Rejoicing in the Hands
Devendra Banhart · 2004
42 min · 16 tracks · folk music
Whimsical folk melodies intertwine with surreal lyrics, creating a dreamlike soundscape that feels both intimate and expansive.
Top tracks — play these first
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This Is the Way — The opening track sets the whimsical tone for the album, blending playful lyrics with an uplifting melody that encapsulates Banhart's artistic vision.
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Dogs They Make Up the Dark — In just over a minute, this track captures the essence of Banhart’s surreal storytelling, presenting vivid imagery and a hauntingly beautiful arrangement.
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Tit Smoking in the Temple of Artesan Mimicry — This brief yet impactful piece showcases Banhart's knack for absurdist humor and rich visual language, leaving a lasting impression within the album’s flow.
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When the Sun Shone on Vetiver — A standout track that combines nostalgic themes with intricate guitar work, reflecting both personal and broader environmental concerns through its lyrics.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends whimsical melodies with surreal lyrics, establishing a unique sound within the folk genre.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features shorter tracks that maintain a brisk pace, while the second half includes longer, more contemplative pieces.
- Several songs incorporate unconventional instrumentation, such as ukulele and various percussive elements, creating a distinct sound palette.
- Lyrics often employ surreal imagery and whimsical themes, contributing to the dreamlike quality of the music.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- short, whimsical listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
- intimate and expansive vibes
- playful background ambiance
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2004, Rejoicing in the Hands was Devendra Banhart's third studio album, following his breakout success with 2002's Oh Me Oh My. This album solidified his position in the emerging freak folk movement, showcasing his eclectic style and unique vocal delivery amidst growing recognition.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine· José González
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 This Is the Way 2:53
- 2 It's a Sight to Behold 2:26
- 3 The Body Breaks 2:43
- 4 Poughkeepsie 2:17
- 5 Dogs They Make Up the Dark 1:20
- 6 Will Is My Friend 3:04
- 7 This Beard Is for Siobhán 2:36
- 8 See Saw 3:22
- 9 Tit Smoking in the Temple of Artesan Mimicry 1:25
- 10 Rejoicing in the Hands 1:41
- 11 Fall 2:53
- 12 Todo los Dolores 2:30
- 13 When the Sun Shone on Vetiver 3:34
- 14 There Was Sun 1:31
- 15 Insect Eyes 5:08
- 16 Autumn's Child 2:39
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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