Don't Play That Song (You Lied)
Ben E. King · 1962
4 min · 2 tracks · blues
Soulful melodies meld with rhythmic blues influences, creating a heartfelt exploration of betrayal and longing.
Top tracks — play these first
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Don't Play That Song (You Lied) — This track stands out for its powerful vocal delivery and poignant lyrics about betrayal, which encapsulate the emotional core of the album.
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The Hermit of Misty Mountain — This lesser-known track showcases King's versatility, combining storytelling with smooth melodies that highlight his range as an artist.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
A tightly constructed, hook-led soul performance with durable vocal force; as a single, its two sides make for a pairing rather than a developed sequence.
What we noticed
- The A-side opens on a piano figure, then keeps a firm backbeat while brass punctuates the vocal phrases.
- The refrain repeatedly returns between verse passages, making the arrangement revolve around one short, insistent hook.
- The catalogued two-track release pairs that vocal A-side with “The Hermit of Misty Mountain” rather than extending the song’s arrangement.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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.
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified King's reputation after his initial success with 'Stand By Me'.
- Career context
- In 1962, Ben E. King was solidifying his status as a solo artist after gaining fame with 'Stand By Me'. This album marked his transition into a more mature sound, showcasing his ability to blend R&B with elements of pop and soul during an era when these genres were rapidly evolving.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Otis Redding· Sam Cooke· Solomon Burke
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Don't Play That Song (You Lied)
The moment shifts from a nostalgic recollection to a direct confrontation of deceit in the relationship.
This pivot in tone underscores the complexity of emotions, moving from yearning to anger, reflecting the multifaceted nature of love.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Don't Play That Song (You Lied) 2:38
- 2 The Hermit of Misty Mountain 2:18
What to play next
Ben E. King Sings for Soulful Lovers
1962
It carries the heartfelt soul and romantic longing forward, with a deeper focus on intimate ballads.
Spanish Harlem
1961
Its melodic soul and rhythmic warmth set up the emotional depth heard on this album.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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