The Universal Want
The Universal Want is the upcoming fifth studio album by British rock band Doves. The album is set for release by Virgin/EMI on 11 September 2020.[1] The Universal Want is the band's first album following a hiatus that began in 2010.
The Universal Want | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | 11 September 2020 | |||
Recorded | 2018–2020 | |||
Studio |
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Genre | Indie rock | |||
Length | 47:03 | |||
Label | Virgin/EMI | |||
Producer | Doves and Dan Austin | |||
Doves chronology | ||||
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Doves studio album chronology | ||||
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Singles from The Universal Want | ||||
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Background
After touring and promotion of the band's previous album, Kingdom of Rust, and subsequent compilation album The Places Between: The Best of Doves in 2009 and 2010 respectively, Doves announced they would be taking an indefinite hiatus. Jimi Goodwin released his debut solo album, Odludek, in March 2014, while Jez and Andy Williams regrouped as Black Rivers and released a self-titled album in February 2015.
In December 2018, Goodwin and the Williams brothers announced they would be reuniting as Doves and performing at the Royal Albert Hall in support for the Teenage Cancer Trust in March 2019.[2] Following the warm reception to the performance and additional live gigs, rumours began to circulate regarding new material being written and recorded. On 18 June 2020, the band released "Carousels", their first new song in ten years. A month later on 9 July, the band announced the details of their new album and released the album's first proper single, "Prisoners".[1]
Recording
Doves recorded the album at Frank Bough Sound III (a studio converted from a barn in Cheshire where they had recorded Kingdom of Rust[3]) and Vada Studio in Alcester in England, and Soundhorn Studios in Auburn, Alabama in the United States. The band co-produced the album with frequent collaborator Dan Austin.[3]
The album's artwork was chosen by the band from London-based, Finnish photographer Maria Lax. Goodwin was moved by the images in Lax's 2020 photobook, Some Kind of Heavenly Fire, and he gifted his bandmates a copy each.[4]
Critical reception
Review scores | |
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Source | Rating |
Uncut | 9/10[5] |
In the October 2020 issue of Uncut, reviewer Paul Moody awarded the album a 9 out of 10 rating, and praised the album as a "cathartic comeback from the kings of Northwestern noir" and concluded, "With their fifth album they're taking strength from sadness, hope from despair, and wisdom from experience. In troubled times, The Universal Want is exactly what we need."[5][6]
Track listing
All tracks are written by Jez Williams, Jimi Goodwin, and Andy Williams[upper-alpha 1].
No. | Title | Length |
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1. | "Carousels" | 4:50 |
2. | "I Will Not Hide" | 4:15 |
3. | "Broken Eyes" | 4:15 |
4. | "For Tomorrow" | 5:28 |
5. | "Cathedrals of the Mind" | 5:20 |
6. | "Prisoners" | 4:27 |
7. | "Cycle of Hurt" | 4:16 |
8. | "Mother Silver Lake" | 5:13 |
9. | "Universal Want" | 5:21 |
10. | "Forest House" | 3:41 |
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
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11. | "There Goes the Fear" (Live acoustic) | 4:40 | |
12. | "M62 Song" (Four Tet Remix) | Williams, Goodwin, Williams, Fripp, Giles, Lake, McDonald, Sinfield | 6:26 |
Notes
- "Carousels" features a drum sample written by Tony Allen.
Release history
Country | Date | Label | Format | Catalogue # | Notes |
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Worldwide | 11 September 2020 | Virgin/EMI | CD | CDV3248 | |
LP | V3248 | ||||
Red-coloured LP | Doves' webstore and online retail exclusive | ||||
White-coloured LP | VX3248 | Indie stores exclusive | |||
Limited edition box set | VBOX3248 | Limited numbered box set with lenticular sleeve; includes picture disc LP, bonus 12" single, cassette, art prints and postcards | |||
Japan | Universal Music Japan | CD | UICY-15922 | Includes two bonus tracks | |
References
- Bloom, Madison (9 July 2020). "Doves announce first album in 11 years, share video for new song "Prisoners"". Pitchfork. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
- Aubrey, Elizabeth (29 March 2019). ""We're blown away – this is incredible": Doves make emotional return to a sold-out London crowd". NME. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
- Munro, Scott (10 July 2020). "Doves reveal new album The Universal Want with video for Prisoners". Retrieved 14 July 2020.
- Leas, Ryan (9 July 2020). "Doves Announce 'The Universal Want,' Share "Prisoners": Listen - Stereogum". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
- October 2020 issue, pg.38
- "Doves Music Blog – Uncut Review". 16 August 2020. Retrieved 17 August 2020.