Down Fell the Doves
Amanda Shires · 2013
38 min · 11 tracks · Americana
A haunting blend of folk, country, and rock that showcases Shires' emotive storytelling and intricate instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Look Like a Bird — This opening track sets the tone with its vivid imagery and introspective lyrics, inviting listeners into Shires' unique perspective on freedom and identity.
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Bulletproof — With its powerful chorus and emotional weight, this song stands out for its exploration of vulnerability and strength, showcasing Shires' ability to balance personal narratives with universal themes.
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A Song for Leonard Cohen — This tribute reflects Shires' admiration for Cohen while encapsulating her own stylistic essence; it weaves together homage with personal storytelling to create a heartfelt connection.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends folk and country with strong storytelling, showcasing Shires' growth as an artist.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features more upbeat tracks, while the second half shifts to slower, more introspective songs.
- Several tracks incorporate layered instrumentation, including strings and harmonies that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The album's lyrical themes often revolve around personal struggle and reflection, with a storytelling approach that invites listener engagement.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- 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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7/10
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
- poignant storytelling with rich instrumentation
- intimate reflections on love's complexities
- short tracks for quick engagement
- late-night solitude with emotional depth
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of high-energy anthems
- prefer standalone singles over albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2013, Down Fell the Doves is Amanda Shires' second studio album, following her debut, Carrying Lightning. At this point in her career, she was gaining recognition not only as a solo artist but also as a member of the acclaimed band The Highwomen, which would later elevate her profile further.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Brandi Carlile· Neko Case· Kacey Musgraves
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Devastate
The narrative shifts from reflection to direct confrontation reveals deep-seated emotions about loss and resilience.
This transition adds intensity to the song's emotional arc, making it a pivotal point that emphasizes the struggle between despair and hope.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Look Like a Bird 3:29
- 2 Devastate 3:18
- 3 Bulletproof 4:13
- 4 Box Cutters 2:36
- 5 Deep Dark Below 3:21
- 6 Wasted and Rollin’ 3:52
- 7 If I 2:14
- 8 Stay 3:54
- 9 The Drop and Lift 3:37
- 10 A Song for Leonard Cohen 3:53
- 11 The Garden Song 4:09
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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