Rice, Rice, Hillman & Pedersen cover

Rice, Rice, Hillman & Pedersen

Tony Rice · 1999

42 min · 13 tracks · country music

Intricate guitar work intertwines with heartfelt harmonies, creating an intimate tapestry of Americana and bluegrass sounds.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Friend of the Devil — This cover brings a fresh perspective to a classic Grateful Dead song, with Rice's intricate fingerpicking and vocal harmonies elevating its emotional depth.
  • →
    Moment of Glory — The track showcases masterful guitar interplay among the trio, encapsulating the album's essence through its reflective lyrics and vibrant instrumentation.
  • →
    Out Among the Stars — With its poignant storytelling and lush melodies, this song exemplifies the blend of traditional and modern influences that define Rice's style.

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 musicianship and songwriting but lacks a cohesive narrative throughout its runtime.

What we noticed

  • The album features intricate guitar solos that often intertwine with vocal harmonies, creating a layered texture.
  • Several tracks employ a call-and-response structure between the lead vocals and instrumental sections, enhancing the conversational feel.
  • The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
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
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • short bursts of heartfelt storytelling
  • intimate moments with acoustic warmth
  • reflective tunes for quiet evenings
  • melodic harmonies that invite sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

  • want high-energy dance tracks
  • prefer lengthy, complex compositions

Where this album fits

Career context
By 1999, Tony Rice was a respected figure in the bluegrass and Americana scenes, having released several influential albums since his debut in the late 1970s. 'Rice, Rice, Hillman & Pedersen' marks a collaboration with fellow musicians Chris Hillman and Herb Pedersen, showcasing their collective growth and artistry after years of individual success.
Stylistic neighbors
David Grisman· Chris Thile· Jerry Douglas

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Moment of Glory

    The bridge shifts from personal reflection to a broader commentary on life’s fleeting opportunities.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Doesn't Mean That Much Anymore 2:35
  • 2 Side Effects of Love 2:25
  • 3 One of These Days 2:39
  • 4 Never Ending Song of Love 3:07
  • 5 Friend of the Devil 3:16
  • 6 Out Among the Stars 4:14
  • 7 Moonshine 3:38
  • 8 Moment of Glory 3:22
  • 9 The Year of El Niño 4:35
  • 10 Hearts Overflowing 4:19
  • 11 I Will 2:45
  • 12 The Walkin' Blues 2:33
  • 13 I'll Be on That Good Road Someday 3:02

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata