Is Saskadelphia a good place to start with The Tragically Hip?

Yes, Saskadelphia is recommended as a starting point for new The Tragically Hip listeners. A vibrant collection of unreleased tracks showcasing the band's signature blend of rock, storytelling, and Canadian identity. Saskadelphia, released on May 21, 2021, is The Tragically Hip's posthumous album, featuring previously unreleased material from their extensive catalog. This release came nearly a year after the passing of lead singer Gord Downie in October 2017, marking a poignant moment in the band's legacy as they revisited their past.

Who is Saskadelphia for?

Saskadelphia works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective moments, short tracks for quick enjoyment and live energy captured beautifully.

How many songs are on Saskadelphia?

Saskadelphia has 6 tracks, running approximately 19 minutes.

Saskadelphia

The Tragically Hip · 2021

19 min · 6 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant collection of unreleased tracks showcasing the band's signature blend of rock, storytelling, and Canadian identity.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Ouch Start here — This opening track captures the essence of The Tragically Hip with its infectious energy and witty lyrics that set the tone for the album.
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Crack My Spine (Like a Whip) — The song combines driving rhythms with vivid imagery in the lyrics, showcasing Downie's skillful storytelling and engaging musicality.
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Reformed Baptist Blues — With its bluesy undertones and reflective lyrics, this track exemplifies the band's diverse influences and lyrical depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong songwriting but lacks some cohesion due to its mix of studio and live tracks.

What we noticed

The first two tracks are upbeat and guitar-driven, while the following tracks shift to a more reflective tone, particularly with 'Just as Well' featuring softer instrumentation.
The live track 'Montreal' features extended instrumental sections that contrast with the more concise studio recordings surrounding it.
The lyrics throughout the EP maintain a narrative quality, often reflecting on personal and collective experiences, characteristic of the band's style.

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

Influence 3/10

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

steady mid-tempo reflective moments
short tracks for quick enjoyment
live energy captured beautifully
thoughtful storytelling through song

Maybe skip if you

prefer long immersive experiences
seek high-energy instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Posthumous release celebrating Gord Downie's artistry with previously unreleased material.
Themes: Canadian identity· Gord Downie's legacy· vivid storytelling· nostalgic reflections
Career context: Saskadelphia, released on May 21, 2021, is The Tragically Hip's posthumous album, featuring previously unreleased material from their extensive catalog. This release came nearly a year after the passing of lead singer Gord Downie in October 2017, marking a poignant moment in the band's legacy as they revisited their past.
Stylistic neighbors: Blue Rodeo· The Weakerthans· Gord Downie

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Reformed Baptist Blues

A pivotal verse shifts perspective to examine personal beliefs within a broader societal context.

This shift invites listeners to engage with complex themes of faith and identity, enhancing the song's emotional weight.