What makes Old Pine by Ben Howard notable?

The release of 'Old Pine' helped solidify Ben Howard's presence in the folk music genre, contributing to his breakthrough success that year. It received positive reviews from critics and laid the groundwork for his subsequent chart-topping debut album, 'Every Kingdom,' which featured similar themes and soundscapes. When 'Old Pine' was released in January 2011, Ben Howard had just begun to gain recognition in the UK music scene. This EP followed his initial single 'Keep Your Head Up,' marking a pivotal moment as he transitioned from an emerging artist to one gaining wider acclaim.

How many songs are on Old Pine?

Old Pine has 4 tracks, running approximately 17 minutes.

Old Pine

Ben Howard · 2011

17 min · 4 tracks · folk music

Intimate acoustic melodies intertwine with reflective lyrics, evoking the serene beauty of nature and personal introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Old Pine (E.P. version) — This title track encapsulates Howard's signature blend of introspective lyrics and soothing melodies, setting the tone for the entire EP.
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Further Away — This track showcases Howard’s lyrical depth, exploring themes of longing and connection through its evocative imagery and delicate instrumentation.
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Follaton Wood — With its rich storytelling and vivid depictions of nature, this song exemplifies Howard's ability to weave personal experiences with broader reflections on life.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong songwriting and cohesive acoustic arrangements, marking an important step in Howard's early career.

What we noticed

The first track features a steady fingerpicking pattern that sets a reflective tone, while the subsequent tracks introduce varying tempos and instrumentation.
Each song employs layered vocal harmonies that enhance the intimate feel, with lyrics focusing on nature and personal experiences.
The EP maintains a consistent acoustic sound throughout, with minimal production elements that emphasize the organic quality of the music.

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

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Old Pine (E.P. version) 4:18
2 Further Away 4:28
3 Three Tree Town 3:36
4 Follaton Wood 4:53

What to play next

Listen next

Every Kingdom

2011

Go back to

Ben Howard Live

2011

Full Ben Howard discography Where to start with Ben Howard Artists like Ben Howard

folk rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata