Speak No Evil
Tinsley Ellis · 2009
54 min · 12 tracks · blues
Blues-infused rock swells with soulful guitar solos and heartfelt lyrics that explore love and longing.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Slip and Fall — This track stands out with its catchy hook and vibrant guitar riffs, encapsulating the mix of heartfelt emotion and musicality that defines the album.
-
→
Speak No Evil — The title track showcases Ellis's signature guitar work alongside poignant lyrics about love’s complexities, making it a standout representation of his artistic vision.
-
→
It Takes What It Takes — This song highlights Ellis's storytelling prowess, blending introspective lyrics with a groovy rhythm that invites listeners into a personal narrative about acceptance.
-
→
Cold Love, Hot Night — With its sultry vibe and compelling tempo, this track captures the essence of passion and desire, embodying the emotional depth prevalent throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album balances strong songwriting with skilled guitar work, though it follows familiar blues structures.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with driving rhythms, while the second half shifts to slower tempos and more introspective themes.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the emotional connection between the singer and the listener.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
- steady mid-tempo flow
- reflective evening listening
- emotional storytelling journeys
- consistent atmospheric engagement
Where this album fits
- Career context
- When Tinsley Ellis released Speak No Evil in 2009, he was already an established figure in the blues genre, known for his powerful guitar work and emotive vocals. This album marked a continuation of his prolific output following 2007's Moment of Truth, showcasing his ability to blend traditional blues with rock influences while maintaining a fresh sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Joe Bonamassa· Keb' Mo'· Gary Clark Jr.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Sunlight of Love 4:15
- 2 Slip and Fall 3:59
- 3 Speak No Evil 5:08
- 4 It Takes What It Takes 6:00
- 5 The Other Side 4:14
- 6 The Night Is Easy 4:13
- 7 Left of Your Mind 3:44
- 8 Cold Love, Hot Night 4:19
- 9 Amanda 4:22
- 10 Loving for Today 6:02
- 11 Grow a Pair 4:30
- 12 Rockslide 3:47
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.