Is Hands of Glory a good place to start with Andrew Bird?

Yes, Hands of Glory is recommended as a starting point for new Andrew Bird listeners. A haunting blend of folk, indie rock, and orchestral textures wrapped in introspective storytelling. Released on October 30, 2012, Hands of Glory is Andrew Bird's follow-up to the acclaimed album Break It Yourself from earlier that year. This album further explores his signature sound, incorporating a mix of traditional folk elements with his distinct violin work and lyrical depth. At this point in his career, Bird was solidifying his reputation as both a songwriter and an eclectic performer.

Who is Hands of Glory for?

Hands of Glory works well if you're into steady pacing for reflective moments, whimsical storytelling with depth and intricate melodies for detail seekers.

How many songs are on Hands of Glory?

Hands of Glory has 8 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

Released 14 years ago this October

Hands of Glory

Andrew Bird · 2012

34 min · 8 tracks · indie rock

A haunting blend of folk, indie rock, and orchestral textures wrapped in introspective storytelling.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Three White Horses Start here — This track opens the album with a delicate balance of melody and introspection, establishing themes that resonate throughout the record.
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When That Helicopter Comes — The song features vivid imagery and a dynamic arrangement that captures Bird's signature style while addressing themes of urgency and existential reflection.
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Something Biblical — Incorporating rich storytelling and layered instrumentation, this track exemplifies Bird's knack for blending personal narrative with broader existential questions.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate arrangements and strong melodies, maintaining a cohesive sound throughout its runtime.

What we noticed

Each track typically features a prominent melodic line supported by intricate harmonies and varied instrumentation, creating a rich sonic landscape.
Several songs incorporate traditional folk elements, such as acoustic guitar and banjo, while others blend orchestral textures that evolve throughout the tracks.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady pacing for reflective moments
whimsical storytelling with depth
intricate melodies for detail seekers
suitable for quiet afternoons

Maybe skip if you

prefer high-energy, fast tracks
seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — Solid entry that showcases Bird's sound but isn't widely recognized as a standout.
Themes: helicopter urgency· biblical storytelling· introspective folk landscapes
Career context: Released on October 30, 2012, Hands of Glory is Andrew Bird's follow-up to the acclaimed album Break It Yourself from earlier that year. This album further explores his signature sound, incorporating a mix of traditional folk elements with his distinct violin work and lyrical depth. At this point in his career, Bird was solidifying his reputation as both a songwriter and an eclectic performer.
Stylistic neighbors: Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine· The Decemberists