Top tracks — play these first
-
→
That Western Skyline — Opening with reflective lyrics about place and belonging, this track sets the tone for the entire album with its rich storytelling and melodic instrumentation.
-
→
When My Time Comes — This standout track showcases the band's ability to blend poignant lyrics with anthemic melodies, capturing themes of mortality and hope that resonate deeply.
-
→
Love Is All I Am — With its heartfelt exploration of love's complexities, this song exemplifies Dawes' knack for combining simple yet profound lyrical imagery with lush arrangements.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong songwriting and cohesive pacing, though it doesn't fully stand out in its genre.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth introduces a more reflective tone with slower instrumentation.
- Several songs feature intricate guitar work that complements the lyrical storytelling, particularly in 'When My Time Comes' and 'God Rest My Soul'.
- The album closes with 'Peace in the Valley', which shifts to a more subdued arrangement, creating a sense of resolution.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
- steady melodic storytelling journey
- reflective moments for introspection
- warm harmonies for cozy evenings
- suitable for road trip soundtracks
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer high-energy party tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- North Hills is Dawes' debut album, released in 2009 when the band was establishing its identity in the burgeoning folk-rock revival scene. Prior to this release, the members had played with other acts, but this marked their first step as a cohesive group, showcasing their songwriting prowess and harmonious sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Lumineers· Fleet Foxes· Iron & Wine
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
When My Time Comes
The verses build towards a powerful refrain that shifts from personal reflection to a universal call for connection in facing life's inevitabilities.
This transition emphasizes a communal experience, inviting listeners to confront their own mortality while uniting them through shared vulnerability.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 That Western Skyline 5:59
- 2 Love Is All I Am 5:17
- 3 When You Call My Name 4:45
- 4 Give Me Time 3:18
- 5 When My Time Comes 5:08
- 6 God Rest My Soul 4:59
- 7 Bedside Manner 4:12
- 8 My Girl to Me 4:51
- 9 Take Me Out of the City 5:12
- 10 If You Let Me Be Your Anchor 4:25
- 11 Peace in the Valley 6:56
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.