This Is My Hand
My Brightest Diamond · 2014
40 min · 10 tracks · indie rock
A kaleidoscopic blend of orchestral pop and indie rock that navigates themes of identity and self-assertion.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Pressure — Opening the album with an urgent rhythm and striking vocals, this track encapsulates the tension that runs throughout the project, showcasing Worden's powerful delivery.
-
→
This Is My Hand — The title track serves as an anthem of self-empowerment, marked by a soaring chorus and layered instrumentation that reflect the album's core themes.
-
→
I Am Not the Bad Guy — This track features a compelling narrative twist where Worden explores themes of guilt and misunderstanding through dynamic shifts in melody and arrangement.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends orchestral pop and indie rock with intricate arrangements and personal themes, showcasing a distinctive sound.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a driving rhythm in 'Pressure' that sets an energetic tone, which is maintained through the first half before shifting to more introspective tracks.
- Several songs feature layered instrumentation, including strings and brass, creating a rich, orchestral sound that complements the vocal melodies.
- The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and personal themes, with shifts in perspective that invite listeners to engage deeply with the narrative.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
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
- intimate reflections on self-identity
- cathartic expressions of empowerment
- vivid storytelling through sound
- engaging emotional crescendos throughout
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instantly gratifying tracks
- seek straightforward structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- This Is My Hand is My Brightest Diamond's third studio album, following the critically acclaimed All Things Will Unwind in 2011. At this point in her career, Shara Worden was solidifying her unique sound, blending diverse musical influences while gaining recognition for her theatrical performances.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sufjan Stevens· Bat for Lashes· St. Vincent
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Pressure 3:57
- 2 Before the Words 3:26
- 3 This Is My Hand 3:45
- 4 Lover Killer 3:59
- 5 I Am Not the Bad Guy 5:11
- 6 Looking at the Sun 3:43
- 7 Shape 4:27
- 8 So Easy 4:08
- 9 Resonance 4:24
- 10 Apparition 3:54
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.