Say So cover

Released 10 years ago

Say So

Bent Knee · 2016

51 min · 10 tracks · progressive rock

A kaleidoscopic blend of art rock and experimental sounds, weaving intricate melodies through emotional narratives.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    EVE — This nearly ten-minute epic encapsulates the band's adventurous spirit, blending complex time signatures with haunting vocals that explore themes of identity and existence.
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    The Things You Love — With its layered instrumentation and introspective lyrics, this track serves as a poignant reflection on love and loss, embodying the album's emotional core.
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    Good Girl — This song critiques societal expectations placed on women through its dynamic shifts in tempo and mood, making it a standout example of the band's lyrical prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Say So combines intricate melodies with emotional narratives, showcasing Bent Knee's distinctive sound.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks feature abrupt shifts in tempo and mood, such as 'EVE' which transitions from serene to chaotic within its runtime.
  • The lyrics often employ abstract imagery, inviting listeners to interpret their meaning rather than presenting straightforward narratives.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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

  • kaleidoscopic emotional narratives
  • intricate melodies that unfold
  • dynamic shifts in pacing
  • thought-provoking late-night listening

Maybe skip if you

  • seek instant gratification
  • prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on May 20, 2016, Say So is Bent Knee's third studio album, following their acclaimed record Shiny Eyed Babies from 2014. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their unique sound, gaining attention for their genre-defying approach and theatrical live performances.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Black Tar Water 3:29
  • 2 Leak Water 4:41
  • 3 Counselor 5:51
  • 4 EVE 9:12
  • 5 Transition 0:49
  • 6 The Things You Love 6:12
  • 7 Nakami 5:20
  • 8 Commercial 3:44
  • 9 Hands Up 5:40
  • 10 Good Girl 6:43

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata