What is the best The Handsome Family album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Through the Trees" (1998). It's the most representative of what makes The Handsome Family worth hearing.

What are the best The Handsome Family albums?

The essential The Handsome Family albums include "Odessa" (1995), "Milk and Scissors" (1996), "Through the Trees" (1998), "Down in the Valley" (1999) and "In the Air" (2000).

How many albums does The Handsome Family have?

The Handsome Family has 18 releases in their discography, including 12 albums and 3 EPs.

Photo: Erik Joling · CC BY-SA 3.0

The Handsome Family

Q: Who is The Handsome Family for?

If you're into alternative country and Americana, The Handsome Family is worth your time. The music pulses with an atmospheric density, as layered instrumentation creates an unsettling yet comforting embrace, punctuated by moments of stark dissonance and haunting harmonies.

The music pulses with an atmospheric density, as layered instrumentation creates an unsettling yet comforting embrace, punctuated by moments of stark dissonance and haunting harmonies.

Americana · alternative country

United States Est. 1993

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Start here

The album

Through the Trees album by The Handsome Family

Through the Trees (1998)

Captures their signature sound with atmospheric depth and storytelling, offering a cohesive experience for new listeners.

The song

“Weightless”

Immediate hook that introduces their haunting style and lyrical themes, making it an engaging starting point.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"Weightless Again" — from Through the Trees (1998)

establishes the sonic palette early
2

"Tin Foil" — from Down in the Valley (1999)

accessible entry with immediate hook
3

"Don’t Be Scared" — from In the Air (2000)

establishes the sonic palette early
4

"Your Great Journey" — from Last Days of Wonder (2006)

establishes the sonic palette early
5

"The Snow White Diner" — from Twilight (2001)

accessible entry with immediate hook
6

"Linger, Let Me Linger" — from Honey Moon (2009)

accessible entry with immediate hook

About The Handsome Family

The Handsome Family matters for their ability to weave haunting narratives that bring the American landscape alive, blending folklore and personal tales into a tapestry that resonates with listeners seeking depth in their music. They capture the tension between the mundane and the mystical, breathing new life into the stories that shape cultural memory and echo through generations. By doing so, they create a space where artistry meets authenticity, inviting fans to explore a world both familiar and strange. Their approach is steeped in an intimate partnership that reflects a shared vision—combining darkly whimsical instrumentation with vivid storytelling. This collaboration results in songs that feel like eerie lullabies or ghostly narratives, where melodies intertwine seamlessly with lyrical imagery. The duo's use of everyday sounds and unconventional song structures allows them to craft a sonic environment that enhances the emotional weight of their themes. In their songwriting, The Handsome Family often explores themes of love, loss, and the supernatural, employing an impressionistic voice that balances sincerity with irony. They invite listeners into richly detailed scenes rather than straightforward tales, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary through vivid descriptions and surreal elements. Ultimately, their work evokes a sense of poignant nostalgia while challenging perceptions of reality.

12 studio albums· 18 total releases· 2 decades· United States