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
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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