Stand Upright in a Cool Place cover

Stand Upright in a Cool Place

Dodgy · 2012

49 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

A reflective blend of melodic alternative rock infused with heartfelt lyrics and a touch of nostalgic warmth.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    What Became of You — This track stands out with its poignant exploration of lost connections and nostalgia, encapsulating the album's overarching themes of reflection.
  • →
    Waiting for the Sun — The song features an uplifting melody paired with lyrics about hope and renewal, showcasing Dodgy's knack for combining emotion with catchy hooks.
  • →
    Happy Ending — Closing the album, this track offers a sense of resolution and fulfillment, resonating with listeners through its earnest storytelling and melodic richness.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

52 /100
Foothills
Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

The album balances reflective songwriting with melodic hooks, creating a cohesive yet familiar sound.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that build emotional resonance, particularly in the choruses.
  • The lyrics often reflect on personal experiences and relationships, with a storytelling approach that invites listener engagement.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • nostalgic reflections on relationships
  • warm melodies for sunny days
  • thoughtful tunes for quiet moments
  • gentle pacing for relaxed listening

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy dance tracks
  • prefer instant gratification songs

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2012, Stand Upright in a Cool Place marked Dodgy's return after a significant hiatus since their previous album, 2000's Dark Side. The band reformed in 2009, aiming to recapture their earlier sound while exploring new themes of maturity and introspection.
Stylistic neighbors
Ocean Colour Scene· Shed Seven· The Verve

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Tripped and Fell 4:49
  • 2 What Became of You 4:49
  • 3 We Try 4:53
  • 4 Shadows 4:13
  • 5 Did It Have to Be This Way 4:36
  • 6 Waiting for the Sun 4:15
  • 7 Raggedstone Hill 6:41
  • 8 Only a Heartbeat 4:18
  • 9 Find a Place 2:39
  • 10 Back of You 3:21
  • 11 Happy Ending 4:57

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata