Some Cities
Doves · 2005
46 min · 11 tracks · indie rock
A lush tapestry of shimmering melodies and introspective lyrics that evoke both nostalgia and a sense of longing for connection.
Top tracks — play these first
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Black and White Town — This track stands out with its driving rhythm and poignant lyrics that reflect themes of disillusionment and nostalgia, setting the tone for the album.
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Snowden — The song captures a haunting atmosphere with its layered instrumentation, exploring themes of isolation and reflection that resonate throughout the album.
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The Storm — With its climactic build and emotional intensity, this track serves as a centerpiece of the album, encapsulating feelings of turmoil and resolution.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Some Cities showcases strong songwriting and cohesive production, creating an engaging listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features layered instrumentation, gradually building in intensity before transitioning into the upbeat 'Black and White Town'.
- Several tracks, such as 'Snowden' and 'The Storm', incorporate atmospheric soundscapes that create a sense of space and depth.
- The sequencing maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, with the final three tracks featuring introspective lyrics and a gradual drop in energy.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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, consistent energy levels
- atmospheric background focus
- long, immersive listening sessions
- contemplative reflective moments
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — This album is a cohesive and acclaimed work, showcasing their artistic depth.
- Themes
- British urban landscapes· nostalgic disillusionment· isolation in cities
- Career context
- By the time Doves released Some Cities in 2005, they were building on the success of their previous album, Last Broadcast, which had solidified their place in the British rock scene. This release marked their third studio album and showcased a more mature sound, reflecting their growth as musicians after a brief hiatus following extensive touring.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Elbow· The Verve· Snow Patrol
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Snowden
The lyrics shift from personal reflection to broader societal observations, highlighting the tension between individual experience and collective memory.
This transition deepens the song's impact by connecting personal feelings of isolation to larger social themes, enriching the listener's understanding.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Some Cities 3:22
- 2 Black and White Town 4:15
- 3 Almost Forgot Myself 4:42
- 4 Snowden 4:12
- 5 The Storm 4:52
- 6 Walk in Fire 5:34
- 7 One of These Days 4:50
- 8 Someday Soon 4:08
- 9 Shadows of Salford 2:44
- 10 Sky Starts Falling 4:11
- 11 Ambition 4:00
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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