What makes Dancer with Bruised Knees by Kate and Anna McGarrigle notable?

This album is notable for its critical acclaim and influence on the folk genre, particularly among female artists in Canada and beyond. It features songs that have since been covered by prominent artists, further establishing the McGarrigles' legacy in music history. Released in 1977, Dancer with Bruised Knees was Kate and Anna McGarrigle's second studio album, following their self-titled debut in 1976. The album solidified their presence in the Canadian folk scene, showcasing their unique blend of traditional influences and contemporary songwriting during a period of burgeoning recognition.

How many songs are on Dancer with Bruised Knees?

Dancer with Bruised Knees has 12 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Dancer with Bruised Knees

Kate and Anna McGarrigle · 1977

41 min · 12 tracks · folk rock

A rich tapestry of folk melodies interwoven with intimate storytelling and harmonies that evoke a sense of timelessness.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Dancer With Bruised Knees — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its haunting melody and vivid imagery, illustrating themes of love and vulnerability.
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First Born — This track offers a poignant reflection on motherhood, combining personal narrative with lush harmonies that highlight the sisters' vocal chemistry.
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Kitty Come Home — A standout for its emotional depth, this song employs a narrative style that evokes a sense of longing and nostalgia, showcasing their storytelling prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

54 /100

Foothills

Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The album combines strong songwriting with rich harmonies, making it a notable entry in the folk genre.

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

Influence 6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Dancer With Bruised Knees 3:44
2 Southern Boys 3:29
3 No Biscuit Blues 1:42
4 First Born 3:54
5 Blanche comme la neige 3:46
6 Perrine était servante 3:18
7 Be My Baby 3:11
8 Walking Song 3:35
9 Naufragée du tendre (Shipwrecked) 3:46
10 Hommage à Grungie 3:54
11 Kitty Come Home 4:30
12 Come a Long Way 2:18

What to play next

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Pronto Monto

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Kate & Anna McGarrigle

1976

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folk rock

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