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Beware of the Dogs
by
Beware of the Dogs Image
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 36 Ratings

  • Summary: The debut full-length release for the Australian singer-songwriter was produced by Dean Tuza.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Exclaim
    Mar 8, 2019
    90
    Instrumentally, there's a flare and excitement that was lacking on previous work. Each song is unique, rarely applying the same formula twice. Fortunately, she's ensured every musical choice, structural or instrumental, serves a purpose. ... Stella never beats around the bush, and because of that, there is a magnetism to this album.
  2. Under The Radar
    Mar 8, 2019
    85
    Beware of the Dogs is a melodic, memorable package overflowing with promise.
  3. Consequence
    Mar 12, 2019
    83
    The carefully composed rock here reminds us that our journeys are our own, regardless of whatever else we tack onto them. No matter how full Donnelly’s hands get with the interpersonal frustrations of day-to-day life and the wounds of the past, the world is still hers for the taking, and she makes it feel like it’s all of ours, too.
  4. No Ripcord
    Mar 11, 2019
    80
    What makes Beware the Dogs such a fun and engaging listen is how Donnelly expresses her opinions with such imperfect candor. There's not a second where you doubt that she's not amusing herself, relishing the creative side in her intimate space with her tongue firmly in cheek.
  5. Sputnikmusic
    Mar 11, 2019
    80
    Her delicate fingerpicking and shimmering vibrato carried her across state lines, oceans, into record deals and mixing rooms. The juxtaposition is apt: Beware of the Dogs is Stella adjusting the scales, shifting seamlessly between intimate and all-encompassing.
  6. Pitchfork
    Mar 11, 2019
    76
    Fierce as Donnelly’s writing can be, it’s empathetic to the core.
  7. AllMusic
    Mar 8, 2019
    70
    Donnelly never wavers in her directness or honesty, but doesn't equate strong statements with volume. Instead, her well-constructed and sometimes weightless songs crush their enemies with a knowing smile and a gentle fist.

See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. orlathomas18
    Aug 24, 2019
    9
    A strong contender for album of the year 2019 this record is smart, fun and such an easy listen. Stella does an amazing job at talking aboutA strong contender for album of the year 2019 this record is smart, fun and such an easy listen. Stella does an amazing job at talking about the struggles of being a woman in a relatable way. Sometimes this is upbeat and confident like opener "Old Man" and at times raw and vulnerable like "Boys Will Be Boys". This record perfectly shows how it is to be a young woman in 2019. These lyrical themes are matched perfectly by tight instrumentals. The full band sound suits Stella really well, and although I love 2018's "Thrush Metal", this record definitely feels like she is coming into her own sound. I can't wait to see what Stella does next!… Expand
  2. Angelds
    Mar 8, 2019
    9
    Totally amazing, Stella delivered so good on this proyect, the lyrics, the instrumentals, Thebest debut album of the year so far
    Fav tracks.    Totally amazing, Stella delivered so good on this proyect, the lyrics, the instrumentals, Thebest debut album of the year so far
    Fav tracks. Die,tricks,boys will be boys, watching telly, mosquito    … Expand
  4. prestonhung
    Jul 6, 2019
    7
    I like this album! I really do. There are some good ideas and interesting tunes on this. Can definitely see potential in Donnelly and her nextI like this album! I really do. There are some good ideas and interesting tunes on this. Can definitely see potential in Donnelly and her next project.… Expand

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