What makes Hand on String by Michael Andrews notable?

Hand on String received critical praise for its atmospheric depth and Andrews' unique approach to songwriting, helping to solidify his reputation within indie music circles. The album's blend of orchestral elements with folk influences contributed to a growing movement in the mid-2000s that embraced genre-blending within the singer-songwriter landscape. By the release of Hand on String in 2006, Michael Andrews had established himself primarily as a composer for film and television, notably recognized for his work on Donnie Darko. This album marked his foray into solo music outside of these projects, showcasing his ability to create intimate, emotionally resonant compositions independent of cinematic narratives.

How many songs are on Hand on String?

Hand on String has 12 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

Hand on String

Michael Andrews · 2006

53 min · 12 tracks

Melancholic melodies intertwine with intricate arrangements, crafting a reflective soundscape that lingers long after the last note fades.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Hand on String — This title track encapsulates the album’s theme of introspection and vulnerability, featuring haunting vocals layered over delicate instrumentation that exemplifies Andrews' signature style.
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Love Is Tired — In this track, the interplay of soft piano and gentle strings creates a poignant atmosphere, capturing the weariness of love through its evocative arrangement.
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Just a Thought — This song stands out for its lyrical simplicity and melodic charm, effectively illustrating Andrews' knack for crafting relatable yet profound reflections on everyday experiences.
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Something Already Happened Again — Opening the album, this track introduces listeners to Andrews’ ethereal sound world, setting a contemplative tone with its repetitive motifs and understated delivery.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album combines intricate arrangements with reflective melodies, establishing a unique yet familiar sound.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features predominantly instrumental tracks, while the second half introduces more vocal elements.
Several tracks utilize layered instrumentation, creating a rich tapestry of sound that evolves throughout each piece.
The album closes with a reprise of the opening track, providing a cyclical structure that reinforces its themes.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Something Already Happened Again 2:36
2 Tracings 5:32
3 Just a Thought 4:22
4 Orange Meet Lemon 4:09
5 See Me Plain 5:45
6 Sweeping, Cleaning and Organizing 2:10
7 Love Is Tired 4:35
8 Hand on String 6:40
9 Hello Lemon 3:00
10 Through the Fog 5:55
11 Before the Echo 4:53
12 Something Already Happened 3:26

What to play next

Listen next

Spilling A Rainbow

2012

Go back to

Donnie Darko – Music From The Original Motion Picture Score

2001

Full Michael Andrews discography Artists like Michael Andrews

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata