Tim Hardin 2
Tim Hardin · 1967
22 min · 10 tracks · traditional folk music
An introspective blend of folk melodies and heartfelt lyrics that resonate with vulnerability and poetic beauty.
Top tracks — play these first
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If I Were a Carpenter — This track stands out as Hardin's signature song, blending poignant questioning of love and commitment with an unforgettable melody that has resonated through generations.
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Red Balloon — With its delicate arrangement and haunting lyrics, this song reflects Hardin's lyrical depth and ability to evoke profound feelings of longing and introspection.
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Lady Came From Baltimore — This track captures Hardin's storytelling prowess, painting vivid pictures of characters with emotional nuance while maintaining a melodic simplicity that draws listeners in.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Tim Hardin's songwriting shines through intimate arrangements and cohesive themes, marking him as a notable folk artist.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of acoustic guitar and soft vocals, creating an intimate atmosphere throughout.
- Each track typically follows a verse-chorus structure, with lyrical themes centered on love and introspection.
- The first half of the album maintains a steady tempo, while the latter half introduces more varied pacing and dynamics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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 reflective listening experience
- intimate moments of connection
- poignant themes of love
- gentle melodies for contemplation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer album formats
- seek high-energy tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Tim Hardin was emerging as a significant voice in the folk scene with this album, his second release following his self-titled debut in 1966. By 1967, he was gaining recognition for his unique songwriting style, which would influence numerous artists across genres.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nick Drake· Leonard Cohen· John Martyn
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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You Upset the Grace of Living When You Lie
The singer directly confronts dishonesty in a relationship, unveiling the emotional turbulence it creates.
The abrupt shift from a gentle tone to direct confrontation emphasizes the impact of lies on personal connections, effectively heightening the emotional stakes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 If I Were a Carpenter 2:41
- 2 Red Balloon 2:34
- 3 Black Sheep Boy 1:54
- 4 Lady Came From Baltimore 1:52
- 5 Baby Close Its Eyes 1:54
- 6 You Upset the Grace of Living When You Lie 1:46
- 7 Speak Like a Child 3:16
- 8 See Where You Are and Get Out 1:14
- 9 It's Hard to Believe in Love for Long 2:18
- 10 Tribute to Hank Williams 3:12
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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