Go Fly a Kite
Ben Kweller · 2012
39 min · 11 tracks · indie rock
A heartfelt blend of indie rock and pop sensibilities, marked by introspective lyrics and melodic hooks.
Top tracks — play these first
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Mean to Me — This opening track establishes the album's reflective tone, with catchy melodies juxtaposing lyrics that explore vulnerability in relationships.
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Gossip — With its upbeat tempo and witty lyrics, this track highlights Kweller's knack for storytelling while delivering a critique of superficiality.
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I Miss You — This poignant ballad showcases Kweller's emotional depth, as it captures the ache of longing through its simple yet powerful instrumentation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines catchy melodies with introspective themes, showcasing Kweller's growth while maintaining his indie rock roots.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks maintain a bright, upbeat tempo, while the fourth track introduces a more reflective tone with slower pacing.
- Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in the choruses.
- The album closes with two tracks that gradually decrease in tempo, allowing for a contemplative finish.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- consistent mid-tempo flow
- heartfelt introspection throughout
- catchy melodies for sing-alongs
- for afternoon drives
Maybe skip if you
- prefer faster-paced music
- seek deep experimental sounds
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Go Fly a Kite is Ben Kweller's fifth studio album, released after a brief hiatus following the birth of his first child. This album reflects a return to form for Kweller, showcasing his signature sound while embracing new themes of family and personal growth. At this point in his career, he was navigating the challenges of parenthood alongside his musical journey.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Josh Ritter· Eels· The Shins
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Free
The moment shifts from nostalgic reminiscence to an uplifting declaration of self-acceptance and freedom.
This transition not only encapsulates the essence of personal liberation but also marks a stylistic pivot within the song that enhances its emotional impact.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Mean to Me 3:20
- 2 Out the Door 3:42
- 3 Jealous Girl 3:56
- 4 Gossip 3:48
- 5 Free 3:40
- 6 Full Circle 3:09
- 7 Justify Me 2:19
- 8 The Rainbow 3:57
- 9 Time Will Save the Day 3:47
- 10 I Miss You 3:58
- 11 You Can Count on Me 3:22
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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