Fate
by Dr. Dog
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 29
  3. Negative: 2 out of 29

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  1. MikeP.
    Jul 27, 2008
    10
    Well recorded and very tuneful, simply a great album to play over and over again.
  2. AI
    Jul 28, 2008
    8
    A little more experimental than 'We All Belong', and a little more streamlined, if that makes sense. Very good.
  3. MatteoM.
    Jul 25, 2008
    8
    Album of maturity.
  4. DaveF.
    Jul 29, 2008
    9
    Gorgeous.
  5. LindsayM
    Aug 4, 2008
    10
    I am in love with this band, and Pitchfork seriously needs to stop knocking anything remotely listenable. Why the hate, Pitchfork?
  6. EliC
    Apr 8, 2009
    3
    Well, after loving their first two albums, I was very disappointed to learn that Dr. Dog have now discovered computerized pitch correction. (And they seem the enjoy using it. A lot.) Gone are the realistic lazy harmonies of their previous releases that really sounded like there were 3 guys right in the room with you, trying their best to hit the notes, and coming just close enough to make Well, after loving their first two albums, I was very disappointed to learn that Dr. Dog have now discovered computerized pitch correction. (And they seem the enjoy using it. A lot.) Gone are the realistic lazy harmonies of their previous releases that really sounded like there were 3 guys right in the room with you, trying their best to hit the notes, and coming just close enough to make it work. Listening to "Fate" is more like a computer is in the room with you, synthesizing artificially-perfect vocals with perfectly-tracked drums. The sound is entirely too polished to make the whole vintage thing work. Tube amps are appropriate. Teen-pop production sparkle is like, so not. The songwriting lacks something as well. I'd never wanted to skip a Dr. Dog song before this album.… Collapse
  7. KatieS
    Dec 18, 2008
    10
    I effing love this album... I don't rarely disagree with so many critics, but I think anyone who rated this below an 8 may need to check his/her blood pressure. It's an album that feels good to listen to every.... single.... time you put it on. Enough already, Pitchfork. This is brilliant.
  8. Alex
    Jul 26, 2008
    9
    Much more mellow than previous albums, and they pull it off so well.
  9. DerekS.
    Jul 26, 2008
    10
    This Album is very very very good.
  10. IlyaR
    Aug 13, 2008
    8
    As far as melodic, upbeat classic rock with R&B and psychedelic infusion, it really doesn't get better than Dr. Dog. This album is not any more or less remarkable than either of their two other albums. They all do the same thing, and they're all fantastic listens.
  11. markd
    Aug 22, 2008
    10
    Amazing. Tone-deaf reviewers who chide for use of choo-choo need to get over themselves. A truly great record by a truly great band.
  12. JoeyS.
    Jul 25, 2008
    10
    I love how the lyrics of each song seem to connect, what they need to stop doing however is deliberately changing vocalists every song, i think the albums flow is more important than the contrast between the bass and guitar player.
  13. Anon
    Aug 13, 2008
    4
    Sounds like the past 30 years never happened. No thank you.
  14. krinklykrinkles
    Feb 17, 2009
    9
    Solid album. just short of perfect. probably the best underrated band out today.
  15. MrNiceGuyMan
    Sep 4, 2019
    8
    "Fate" shows best where Dr. dog is good at. The lyrics are clever and the sound works perfectly alongside setting a clear tune for the tracks and for the album. The hopeless but still optimistic sound that comes across "the beach" is a perfect example of this and also my favourite track from this album. Dr. Dog does represent well the young but hopeless mind that tries to push through life.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Alternative Press
    70
    Whether or not Dr. Dog can duly revered based on their own merits remains to be seen, but in the meantime, they've got a ringer on their hands. [Aug 2008, p.170]
  2. Blender
    70
    Even as they take on the album title's potentially heavy theme, two vocalists sing with wide-open smiles, and they toss in new-wave beats alongside the saloon pianos and tube-amp guitars. [Aug 2008, p.84]
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  3. Filter
    93
    What Dr. Dog and its principal songwriters McMicken and Toby Leaman have done is carry on a tradition of soulful writing and musicianship. [Summer, 2008, p.90]
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