Released 10 years ago
Singing Saw
Kevin Morby · 2016
43 min · 9 tracks · indie rock
A lush tapestry of folk-rock melodies woven with introspective lyrics and evocative instrumentation that invites contemplation.
Top tracks — play these first
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I Have Been to the Mountain — This track features soaring harmonies and reflective lyrics that grapple with mortality and self-discovery, embodying the album's overarching themes.
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Singing Saw — The title track stands out for its vivid imagery and intricate arrangement, serving as a centerpiece that encapsulates the album's emotional depth.
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Drunk and on a Star — With its infectious melody and poignant storytelling, this song illustrates Morby's knack for blending personal narrative with universal experiences.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines introspective lyrics with lush instrumentation, creating a compelling indie rock experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong mid-tempo track, followed by a gradual build in intensity through the first half before tapering off into more reflective pieces.
- Each song features layered instrumentation, often including strings and woodwinds that create a rich sonic texture.
- Lyrically, the tracks explore personal themes with a narrative style, often using vivid imagery to evoke emotion.
- 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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7/10
- 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 moments of reflection
- lush soundscapes for contemplation
- patient storytelling through melodies
- evening relaxation with gentle pacing
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer upbeat party tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on April 15, 2016, 'Singing Saw' is Kevin Morby's third studio album, following his acclaimed record 'Still Life.' At this point in his career, Morby had established himself as a significant voice in indie rock, building on the momentum from previous releases while refining his sound into more ambitious and complex compositions.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Waxahatchee· Phoebe Bridgers· Margaret Glaspy
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Cut Me Down
The verse shifts from a sense of vulnerability to an assertive declaration, marking a pivotal moment in the narrative arc of the song.
This transition highlights the tension between fragility and strength, encapsulating the struggle present throughout the album.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Cut Me Down 3:32
- 2 I Have Been to the Mountain 3:14
- 3 Singing Saw 7:16
- 4 Drunk and on a Star 4:19
- 5 Dorothy 5:09
- 6 Ferris Wheel 3:06
- 7 Destroyer 4:27
- 8 Black Flowers 5:47
- 9 Water 6:40
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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