Self Made Man cover

Self Made Man

Larkin Poe · 2020

35 min · 11 tracks · blues rock

A vibrant blend of southern rock and blues, infused with an empowering spirit and rich, soulful harmonies.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    She’s a Self Made Man — This title track encapsulates the album's theme of self-empowerment through its bold lyrics and infectious groove, showcasing Larkin Poe's signature harmonies.
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    Holy Ghost Fire — The song combines driving rhythms with spiritual undertones, highlighting the duo's ability to blend traditional influences with modern sensibilities in a compelling way.
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    Tears of Blue to Gold — This track stands out for its poignant storytelling and emotional depth, illustrating Larkin Poe's knack for marrying lyrical vulnerability with powerful instrumentation.

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 performance, balancing energy and emotion across its tracks.

What we noticed

  • The first track features a driving rhythm with layered guitar riffs that set an energetic tone for the album.
  • Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the dynamic between the two lead singers.
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

  • infectious grooves for dancing
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment
  • soulful storytelling with energy
  • uplifting anthems for road trips
  • vibrant sound for gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • slow, introspective listening preferences
  • long, sprawling musical explorations

Where this album fits

Career context
Self Made Man is Larkin Poe's fourth studio album, released in 2020 following their widely acclaimed LP, Venom & Faith. At this point in their career, the duo had solidified their sound and gained recognition as prominent figures in the Americana and blues rock scenes, building on their growing fanbase and critical acclaim.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 She’s a Self Made Man 3:02
  • 2 Holy Ghost Fire 3:23
  • 3 Keep Diggin’ 3:13
  • 4 Back Down South 3:55
  • 5 Tears of Blue to Gold 3:12
  • 6 God Moves on the Water 2:44
  • 7 Every Bird That Flies 3:41
  • 8 Scorpion 3:13
  • 9 Danger Angel 2:28
  • 10 Ex-Con 3:57
  • 11 Easy Street 2:17

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata