Dove (Belly album) cover

Dove (Belly album)

Belly · 2018

52 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

Ethereal melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that captures the essence of longing and discovery.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Human Child — This track features haunting vocal harmonies layered over a lush instrumental backdrop, highlighting the band's signature dream pop sound while exploring themes of innocence and vulnerability.
  • →
    Suffer the Fools — With its driving rhythm and incisive lyrics, this track stands out for addressing societal issues directly, showcasing Belly's ability to blend catchy melodies with meaningful commentary.
  • →
    Artifact — The closing track encapsulates the album's journey through evocative imagery and emotional depth, leaving listeners with a sense of reflection and resonance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Dove combines ethereal melodies with introspective lyrics, creating a cohesive yet varied listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a slow, atmospheric track that sets a contemplative tone, followed by a series of songs that gradually build in intensity.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a lush soundscape, while others strip back to minimal instrumentation for emphasis.
  • The last three tracks exhibit a noticeable drop in tempo, allowing for a reflective conclusion to the album's journey.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • ethereal melodies for introspection
  • nostalgic soundscapes for reflection
  • gentle pacing for late-night thoughts
  • immersive listening for emotional depth
  • longing themes in lyrical content

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of upbeat energy
  • prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2018, Dove is Belly's first album in over 20 years, following their 1995 breakthrough, King. This album marks a significant return for the band as they re-establish their presence in the alternative rock scene after a long hiatus.
Stylistic neighbors
Mazzy Star· The Sundays· Lush

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Mine 5:20
  • 2 Shiny One 5:22
  • 3 Human Child 5:39
  • 4 Faceless 4:58
  • 5 Suffer the Fools 4:05
  • 6 Girl 4:44
  • 7 Army of Clay 3:39
  • 8 Stars Align 3:37
  • 9 Quicksand 4:27
  • 10 Artifact 4:20
  • 11 Heartstrings 3:26
  • 12 Starryeyed 3:05

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata