What makes Mercy by Dave Matthews Band notable?

Mercy received a mixed critical response but notably reached number one on the Billboard Rock Albums chart. The title track became a staple in live performances, showcasing the band's ability to evolve while retaining their core fan base. Released in 2012, Mercy was the Dave Matthews Band's first studio album since the departure of longtime member LeRoi Moore in 2008. This period marked a transition for the band as they adapted to new dynamics while maintaining their signature sound, following the critically acclaimed Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King from 2009.

How many songs are on Mercy?

Mercy has 2 tracks, running approximately 8 minutes.

Mercy

Dave Matthews Band · 2012

8 min · 2 tracks · rock music

A blend of reflective rock and soulful melodies, anchored by Matthews' emotive vocals and rich instrumental arrangements.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Mercy — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of longing and hope, featuring an emotive vocal delivery that resonates with listeners.
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Gaucho — Gaucho stands out with its intricate instrumentation and layered harmonies, reflecting the band's characteristic blending of rock with jazz influences.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks strong cohesion between its two tracks.

What we noticed

The title track features a gradual build-up, starting with soft instrumentation and layering in strings and percussion as it progresses.
The second track, Gaucho, shifts to a more upbeat tempo with a prominent bass line and rhythmic guitar strumming that contrasts with the first track's introspective mood.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — Represents a transitional phase but not widely recognized as a standout in their catalog.
Themes: loss and evolution· heartfelt resilience
Career context: Released in 2012, Mercy was the Dave Matthews Band's first studio album since the departure of longtime member LeRoi Moore in 2008. This period marked a transition for the band as they adapted to new dynamics while maintaining their signature sound, following the critically acclaimed Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King from 2009.
Stylistic neighbors: Phish· Widespread Panic· The String Cheese Incident