What makes The Dolphin's Cry by Live notable?

The album achieved significant acclaim, peaking at number 10 on the Billboard 200 and featuring the hit single 'The Dolphin’s Cry', which received heavy radio play. This track became emblematic of the band's style and contributed to their legacy within the alternative rock scene of the late '90s. Released in 1999, The Dolphin's Cry marked Live's fifth studio album, following their commercial breakthrough with Throwing Copper in 1994. At this stage, the band was solidifying their presence in the post-grunge landscape while exploring more experimental sounds.

How many songs are on The Dolphin's Cry?

The Dolphin's Cry has 3 tracks, running approximately 15 minutes.

The Dolphin's Cry

Live · 1999

15 min · 3 tracks · alternative rock

Ethereal melodies intertwine with gritty guitar riffs, creating an atmospheric sound that captures both longing and introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Dolphin’s Cry — This title track showcases the band's signature blend of soaring vocals and atmospheric instrumentation, making it a defining moment in their discography.
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Vine Street — With its introspective lyrics and dynamic shifts in energy, this track illustrates Live's ability to balance emotional depth with catchy melodies.
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Lakini’s Juice (Sippin on Lakini’s Juice remix) — This remixed version of a previous hit emphasizes rhythmic experimentation while maintaining the original's thematic intensity, reflecting the band’s evolution.

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 single showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks the depth for lasting engagement.

What we noticed

The title track features a gradual build-up, starting with soft vocals and layering in instrumentation to create a climactic finish.
The second track, 'Vine Street', employs a more straightforward rock structure with a consistent tempo and less dynamic variation.
The remix of 'Lakini’s Juice' introduces electronic elements that contrast with the organic sound of the original, altering its atmosphere.

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 4/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — The album solidified Live's presence post their initial success with Throwing Copper.
Themes: ethereal longing· post-grunge introspection· spiritual searching
Career context: Released in 1999, The Dolphin's Cry marked Live's fifth studio album, following their commercial breakthrough with Throwing Copper in 1994. At this stage, the band was solidifying their presence in the post-grunge landscape while exploring more experimental sounds.
Stylistic neighbors: Bush· Pearl Jam· Soundgarden