes, though it remains within familiar folk-pop territory.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature a consistent acoustic guitar backing, establishing a gentle, reflective mood.
  • Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies that enhance the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.
  • The album closes with a title track that shifts to a more somber tone, contrasting with the earlier upbeat melodies.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • introspective storytelling with depth
  • evening reflection on quiet roads
  • emotional resonance in vivid imagery
  • short tracks for easy engagement

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy party vibes
  • wanting instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Upon releasing 'Blood of Man' in 2008, Mason Jennings was already established as a singer-songwriter known for his reflective lyrics and acoustic sound. This album marked his first release after a brief hiatus following the 2006 album 'Boneclouds,' showcasing his continued evolution as an artist committed to personal and social themes.
Stylistic neighbors
Iron & Wine· Sufjan Stevens· Nick Drake

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 City of Ghosts 3:14
  • 2 Pittsburgh 3:55
  • 3 The Field 5:37
  • 4 Tourist 3:21
  • 5 Black Wind Blowing 4:48
  • 6 Ain't No Friend Of Mine 3:13
  • 7 Sing Out 4:27
  • 8 Sunlight 4:32
  • 9 Lonely Road 4:07
  • 10 Blood Of Man 5:04

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata