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Rejoicing In The Hands - Devendra Banhart
User Score
8.6 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19

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  1. JohnW
    Jul 3, 2004
    5
    A few interesting moments, but overall, the guy who called this "twee" was right on the money. It's an insult to Jeff Buckley to say that Banhart sounds like him: he's got nowhere near JB's vocal prowess or edge. Banhart is a rockcrit bandwagon right now, but his sub-par evocation of early Marc Bolan doesn't produce much in the way of memorable songs: I expect the rockcrits will be on to the next flavor of the month by the time Banhart releases another album. … Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. megt
    Jun 30, 2004
    10
    Beautiful. His voice i soften reminiscent of Jeff Buckley, and his circles are hypnotic.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. KevinK
    Apr 29, 2005
    9
    Combine Antony's (from Antony and the Johsnons) over-the-top vibrato with the subdued spoken-word delivery of Iron & Wine or Sufjan Stevens, and you'll get an idea of what Devendra Banhart sounds like. His songs display an irreverent narrative that make each "listen" enjoyable. I recommend this album to any fan of Iron & Wine, The Castanets, or Sufjan Stevens. "Indie-Folk" is back in vogue, and Devendra Banhart is one of the main reasons why. Listen for yourself and see.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  4. BenW
    Jun 25, 2004
    5
    I'm obviously missing something, as I found this all just a bit to twee. Banhart's playing is certainly impressive, but I didn't feel the songs were that interesting and his Marc Bolan impersonation started to grate. When he uses a band things improve dramtically - perhaps this could be a future direction for him.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  5. JPCosta
    Jul 15, 2004
    10
    Amazing stuff. It's not really the Nick Draking picking patterns or the amazing Marc Bolanesque singing. It's all about music from outter space, a voice not aware of its genuine beauty and (that was missing in his previous record) a production that really uplifts the quality of the songs. Along with Wilco's «a ghost is born» and Stephin Merritts «i», the record of the year so far (but let's wait for AMC comeback...)… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  6. KurtF
    Jul 29, 2004
    10
    I get a lot of shit from friends for digging Devendra's stuff. "He looks like Jesus," they'd say, or "why are you listening to this sad bastard crap." But the point is Devendra is good, and you don't have to like his stuff to notice this. This is a 'solid' album, and I don't throw 'solid' around lightly. Although his finger picking riffs and chords are often very repeditive it's exactly what you want to hear.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  7. DarrinS
    Jan 16, 2005
    9
    I actually gave it a 8.5, but these things dont allow decimals and Ive always been taught to round up. A great album. Great music thats not distracting. If you want to just chill with it, youre more than welcome to. It makes good background music, and if you choose to hang on his every word and note, it never dissapoints.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  8. Rikardsen
    Aug 27, 2011
    10
    Can't fault this album, its not everybodys thing, but it wasn't mine till I listened to it again. I think one of the main reasons Devendra is so awesome is because he has such an imagination that is reflected in his music and lyrics. I always think a complete album always sounds fresh and this is like diving into newly settled snow every time.
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Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 21 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    Though his second CD has a charming Ambrose Bierce quality to it, a little goes a long way.
    Read full review
  2. The Wire
    80
    Banhart mixes a relaxed bearing and a tense vocal delivery in a fascinating manner. [#245, p.51]
  3. Logo
    90
    It’s as simple as songwriting can get; as striking as songwriting can get.
    Read full review
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