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Fate
by
Fate Image
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 29 Ratings

  • Summary: This is the fifth album for the indie-rock band from Philadelphia.

Top Track

The Breeze
Are you moving much too fast? And the good times that just don't last If you're always on the go Make an angel in the snow And freeze Do you feel... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. 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]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Hartford Courant
    80
    The Philadelphia group's fifth full-length release has a musical richness and depth of songwriting that weren't fully present on Dr. Dog's somewhat less-focused earlier music, though there were hints on "Easy Beat" in 2005 and "We All Belong" in 2007.
  3. Billboard
    80
    Thoughtfully added complexities and musicality, like the horns and honky-tonk pianos that accent 'Army of Ancients,' bring Dr. Dog's now-familiar style to a new level of maturity and prove it's not just destiny bringing the band its success
  4. AllMusic
    70
    The sound effects that link the songs and clumsy tape edits seem a tad forced,and some of the titles and lyrical themes seem recycled from We All Belong. That being said, Fate is still a thoroughly enjoyable album from a fine band.
  5. Under The Radar
    70
    Dr. Dog wear their influences on their sleeves. They also don’t seem particularly concerned about being the flavor of the week. These two things seem to rub a lot of reviewers the wrong way, and certainly, this album is more of the same. But it’s the most confident, complete outing since "Easy Beat." [Summer 2008]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. PopMatters
    60
    For now, it looks like Dr. Dog will stick to their sunny, over-produced pop songs, finding safe ground, pitching tent, and making camp for the night.
  7. Slant Magazine
    50
    Unfortunately, it's also phenomenally uninteresting. That isn't to say that the album is bad. Put it on at a low-key party and nobody will complain--but they probably won't ask you what it is either.

See all 23 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. 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 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.… Expand
  2. 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?
  4. 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.
  5. Alex
    Jul 26, 2008
    9
    Much more mellow than previous albums, and they pull it off so well.
  6. DaveF.
    Jul 29, 2008
    9
    Gorgeous.
  7. 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"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.… Expand
  8. 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. 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

See all 15 User Reviews

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