Pink: The Discography Rate ∞ WINNER!

swim

swim

he / him
Who-Knew.png

03. Who Knew
Average score: 9.73
Highest score: 11x5
@AllGagaLike @Verandi @Sail On @Remorque @HollyDunnSomething
10x23
@Lost Boy @Sanctuary @JMRGBY88 @nikkysan @The Hot Rock
@Sprockrooster @soratami @Reboot @kal @rick
@playboy69 @abael @Robsolete @Sideout @sapnu puas
@LiK @Music Is Life @Maki @əʊæ @Duppe @savilizabeths
Lowest score: 5.8 @Untouchable Ace @tylerc904

That last kiss, I'll cherish, until we meet again
And time makes it harder, I wish I could remember
But I keep your memory, you visit me in my sleep
My darling, who knew?

Going into the rate, this was the one to beat. Having took the trophy more than once before, I couldn't conceive a time in which this didn't sweep. What I didn't expect is for the averages to be so monumentally tight that every little scoring difference shifted the top three around, only for this to actually settle down in third position. I've seen a few people claim they didn't give this eleven as they knew it'd win, so I've no doubt as to why it may have missed it... especially as one more eleven instead of a ten would have pushed this to win.

What is there to say about this that hasn't been said before? A masterful take on grief and loss, tied up within a powerhouse chorus that has aged like a fine wine. Still considered her greatest moment by fans and critics alike, 'Who Knew' induced whiplash by following the brash 'Stupid Girls', but would go on to become one of her biggest hits - in particular spending 36 weeks in the Hot 100.

I find the real power of this is in the incredible vocal delivery, and the fact it clearly acknowledges the pain and frustration you feel once we face death. It's natural to feel angry when someone leaves, and it's a pain that is almost impossible to voice as we all go through it in so many different ways, and yet she managed to do it here. A masterpiece.

I will leave it to P!nk to summarise the song, in her own powerful words:

"My life was insane, I was [in her youth] out of control and doing lots of stupid things. Some of my friends were selling crack, and I got into drugs too. I've always been honest about that, although I don't like going into details. I've got lots of young fans and I wouldn't want to give them any ideas. I found a friend dead from a drug overdose when I was 14. He was a male friend, not a boyfriend. Most of the people at the funeral were just children. It should have been a wake-up call for me, but it wasn't.

Commentary corner:
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@Verandi: (11) Usually it's incredibly hard for me to pick an 11 in rates, but this one was set in stone from the beginning. A classic, a masterpiece, a way too relatable piece of music. When she's good, she's very very good.

@tylerc904: (10) I remember this being on radio/TV for aaaaages before it peaked in the U.S. it was her first big hit since Pill. Deserves all the praise it gets really.

@sapnu puas: (10) will probably win but it’s what she deserves. Even people who aren’t particularly fond of Pink can’t deny its brilliance. What a fucking song!

@Maki: (10) I’m sure this one will get far in this rate and that is obvious, since it’s so well written and performed. I have to be honest, it grew on me over time, but it was enough to get a 10. The last chorus is pure amazingness!

@R27: (10) Admittedly, I'm rooting for something else to win, but that is more so another song can have a chance to shine, and not reflection of this song’s quality. I remember instantly connecting with this song and would frequently belt it out on my family's little karaoke machine. The way her voice cracks during the last chorus still hits me everytime. A true classic.

@Reboot: (10) I loved Who Knew back in the day, and for a very long time I considered it one of my favourite ever songs. I think I related it to a teenage crush at the time, but I can’t remember the specifics. That said, when I listened to the song again it didn’t hit me as hard as I thought it would. I expected I’d be hit with some wave of nostalgia, but I wasn’t. As a result, I can’t give it my 11 even though I thought I would. But the song is still very beautiful.

@savilizabeths: (10) “This is pretty universally loved as far as I can tell, and it’s worth that praise. It’s got that classic, emotionally charged powerful chorus that P!nk does so well. The production is really pretty, I love the subtle strings. How many times can I comment on strings? This song is both delicate and strong. It’s so well done."

@rick: (10) Tears streaming down face emoji. Stunning

@abael: (10) Just the classic Pink Power Ballad that would be the cornerstone to many of her successful tracks

@JMRGBY88: (10) devastating.

@The Hot Rock: (10) Actually thought this was going to be my 11 when coming into this rate but something else snatched it. It was close. An emotional powerhouse.

@nikkysan: (10) A masterpiece and one of her finest ballads. I have memories of listening to this on repeat with my family in long car trips and even back then I knew this was a special song.



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R27

R27

U + Ur Hand is a tune, but also a tune that is clearly out of its depth and should have left a few eliminations ago. Just Like a Cure to Poor Taste better win this.
 
R27

R27

I mean I don't think the impact it had on her commercial success should have any pertinence on how it places in this rate, but I can see how its hand in helping revive her career could make it extra special for many fans.
 
jawow_

jawow_

@Lost Boy as we approach the end of the rate I cannot express to you truly how much of an amazing experience this has been for me. Rediscovering Pink’s discography (which is usually unfairly criticised on PopJustice), having people share their experiences; and most importantly your write ups. I can honestly say it’s been an emotional ride and I’m pleased and lucky to have shared that with you. Thank you so much. Your work has been thoroughly appreciated and I wish somehow Pink herself could see it. Don’t let it go to waste. Capture this in a book or something because it’s been an amazing experience. This was the first rate I followed and I have to say you set the bar really high. So all that is left to say is THANK YOU.
 
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