Anotherland
Dave Dobbyn · 2008
52 min · 16 tracks
A vibrant blend of pop and rock infused with heartfelt storytelling and melodic hooks that capture the essence of New Zealand's musical landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Anotherland — This title track encapsulates the album's themes of longing and introspection, driven by an infectious melody that invites listeners into Dobbyn's reflective world.
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Only Love Remains — With its poignant lyrics and emotive delivery, this song stands out as a heartfelt meditation on enduring love amidst life's uncertainties.
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Howling at the Moon — The driving rhythm and catchy chorus make this track an energizing anthem, showcasing Dobbyn's knack for blending lyrical depth with uplifting melodies.
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Be My Guiding Light — This track features a powerful vocal performance layered over rich instrumentation, making it a standout moment that highlights Dobbyn's songwriting prowess.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid songwriting with engaging melodies but lacks a strong cohesive flow across its length.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- heartfelt storytelling in every track
- catchy melodies for sing-alongs
- vibrant energy for road trips
- quick bursts of emotional release
- uplifting vibes for sunny days
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, immersive pieces
- seek instant gratification only
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Anotherland' was released in 2008, Dave Dobbyn had already established himself as a prominent figure in New Zealand music, gaining fame from his earlier hits like 'Slice of Heaven'. This album came after a period of relative quiet since his last studio release, marking a return with fresh stories and sounds that reflect both personal growth and artistic exploration.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Tim Finn· Neil Finn· Crowded House
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Only Love Remains
The song shifts from reminiscence to a declaration of commitment, emphasizing resilience despite challenges.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 At Light Speed 1:53
- 2 Anotherland 3:09
- 3 Crosstown Static 3:12
- 4 Only Love Remains 2:56
- 5 When the Water Runs Out 3:51
- 6 Wild Kisses Like Rain 3:04
- 7 Howling at the Moon 3:32
- 8 A Long Way Across Town 3:10
- 9 Deep Calling Deep 2:52
- 10 Hey Stranger 3:38
- 11 Instinct for the Blue 2:25
- 12 The Black Swing 4:30
- 13 Just What I Need 3:28
- 14 Be My Guiding Light 4:01
- 15 Miles and Miles 2:36
- 16 Arms of Eternity 4:19
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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