Handmade cover

Handmade

Jimmy Rankin · 2003

55 min · 12 tracks · country music

A heartfelt blend of contemporary country and folk, infused with poignant storytelling and melodic warmth.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Morning Bound Train — This opening track sets the tone with its soaring melodies and vivid imagery of journey and longing, encapsulating the album's emotional core.
  • →
    Stay — A tender ballad that showcases Rankin's vocal range and lyrical depth, exploring themes of love and commitment in a relatable manner.
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    Handmade — The title track reflects Rankin's artistic identity, weaving personal experiences into a rich tapestry of sound that resonates with authenticity.
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    Butterfly — This track features intricate instrumentation and metaphorical lyrics that beautifully illustrate transformation and resilience, making it a standout moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album features strong songwriting and warm production but lacks a cohesive flow throughout its length.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature a steady mid-tempo rhythm, while the fourth track introduces a slower ballad that shifts the album's energy.
  • Several songs incorporate layered instrumentation, with acoustic guitar and strings creating a warm, inviting sound.
  • The lyrics often tell personal stories, with Rankin's vocal delivery emphasizing emotional resonance in key moments.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

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
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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 Morning Bound Train 4:39
  • 2 Stay 5:02
  • 3 Dog Out in the Rain 4:06
  • 4 Butterfly 5:06
  • 5 Handmade 4:30
  • 6 Colorado 4:44
  • 7 Sweet Wheels 4:21
  • 8 Tower of Lethendy 4:00
  • 9 One Last Ride 3:46
  • 10 The Last Time 3:30
  • 11 California 4:01
  • 12 Running Home 7:13

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata