Fate
by Dr. Dog
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. 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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  2. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    Strict modernists may chafe at the band's unapologetically backward-glancing aesthetic, but the rest should happily succumb to the shaggy charm of Fate's easy-like-Sunday-morning ramblings.
  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
  5. Delusions of Adequacy
    80
    Ultimately, this is a winner and though it may not offer the new, revelatory sounds and styles that some were hoping, in the end it wins out because of its heart.
  6. 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.
  7. Village Voice
    80
    Highlights of Fate coming back 'round one last time give satisfying closure, but also tease what's coming when it's inevitably cued up again.
  8. Sputnikmusic
    80
    Simply put, Fate is a refreshment of the sound that has been missing for so long.
  9. Mojo
    80
    With Fate, Dr. Dog have begun to deliever the sort of super-confident songs that, up until now, have proved frustratingly out of reach. [Sep 2008, p.108]
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  10. The A.V. Club
    75
    'From' is catchy, but it also involves the phrase "choo-choo train," which no one above kindergarten age should have to sing. Still, it's adult and musically complex enough to pick up the slack.
  11. 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]
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  12. 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]
  13. 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]
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  14. Spin
    70
    Though Fate's sepia sweetness and the band's ever-improving instrumental ingenuity (see 'em live!) can't mask a vaguely troubling lack of original ideas, Dr. Dog wears the vintage look amiably well.
  15. 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.
  16. Austin Chronicle
    67
    Dr. Dog evolves impressively with each album but still promises more than Fate delivers.

User Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. 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.… Full Review »
  2. 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.… Full Review »
  3. krinklykrinkles
    Feb 17, 2009
    9
    Solid album. just short of perfect. probably the best underrated band out today.
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