Dawes - Album Ranking - Least favorite to most favorite
Since hearing Dawes latest release, Misdaventures of Doomscroller, earler this year, and enjoying that so much, I have immersed myself in the complete Dawes discography ever since. So, I thought it would be appropriate to go through the catalog of this wonderful, under-appreciated band and rank their albums according to my own preferences. They are a very interesting band and have a great catalog, but may not be very well known to many. So, Dawes are from the Los Angeles Area, and were formed in 2007, from the remnants of the previous band Simon Dawes after the departure of founding member, Blake Mills. Remaining band members Taylor Goldsmith (songwriter, guitars, vocals) and Wylie Gelber (bass) were joined by Taylor's brother Griffin Goldsmith (drums, vocals) and Tay Strathairn (keyboards, vocals) to form Dawes. Dawes originally featured a folk-rock, rootsy, country-influenced style reminiscent of the Laurel Canyon sound of the 1970's (CSN, Jackson Browne, Eagles, early Neil Young, solo Tom Petty, etc.). Their first album, North Hills, was released in 2009, and they refined and honed their sound for their second album, Nothing is Wrong (2020) to much acclaim. At the heart of the band is Taylor Goldsmith's songwriting and vocals, with insightful lyrical content ranging from personal, introspective, and heartfelt missives to biting and sardonic musings on contemporary life, featuring consistently intelligent writing, clever wordplay, and beautiful melodies. But the band excels musically as well, which became more apparent and developed in later albums and with their live shows. With subsequent albums, the band began to move away from the folk-rock style to somewhat edgier indie/alt rock and power pop directions (while also still keeping their personal, introspective singer-songwriter songs), as well as creating more elaborate arrangements and instrumental enhancements to Taylor's songwriting. This was evidenced most drastically with their 5th album, We're All Gonna Die (2016), which took a sharp turn away from their folky roots. Their most recent albums have featured a more balanced style incorporating many influences and creative arrangements to produce some pop and rock gems. They also have become known for their more adventurous live shows, where the band stretches out with extended, more jammy versions of most of their songs. As of right now (2022), the band has eight studio albums (which I will be ranking), as well as a couple live albums (which I won't). The good news is that all their albums are at least good (no bad albums), but as always there are certainly some that are better than others, with the best being among the best out there.
As usual, these rankings only represent my own personal opinion, based solely on my own enjoyment and impressions of these albums, as ranked from my least to most favorite Dawes recordings.
8. North Hills (2009)
Their debut album established the band's folk-rock style, and is their most outright folky and countrified. This was a fine start, with solid songwriting, great vocals and harmonies, and a nice sound and style. Those that are more folk or country fans may consider this to be one of their best album, but for me, it is hampered a bit too much by traditional country tropes and very basic, dull arrangements and production, which renders some of the songs a bit flat and lackluster. Although strong lyrically and melodically, just too many slow, teary (dreary?) songs with trudging arrangements. In later albums, the band would better learn how to enhance their songs with more creative arrangements and production. Songs with better arrangements do come alive, such as the vocal harmonies on Give Me Time, the infectious vibe of God Rest My Soul, the rousing chorus of When My Time Comes, and the Neil Young-esque electric finish to Peace in the Valley. The band showed promise here, but they would get much better on subsequent albums. Best tracks: When My Time Comes, Give Me Time, God Rest My Soul, Peace in the Valley. Weak tracks: Bedside Manner, My Girl to Me, Love is All I Am. Rating: 3ó
7. We're All Gonna Die (2016)
In their most dramatic departure from their
folk-rock roots, the band tries out various styles and sounds (and going for
more of an Indie/alternative rock direction), as well as a much edgier and upfront
production, that is in stark contrast to earlier albums. Unfortunately, the approach
is only partially successful and does not enhance most of the songs. On this
album, the band seems to be enamored with a rather obnoxious fuzz/distorted
bass and guitar sound that infiltrates many of the songs to their detriment
(and even a misguided distorted vocal effect on at least one song). However,
Taylor's songwriting remains strong and the album features several very good
songs. Songs without the heavy fuzz effects and receiving more creative
arrangements and production that enhanced their sound, such as Less than Five
Miles Away, Roll Tide, and For No Good Reason, come off the best, whereas some
otherwise fine songs, such as Quitter and One of Us, and When the Tequila Runs
Out are hampered by arrangements that detract from the song. Overall, I give
the band credit for trying out new directions, but in this case, just did not
result in one of their better albums. They would continue to improve on
creating new and interesting arrangements and musical directions in subsequent
albums. Best songs: Less Than Five Minutes Away, Picture of a Man, For No Good
Reason, Roll With the Punches, Roll Tide. Weak Tracks: One of Us, We’re All
Gonna Die. Rating: 3ó
6. Stories Don't End (2013)
Follow-up to Nothing is Wrong is not as strong,
but shows the band diversifying their sound and style with more pop and rock
flourishes. A strong start to the album with the dreamy Just Beneath the
Surface and the excellent driving and funky rhythm of From a Window Seat. Excellent
lyrics throughout, particularly on such gems as Someone Will, Most People, and
Stories Don’t End. The album closes with a reprise of Just Beneath the Surface;
at first listen I didn’t think this reprise was needed, but after further
listens, I do really like it to close the album. A few weaker songs keep this
from being a great album, but it is still very good. Best tracks: From a Window
Seat, Stories Don't End, Someone Will, From the Right Angle. Weak tracks: Bear
Witness, Just My Luck. Rating: 3.5ó
5. All Your Favorite Bands (2015)
Another strong album that continues to show the
growth of the band. The folkier songs show more compelling arrangements, such
as Somewhere Along the Way, Right on Time, and the anthemic sing-along All Your
Favorite Bands. Other songs show more varied pop and rock styles, such as the Latin
jazz feel on Don’t Send Me Away. The band also starts to stretch out more on
some tracks, such as the cool Dire Straits vibe and extended Mark Knopfleresue
guitar solo on I Can’t Think About It Now, and on the slow extended blues of Now
That It’s Too Late Maria. However, I’m not a fan of the opening track and single
Things Happen, mainly due to the incessant recurring three note motif that
occurs throughout the song: just not pleasant at first, then increasingly annoying
as song goes on, which is a shame because nice lyrics, but poor arrangement. Overall,
a very good album, just short of great. Best Tracks: Somewhere Along the Way,
Don't Send Me Away, I Can't Think About it Now, Now that it’s Too Late Maria.
Weak Tracks: Things Happen, Waiting For Your Call. Rating: 3.5ó
4. Passwords (2018)
Continuing to move away from the folk-rock realm
with a diversity of styles and approaches, and interesting arrangements that
enhance the great songwriting of Taylor. Although the album opens with a bit of
a misfire with the heavier and darker Living in the Future, the rest of the
album is a joy to behold. By this time the band has developed a more
sophisticated sound and style throughout, producing many just fantastic
sounding tracks, but also staying true to the great lyrics and melodies of
Taylor’s songwriting. From the easy groove of Stay Down, the simple beauty of
Crack the Case, to the lush jazz groove of Feed The Fire, the funky syncopation
of Telescope, and the whimsical pop beauty of Never Gonna Say Goodbye, the
songs are brought to glorious life. And it all culminates in the final
highlight of the album, one of Taylor’s finest songs, Time Flies Either Way, with
his intelligent and personal lyricism and melodic beauty and featuring elegant
piano and sax solos, just the perfect cap to a great album. Best tracks: Time
Flies Either Way, Feed the Fire, Telescope, Crack the Case, Never Gonna Say
Goodbye. Weaker Tracks: Living in the Future, My Greatest Invention. Rating: 4ó
3. Good Luck With Whatever (2020)
Love this album, continues on their great
trajectory following Passwords with their further development and more sophisticated
arrangements of very clever and melodic songs. Opens with a fun rocker, Still
Feel Like a Kid, then delivers some contemporary attitude with the sardonic Good
Luck With Whatever. Overall, a bit more rockin’ than Passwords, with songs such
as None of My Business and Who Do You Think You’re Talkin’ To?, but still takes
time for the lovely, personal acoustic gem St. Augustine at Night and the
introspective and beautiful Didn’t Fix Me. And some of their folk-country roots
emerge again on the final two tracks, with the sing-along chorus of Free as We
Wanna Be and the countrified stylings of Me Especially. A delightful album from
start to finish, highlighting Taylor’s songwriting and vocals, as well as the
great arrangements and backing of the whole band. Best Tracks: Good Luck with
Whatever, Still Feel Like a Kid, St. Augustine at Night, Didn’t Fix Me. Weak
Tracks: none. Rating: 4ó
2. Nothing Is Wrong (2011)
A major upgrade from their first album. This one
is still firmly within in the folk-rock realm, with great songs, but they have mixed
in some pop and rock elements and more compelling arrangements, resulting in a
sensational album with a ‘classic’ sound. This is one of those albums that just
sounds like a classic the very first time you hear it. Firmly established the
band at the top of contemporary folk-rock. From the opening chords of Time
Spent in Los Angeles, just one great song after another. The biting break-up
song If I Wanted Someone, the spirited country-tinged Coming Back to A Man, How
far We Come, and The Way We Laugh, are just more lively, engaging and
compelling. Time Spent in Los Angeles and Fire Away show that they can do catchy
more pop-oriented songs with the best of them. And the slower, more gentle
songs, such as My Way Back Home, So Well, and Moon in the Water are melodious, sweet,
and engrossing, but never dull. Then there is the album closer, A Little Bit of
Everything, a genuine classic, as only Taylor could write and perform (although it will certainly remind you of the great Jackson Browne). A simple
unforgettable tune that contains such intelligent, heartfelt lyrics filled with
emotion and joy. I’ve listened to this song dozens of times, and every time it
brings a tear to my eye by the last verse and chorus. Fantastic conclusion to a
wonderful album. Best tracks: Time Spent in Los Angeles, A Little Bit of Everything,
Moon in the Water, Fire Away, So Well, How Far We’ve Come. Weak Tracks: none
Rating: 4.5ó
With their latest album, Misadventures of
Doomscroller, the folk-country roots are barely evident, as the band stretches
out with longer songs, a free-er looser style, with more jazz influences as
well as some somewhat progressive rock-influenced instrumental breaks. The
result is, at least for me, their best album to date, and one of the best
albums of 2022, a wonderful musical journey through the ups and downs of
contemporary life. The core of the band has always been Taylor Goldsmith's
songwriting and vocals, and he shines throughout once again, but with the rest
of the band also taking more of the spotlight as well with great musicianship
and song arrangements. Consisting of only 6 main songs (6 to 9 minutes each) ,
the album deals with aspects of life in the world today with Taylor's usual
sardonic observations, and includes several longer instrumental breaks.
Although the band is known for doing extended versions of their songs in their
live shows, this is the first album that has included longer instrumental
passages within their songs. And the instrumental extensions are more than just
solos, as they represent dynamic explorations of new styles and themes, and
move in different and interesting directions. The album is a delight from
beginning to end, offering great melodies and engaging arrangements, and
encouraging many repeat listens. My favorite song is 'Ghost in the Machine', an
infectiously funky number that comes across as an unlikely mash-up of the
Allman Brothers and early Steely Dan (The guitar solo even sounds like
something Skunk Baxter would have played on those early albums). Also sensational are It Comes in Waves, Everything is Permanent, etc. Really, they're all great. Another major
step forward for the band, quite a bit different from previous albums, yet
still retaining the great songwriting, and now adding more diverse musical influences
and explorations. Just wonderful, from start to finish. Thoroughly superb album. Best tracks: Ghost on the Machine, It Comes in
Waves, Everything is Permanent, Someone Else's Cafe, Sound That No One Made. Weak tracks: none. Rating: 4.5ó
BB’s Rating scale:1ó – Terrible, torturous to have to listen to
1.5ó - Poor, not worth your time
2ó – Fair, maybe a couple half-way decent songs, but
sub-par overall
2.5ó – Average, OK, meh, not bad but not that good either
3ó – Good, solid album, several good songs, but not
spectacular. Certainly worthy, but may not be something you come back to very
often
3.5ó – Very good album. Some stellar tracks, very
enjoyable overall
4ó – Great album, filled with great songs, one that you
will want to come back to over and over again
4.5ó – Excellent album, beyond great, superb in every
way, just short of a masterpiece
5ó – A Masterpiece, among the greatest albums of its
type, and has stood the test of time
OK, Well, that's it. Dawes, a great band that deserves more acclaim and success. Check out their catalog. You can't go wrong, whether you like the more folk and country aspects, or the more diverse folk, pop, rock, and jazz influences of the later albums, they are all good, and some really fantastic. So, what do you think of Dawes and their albums?
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