Parts of Speech
Dessa · 2013
44 min · 12 tracks · alternative hip-hop
Dessa's blend of sharp lyricism and melodic hooks creates a reflective soundscape that oscillates between hip-hop and indie pop.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Man I Knew — This opening track sets the tone with introspective lyrics reflecting on personal relationships and growth, encapsulating the album's thematic depth.
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Warsaw — With its poignant exploration of memory and loss, this track stands out for its vivid imagery and emotional resonance, showcasing Dessa's lyrical prowess.
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Beekeeper — This song highlights an intricate narrative style while addressing themes of love and vulnerability, demonstrating Dessa's ability to weave complex emotions into her storytelling.
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Sound the Bells — Closing the album with a powerful declaration of resilience, this track encapsulates the overarching message of perseverance throughout the record.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Dessa's blend of rap and melodic hooks creates a unique sound, though it follows some established trends in alternative hip-hop.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo beat with layered instrumentation, while the fourth track introduces a more stripped-down arrangement.
- Dessa alternates between rapped verses and sung choruses, often within the same song, creating a dynamic flow.
- Several tracks incorporate orchestral elements, such as strings and brass, which add depth to the production.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- introspective lyrics for deep reflection
- short tracks for focused listening
- emotional narratives that resonate
- thoughtful moments during quiet evenings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party vibes
- prefer standalone singles over cohesion
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Parts of Speech is Dessa's second studio album, released after her debut, A Badly Broken Code, which gained her recognition in the alternative hip-hop scene. By 2013, she was solidifying her reputation as a compelling storyteller and a unique voice in the underground music landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Aesop Rock· Atmosphere· Brother Ali
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Man I Knew 3:34
- 2 Call Off Your Ghost 3:38
- 3 Warsaw 3:11
- 4 Skeleton Key 3:34
- 5 Dear Marie 3:59
- 6 I’m Going Down 3:45
- 7 Fighting Fish 3:01
- 8 The Lamb 3:43
- 9 Beekeeper 3:55
- 10 Annabelle 4:00
- 11 It’s Only Me 3:48
- 12 Sound the Bells 4:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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