What makes We Made This Ourselves by Essie Jain notable?

This album received critical acclaim for its intimate sound and lyrical depth, helping to establish Jain as a significant figure in indie folk music. It attracted attention from several music blogs and publications, contributing to the resurgence of interest in folk-influenced artists during the mid-2000s. We Made This Ourselves is Essie Jain's debut album, released in 2007. At this point, she was emerging as a unique voice in the contemporary folk scene, having previously gained attention through her live performances and contributions to various compilations.

How many songs are on We Made This Ourselves?

We Made This Ourselves has 10 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

We Made This Ourselves

Essie Jain · 2007

41 min · 10 tracks · folk music

A delicate blend of haunting melodies and introspective lyrics, weaving folk traditions with a modern sensibility.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Glory — The opening track sets a contemplative tone with its ethereal instrumentation and poignant reflections on identity and self-worth, encapsulating the album's essence.
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Sailor — This track stands out for its vivid storytelling and emotional resonance, using nautical imagery to explore themes of longing and connection.
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Disgrace — A raw and vulnerable moment on the album, this song confronts personal failings with striking honesty, showcasing Jain's lyrical prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album's intimate sound and lyrical depth create a strong connection, making it rewarding for repeated listens.

What we noticed

The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more contemplative feel.
Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that build gradually, creating an intimate atmosphere.
The album closes with a track that features sparse instrumentation, allowing the vocals to take center stage and leave a lingering emotional impact.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Haze

The bridge shifts perspective dramatically, introducing an unexpected clarity amidst the foggy uncertainty established in earlier verses.

This structural pivot brings a sense of resolution that contrasts sharply with the surrounding ambiguity, highlighting Jain's skillful songwriting.

Tracklist

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

1 Glory 4:38
2 Haze 3:16
3 Sailor 4:50
4 Talking 4:57
5 Indefinable 3:55
6 Disgrace 2:57
7 Give 3:47
8 Understand 4:09
9 Loaded 4:27
10 No Mistake 4:07

What to play next

Listen next

The Inbetween

2008

Full Essie Jain discography Artists like Essie Jain

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata