Albums to watch

The Universal Want

Doves

The Universal Want

Fifth album and first in eleven years from the Manchester rock trio produced with Dan Austin

ADM rating[?]

8.2

Label
Virgin
UK Release date
11/09/2020
US Release date
11/09/2020
  1. 10.0 |   Evening Standard

    Atmospheric return is an anthem to better times
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  2. 10.0 |   Albumism

    A sublime, shimmering feast for the ears, “Cathedrals of the Mind” ranks among Doves’ most impressive fare to date, and the late David Bowie is at least partly to thank for this revelation of a song
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  3. 9.0 |   XS Noize

    The Universal Want fires on all cylinders and does not disappoint. Music has the ability to express so many emotions at once, this does that and then some – The Northern souls are bac
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  4. 9.0 |   Northern Transmissions

    ‘The Universal Want’ gestures back to the outfit’s broad, yet intimate sound, that’s rooted in atmospheric rock and dance music, but it’s unmistakably fresh; it’s not so much that it feels like Doves have never been away, they’ve evolved, and they’re reinvigorated
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  5. 9.0 |   Uncut

    The message is clear: Doves' hedonistic past is largely behind them, but it informs everything they do. Print edition only

  6. 8.0 |   Q

    With The Universal Want Doves are in the right place, the right time. Print edition only

  7. 8.0 |   Mojo

    Regular producer Dan Austin teases atmosphere, buries mysterious sampled speech and navigates the piano-led title track back into Hacienda territory. Print edition only

  8. 8.0 |   The Arts Desk

    While Doves often seem steeped in traditional songcraft, they’re also masters of carefully crafted track assembly
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  9. 8.0 |   Under The Radar

    The Universal Want is a most welcome return from an important band given a well-deserved respite
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  10. 8.0 |   The Guardian

    The kings of catchy melancholia are back after a decade away – and their tried and tested blueprint has lost none of its magic
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  11. 8.0 |   The Irish Times

    Like ’em or not, there are very few bands like Doves – and even fewer capable of comebacks as impressive as this one
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  12. 8.0 |   NME

    The Manchester trio, once thought lost to the big band retirement home in the sky, bring thumping fairground anthems, an ode to Bowie and words of hope
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  13. 8.0 |   Clash

    An undeniable win, the outcome of Doves’ return to the studio is more than worth the paper it is written on. A long-awaited treat, it deserves a warm welcome
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  14. 8.0 |   The Independent

    After 30-odd years, you could forgive a band for taking the easier path into complacency. But Doves have taken a different – better – road
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  15. 8.0 |   The Line Of Best Fit

    After a decade away, Doves return with a relit fire and an essential sound
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  16. 8.0 |   PopMatters

    Mournfulness can provide comfort at a time like this, especially when presented with the kind of sincerity, wisdom, and songwriting skill that Doves haven't lost in their time away
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  17. 8.0 |   Paste Magazine

    The trio's new songs ponder the passage of time and the impermanence of everything
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  18. 8.0 |   God Is In The TV

    It sounds like the album Doves would’ve made if they hadn’t taken a break after 2009’s lovely, underrated Kingdom of Rust. It yearns and sparkles in all the right places
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  19. 7.8 |   Beats Per Minute

    Definitely won’t win awards for being the most experimental or complex, but may just win the hearts of those who need it the most right now
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  20. 6.7 |   Pitchfork

    The Britrock survivors’ first album in 11 years is the sound of men in their 50s channeling the memories of their teens through the music of their 30s
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