Say Anything cover

Say Anything

Say Anything · 2009

46 min · 13 tracks · emo

A raw blend of emo energy and introspective lyricism captured in explosive riffs and earnest melodies.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Hate Everyone — This track encapsulates the album's sardonic humor and angst, using sharp lyrics to critique social interactions and personal disillusionment.
  • →
    Do Better — With its catchy hooks and relatable themes of self-reflection, this song stands out as an anthem for those striving to improve themselves amidst adversity.
  • →
    Cemetery — The haunting melodies paired with poignant lyrics create a powerful exploration of loss and memory, making it one of the most emotionally resonant tracks on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100
Foothills
Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album balances energetic instrumentation with introspective lyrics, showcasing solid songwriting within the emo genre.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with driving guitar riffs, while the second half shifts to more introspective and slower-paced songs.
  • Lyrically, the album explores themes of self-reflection and emotional turmoil, often using vivid imagery and personal anecdotes.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • raw confessional lyricism throughout
  • short bursts of emotional intensity
  • cathartic release with each track
  • reflective moments for personal connection

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of polished production
  • prefer lengthy, sprawling albums

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 1, 2009, Say Anything's self-titled album came after their critically acclaimed 2007 release, In Defense of the Genre. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their presence in the emo scene while navigating a shift towards a more mature sound. This album marked a transition into deeper themes and more complex arrangements.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Do Better

    The bridge shifts from self-deprecation to an empowering call for change.

    This transition injects a hopeful energy into the song, contrasting earlier themes of despair with a motivating push toward personal growth.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Fed to Death 1:36
  • 2 Hate Everyone 3:13
  • 3 Do Better 3:51
  • 4 Less Cute 3:05
  • 5 Eloise 3:48
  • 6 Mara and Me 3:52
  • 7 Crush'd 4:25
  • 8 She Won't Follow You 2:43
  • 9 Cemetery 3:55
  • 10 Property 4:11
  • 11 Death for My Birthday 4:10
  • 12 Young Dumb and Stung 3:25
  • 13 Ahhh... Men 4:04

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata