The Sheepdogs cover

The Sheepdogs

The Sheepdogs · 2012

44 min · 14 tracks · blues rock

A spirited blend of classic rock and blues, infused with a modern touch that evokes a sense of nostalgia and freedom.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Laid Back — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its relaxed rhythm and catchy hooks, embodying the band's laid-back ethos.
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    Feeling Good — As one of the standout singles, this track's upbeat energy and engaging lyrics reflect the band's ability to craft feel-good anthems that appeal to a wide audience.
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    Is Your Dream Worth Dying For? — This song showcases a deeper lyrical narrative while maintaining a vibrant melody, demonstrating the band's range beyond just party tunes.
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    Alright OK — With its driving beat and sing-along chorus, this track captures the essence of camaraderie and good times that permeates throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends classic rock with modern elements but lacks strong cohesion and depth for lasting impact.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of harmonized vocals, particularly in the choruses, which reinforces its classic rock influences.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • upbeat tracks for road trips
  • sing-along anthems with friends
  • nostalgic vibes for sunny days
  • short bursts of carefree fun
  • invigorating energy for gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slow, introspective music
  • seek complex, lengthy compositions

Where this album fits

Career context
This self-titled album marked The Sheepdogs' rise to prominence, following their breakthrough success with the single 'I Don't Know.' Released in early 2012, it showcased the band's signature Southern rock sound while solidifying their place in the Canadian music scene just as they began to gain international attention.
Stylistic neighbors
The Black Keys· Greta Van Fleet· Marcus King

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Laid Back 3:30
  • 2 Feeling Good 3:10
  • 3 Alright OK 4:14
  • 4 Never Gonna Get My Love 3:15
  • 5 Ewan’s Blues 2:43
  • 6 The Way It Is 2:33
  • 7 Javelina! 2:38
  • 8 I Need Help 2:34
  • 9 Is Your Dream Worth Dying For? 2:56
  • 10 How Late, How Long 3:08
  • 11 Sharp Sounds 2:53
  • 12 In My Mind 4:06
  • 13 While We’re Young 2:44
  • 14 It Ain’t Easy to Go 3:40

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata