Out of the Woodwork cover

Released 30 years ago

Out of the Woodwork

Tony Rice · 1996

38 min · 12 tracks · country music

A blend of introspective storytelling and intricate acoustic instrumentation that captures the essence of Americana and bluegrass.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Dimming of the Day — This cover stands out for its haunting melody and emotional delivery, encapsulating Rice's ability to convey deep feelings through simple arrangements.
  • →
    Do Right Woman — Rice's interpretation of this classic showcases his skillful guitar work and rich vocal tone, highlighting his unique blend of genres.
  • →
    Hard Times — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its poignant lyrics and intricate fingerpicking, demonstrating Rice's mastery of acoustic guitar.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and musicianship, contributing to its distinct sound in Americana and bluegrass.

What we noticed

  • Lyrically, the songs explore themes of longing and reflection, with storytelling that unfolds gradually across the tracks.
  • Several tracks incorporate harmonies from guest vocalists, adding depth to the acoustic arrangements without overshadowing Rice's lead.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

  • introspective storytelling with warmth
  • short, poignant tracks that resonate
  • reflective moments for quiet evenings
  • gentle acoustic melodies for solace

Maybe skip if you

  • seek upbeat, high-energy songs
  • prefer long, sprawling compositions

Where this album fits

Career context
Out of the Woodwork is Tony Rice's first album after a brief hiatus, showcasing his return to recording and performance. Released in 1996, it followed the critically acclaimed album Native American, marking a period of renewed exploration in his musical style as he melded bluegrass with folk influences.
Stylistic neighbors
David Grisman· Chris Thile· Jerry Douglas

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Hard Times 4:14
  • 2 Lord Won't You Help Me 1:55
  • 3 Somewhere on the Road Tonight 3:47
  • 4 No One Else 3:12
  • 5 Streetcorner Stranger 3:47
  • 6 So Begins the Task 2:37
  • 7 Dimming of the Day 3:10
  • 8 Just Me and You 3:31
  • 9 Do Right Woman 3:43
  • 10 Change Coming Down 2:29
  • 11 Story of Love 2:26
  • 12 Only Passing Through 3:56

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata