Haughty Melodic
Mike Doughty · 2005
43 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A blend of introspective lyrics and catchy melodies that intertwine alternative rock with a dash of folk influences.
Top tracks — play these first
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Looking at the World From the Bottom of a Well — This track serves as a brilliant introduction to Doughty's lyrical wit and melodic sensibility, combining humor with poignant observations about perspective.
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Busting Up a Starbucks — Here, Doughty critiques modern consumer culture through clever wordplay and an upbeat tempo, making it both engaging and thought-provoking.
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Madeline and Nine — This song showcases Doughty's storytelling ability, weaving a narrative full of vivid imagery that resonates with listeners on multiple levels.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Doughty's introspective songwriting and catchy melodies create a solid yet familiar alternative rock experience.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of conversational lyrics that often reflect personal experiences and observations.
- The instrumentation blends electric guitars with acoustic elements, creating a sound that shifts between rock and folk influences.
- Most tracks maintain a mid-tempo pace, with only a few notable shifts in dynamics that provide contrast.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- 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
- steady mid-tempo reflective moments
- catchy melodies with introspective lyrics
- for thoughtful afternoon drives
- engaging storytelling with melodic hooks
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced, high-energy tracks
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on May 3, 2005, Haughty Melodic was Mike Doughty’s first solo album after disbanding Soul Coughing, marking a significant transition in his career. The album showcases Doughty's evolution as a songwriter, moving from the eclectic sound of his former band to a more personal and melodic approach.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Soul Coughing· Ben Folds Five· They Might Be Giants
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Looking at the World From the Bottom of a Well 3:59
- 2 Unsingable Name 4:17
- 3 Madeline and Nine 3:03
- 4 Busting Up a Starbucks 4:19
- 5 White Lexus 2:20
- 6 American Car 4:42
- 7 Tremendous Brunettes 2:45
- 8 I Hear the Bells 4:19
- 9 Sunken-Eyed Girl 3:23
- 10 Grey Ghost 3:15
- 11 His Truth Is Marching On 3:36
- 12 Your Misfortune 3:06
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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