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
Studio album by Doves
Released	11 September 2020 (2020-09-11)
Recorded	2018–2020
Studio	Frank Bough Sound III, Cheshire Vada Studio, Alcester Soundhorn Studios, Auburn, Alabama
Genre	Indie rock
Length	47:03
Label	Virgin/EMI
Producer	Doves and Dan Austin
Doves chronology
The Places Between: The Best of Doves (2010) The Universal Want (2020)
Doves studio album chronology
Kingdom of Rust (2009) The Universal Want (2020)
Singles from The Universal Want
"Carousels" Released: 18 June 2020 "Prisoners" Released: 9 July 2020

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

Professional ratings

Review scores
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
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

Japanese CD bonus tracks

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
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

1. "Carousels" features a drum sample written by Tony Allen.

Release history

Country	Date	Label	Format	Catalogue #	Notes
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

1. Bloom, Madison (9 July 2020). "Doves announce first album in 11 years, share video for new song "Prisoners"". Pitchfork. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
2. 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.
3. Munro, Scott (10 July 2020). "Doves reveal new album The Universal Want with video for Prisoners". Retrieved 14 July 2020.
4. Leas, Ryan (9 July 2020). "Doves Announce 'The Universal Want,' Share "Prisoners": Listen - Stereogum". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
5. October 2020 issue, pg.38
6. "Doves Music Blog – Uncut Review". 16 August 2020. Retrieved 17 August 2020.