What makes Let a Good Thing Go by Gemma Hayes notable?

'Let a Good Thing Go' received positive critical reception and showcased Hayes' ability to blend pop sensibilities with introspective lyrics. The EP's varied versions of existing songs highlighted her craftsmanship and helped solidify her foothold in both the Irish and broader indie music scenes at the time. When Gemma Hayes released 'Let a Good Thing Go' in 2002, she was still establishing her presence in the music scene, following her debut album 'Night on My Side' from 2001. This EP served as a bridge for her evolving sound and featured reimagined versions of earlier tracks, demonstrating Hayes' artistic growth and versatility.

How many songs are on Let a Good Thing Go?

Let a Good Thing Go has 3 tracks, running approximately 11 minutes.

Let a Good Thing Go

Gemma Hayes · 2002

11 min · 3 tracks · pop music

Melodic pop-rock intertwines with delicate acoustic elements, creating an intimate atmosphere that showcases emotional storytelling.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Let a Good Thing Go (video version) — The title track stands out for its poignant lyrics and lush instrumentation, embodying the reflective nature of Hayes' songwriting style.
→
Hanging Around (acoustic version) — This acoustic rendition highlights Hayes' vocal prowess and emotional depth, stripping back layers to reveal the raw essence of the song.
→
Pieces of Glass (radio session version) — This version captures an intimate performance quality, showcasing how the song's themes of fragility resonate through a more personal lens.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases solid songwriting and varied arrangements but lacks strong cohesion across its tracks.

What we noticed

The title track features a steady build-up with layered instrumentation, culminating in a rich melodic climax.
The acoustic version of 'Hanging Around' strips down the arrangement, focusing on vocal delivery and lyrical intimacy.
The radio session version of 'Pieces of Glass' presents a more raw and immediate sound, emphasizing the live performance aspect.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 single helped establish Gemma Hayes' presence after her debut album.
Career context: When Gemma Hayes released 'Let a Good Thing Go' in 2002, she was still establishing her presence in the music scene, following her debut album 'Night on My Side' from 2001. This EP served as a bridge for her evolving sound and featured reimagined versions of earlier tracks, demonstrating Hayes' artistic growth and versatility.
Stylistic neighbors: Lisa Hannigan· Fiona Apple· Sufjan Stevens