Seesaw cover

Seesaw

Beth Hart · 2013

49 min · 11 tracks · blues

A soulful blend of blues and jazz, showcasing raw vocals over rich instrumentation that captures both heartache and joy.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Them There Eyes Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know — This track showcases Hart's powerful vocal delivery paired with poignant lyrics about deep love and longing, making it a standout representation of her emotional range.
  • →
    Nutbush City Limits — Hart's rendition of this classic injects fresh energy into a well-known song, highlighting her ability to reinterpret iconic material while showcasing her unique style.
  • →
    Strange Fruit — Her haunting interpretation of this powerful protest song adds a profound layer to the album, drawing attention to its historical significance while demonstrating Hart's vocal prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album features strong songwriting and skilled performances, but its pacing and structure could be tighter.

What we noticed

  • Several songs feature extended instrumental sections, allowing the musicians to showcase their improvisational skills.
  • The last three tracks slow down significantly, creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with the earlier energy.
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
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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 emotional exploration throughout
  • heartfelt vocals for deep connection
  • for reflective evenings
  • soulful sound for intimate moments

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced listening experiences
  • want standalone radio hits

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Solidified Hart's reputation in blues-rock after previous successes.
Career context
In 2013, Beth Hart was transitioning into a more prominent figure in the blues-rock scene after the success of her 2012 album 'Bang Bang Boom Boom.' 'Seesaw' marked her collaboration with Joe Bonamassa, following their acclaimed previous effort, highlighting her growing reputation as a powerful vocalist and songwriter. This album comes at a time when Hart was embracing deeper emotional themes in her music.
Stylistic neighbors
Joe Bonamassa· Susan Tedeschi· Keb' Mo'

Tracklist

  • 1 Them There Eyes Start here 2:32
  • 2 Close to My Fire 5:14
  • 3 Nutbush City Limits 3:36
  • 4 I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know 7:04
  • 5 Can’t Let Go 4:03
  • 6 Miss Lady 4:56
  • 7 If I Tell You I Love You 3:38
  • 8 Rhymes 5:05
  • 9 A Sunday Kind of Love 3:57
  • 10 See Saw 3:27
  • 11 Strange Fruit 5:47

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata