"Thirteen" is a song by the American rock band Big Star. Rolling Stone describes it as "one of rock's most beautiful celebrations of adolescence", and rated it #396 on their list of the 500 greatest songs of all time.[4] It was written by Alex Chilton and Chris Bell.
| "Thirteen" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Label to the single with mislabeling as "Don't Lie to Me" | ||||
| Single by Big Star | ||||
| from the album #1 Record | ||||
| B-side | "Watch the Sunrise" | |||
| Released | 1974 | |||
| Recorded | Late 1971 | |||
| Studio | Ardent, Memphis | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 2:34 | |||
| Label | Ardent | |||
| Songwriters | ||||
| Producer | John Fry | |||
| Big Star singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Bill Janovitz of Buffalo Tom writes in his AllMusic review of the song, "There are few songs that capture the aching innocence of adolescence as well" and calls it a "perfect melancholy ballad".[5] The song encompasses folk and pop characteristics with its use of simple lyrics and the acoustic guitar.[5][1]
Classic Rock History critic Brian Kachejian rated it as Big Star's 2nd best song, calling it "a gorgeous song" that "goes straight to the heart."[6] Kachejian particularly praised the "beautiful harmonies" and felt that it influenced bands such as the Replacements.[6]
The song was originally featured on the 1972 album #1 Record. It was released as a single by Big Star with “Watch the Sunrise” as the B-Side, on Ardent Records,[7] but was mislabeled as “Don’t Lie to Me”.
"Thirteen" was featured in the season 3 finale, season 4 premiere, season 6 finale, and season 8 finale of That '70s Show.[8] The song was covered by Grace VanderWaal and Graham Verchere in the 2020 movie Stargirl on Disney+ with a Grace Vanderwaal only performance appearing as a bonus on the soundtrack.
Covers
edit"Thirteen" has been covered by several notable musicians. When asked if there was a Big Star cover he was especially fond of, lead singer Alex Chilton mentioned Garbage's version of this song.[9]
Personnel
editBig Star:
- Alex Chilton - Lead vocals, Acoustic Guitar
- Chris Bell - Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals
- Andy Hummel - Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals
- Jody Stephens - Percussion
Technique:
- Big Star - Producer
- John Fry - Executive Producer
- J Powell - Mastering
References
edit- 1 2 Sarig, Roni (1998). The Secret History of Rock: The Most Influential Bands You've Never Heard. Billboard Books. p. 40. ISBN 978-0-8230-7669-7.
- ↑ McMillan, Graeme (May 2, 2013). "Big Star: The Ultimate American Pop Band". Time. ISSN 0040-781X. Retrieved May 10, 2020.
- ↑ Molanphy, Chris (June 29, 2018). "The Deadbeat Club Edition, Part 1". Hit Parade | Music History and Music Trivia (Podcast). Slate. Retrieved July 30, 2023.
- ↑ "500 Greatest Songs of All Time — Thirteen: Big Star". Rolling Stone. April 7, 2011. Retrieved May 10, 2020.
- 1 2 Janovitz, Bill. "Thirteen - Big Star". AllMusic. Retrieved February 2, 2009.
- 1 2 Kachejian, Brian. "Top 10 Big Star Songs". Classic Rock History. Retrieved 2024-01-29.
- ↑ George-Warren, Holly (March 2014). A Man Called Destruction: The Life and Music of Alex Chilton, from Box Tops to Big Star to Backdoor Man. Viking. ISBN 978-0-670-02563-3.
- ↑ "That '70s Show - Music Discussion Thread - Blu-ray Forum". forum.blu-ray.com. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
- ↑ Luerssen, John D. (February 28, 2000). "Alex Chilton Set to Go". Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 26, 2009.