What makes Human by Rag'n'Bone Man notable?

'Human' debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and received critical acclaim for its blend of blues, soul, and meaningful lyricism. The title track became a massive hit, earning multiple awards including a Brit Award nomination for Best British Single, solidifying Rag'n'Bone Man's influence in contemporary music. Released on February 10, 2017, 'Human' is Rag'n'Bone Man's debut studio album following the success of his breakout single 'Human.' At this point in his career, he transitioned from a promising newcomer to a major player in the UK music scene, building on the momentum generated by his earlier EPs and collaborations.

Human works well if you're into soulful vocals for emotional connection, reflective moments of vulnerability and steady pacing for thoughtful listening.

How many songs are on Human?

Human has 19 tracks, running approximately 65 minutes.

Human

Rag'n'Bone Man · 2017

65 min · 19 tracks · blues

A powerful blend of blues and soul, marked by raw emotion and a gravelly voice that commands attention.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Human — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of vulnerability and self-acceptance, showcasing Rag'n'Bone Man's distinct vocal power and emotional depth.
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Skin — With its haunting melodies and introspective lyrics, 'Skin' highlights the album's exploration of love and longing, making it a standout emotional centerpiece.
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Grace — 'Grace' features a soulful arrangement that complements the raw honesty of its lyrics, demonstrating Rag'n'Bone Man's ability to convey complex feelings with simplicity.
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Arrow — 'Arrow' combines poignant storytelling with melodic richness, reflecting the album's overall narrative of navigating life's challenges while remaining hopeful.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production but has some uneven pacing in its latter half.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
Many tracks feature prominent backing vocals that complement the lead, creating a rich harmonic texture.
Several songs utilize a call-and-response structure, enhancing the emotional delivery of the lyrics.

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: 6/10

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

soulful vocals for emotional connection
reflective moments of vulnerability
steady pacing for thoughtful listening
late-night introspection and reflection
cathartic release through powerful themes

Maybe skip if you

seeking fast-paced energy
prefer standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on February 10, 2017, 'Human' is Rag'n'Bone Man's debut studio album following the success of his breakout single 'Human.' At this point in his career, he transitioned from a promising newcomer to a major player in the UK music scene, building on the momentum generated by his earlier EPs and collaborations.
Stylistic neighbors: Hozier· Leon Bridges· Michael Kiwanuka