Some Cities
by Doves
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 69 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 61 out of 69
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 69
  3. Negative: 5 out of 69

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  1. Ricko
    Nov 29, 2011
    8
    I reckon this is Doves best work. Some great tunes on here. Their most accessible and most consistent album.Black and White Town is the best thing they've ever written.
  2. SeanH
    Aug 18, 2006
    10
    Sing Jimmi..Sing! Blow your lungs out! Very nice piece of work!
  3. mol
    May 18, 2006
    9
    It's almost a ten worthy achievement, but due to some of the easilly forgotten segments of the album, it falls slighlt short. Most of these are after the song "Walk In Fire", which is the album's highlight. Great album though!
  4. SeamusS
    Apr 7, 2006
    8
    I'd give it an 8 1/2 if I could. it's incredible but not masterpeicey
  5. GregH
    Feb 3, 2006
    9
    Beautiful. Layer upon layer of melodic, moody rock, which soothes rather than bores. From Motown to 90s to New Age, it's tough to name an influence these chaps don't draw from. And successfully at that.
  6. JPNesker
    Dec 30, 2005
    10
    This record makes my top 3 of 2005, along with "Plans" by Death Cab, "Man-Made" by the Fannies, and "Illinoise" by Sufjan Stevens...anyone who isn't moved by the peerless pop genius of doves has no musical soul...nuff said.
  7. MackB
    Dec 29, 2005
    10
    Nine months of owning this album (and much listening) have not dulled its intensity or impact. I understand that this music might not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you have enjoyed previous Doves releases, then this one shouldn't dissapoint. To me, it seems like they took the best elements of their first two albums and combined them here - without rehashing previous material Nine months of owning this album (and much listening) have not dulled its intensity or impact. I understand that this music might not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you have enjoyed previous Doves releases, then this one shouldn't dissapoint. To me, it seems like they took the best elements of their first two albums and combined them here - without rehashing previous material and yet still maintaining a trademark sound. I can certainly understand that enjoying music is related to an emotional connection - but that said, I think that the Doves' music is often times described as 'boring' by those who lack the attention span to sit through one listen of their albums. (As a side note, Elbow seems to receive the same treatment, despite making such enjoyable albums.) There are plenty of hooks - but many of these songs are slow to develop, and grow on you after multiple listens. A single listen might seem disappointing to those who need instant gratification from their listening experience. But, to each his own. To me, this one is definitely a keeper.… Expand
  8. TonyS
    Sep 18, 2005
    9
    Some Cities, is a great album, not quite as good as their first "Lost Souls" but an improvement over "The Last Broadcast". This album is full of great songs. My personal favourites are, Snowden, Almost Forgot Myself, Someday soon and the towering, Sky starts falling. Sky starts falling is a an almost, "Jam" like tune, Jimi Goodwins vocals even have a Weller like feel to them, the drums Some Cities, is a great album, not quite as good as their first "Lost Souls" but an improvement over "The Last Broadcast". This album is full of great songs. My personal favourites are, Snowden, Almost Forgot Myself, Someday soon and the towering, Sky starts falling. Sky starts falling is a an almost, "Jam" like tune, Jimi Goodwins vocals even have a Weller like feel to them, the drums pound and the guitars soa, it is the most fully realsied and formed Doves song we have yet to hear, when I first heard it, I knew it had to be a single. Doves are one of the 5 best bands in the world and have been for about 5 years but they are in such a subtle and understated way, that they will never get the acclaim for this. Long may they carry on producing records of this quality.… Expand
  9. matta
    Sep 9, 2005
    8
    I really don't understand the poor reviews. While still not as good as Lost Souls, this album is just as strong as Last Broadcast. The first five songs are classic and the rest is pretty solid as well with just a few slightly weak spots. So far, it's in my top twenty of the year, and it gets better with each listen.
  10. DanB.
    Jul 15, 2005
    7
    First four tracks are untouchable. The rest of the album is good but kinda loses the momentum it started out with. But it is an album you can listen to from start to finish without having to skip a track.
  11. BodinA
    Jul 12, 2005
    10
    Great album !!! Pop, Dark pop, Soul......
  12. JerryL
    Jul 8, 2005
    7
    A very solid album throughout, Doves continue to get better with every release. They seem to be stripping away some of the layers from their earlier material and are going for a leaner, focused sound. Fortunately, the stronger songs on the record are complimented by this approach. Has just two or three dull spots ("The Storm" stands out as the main offender) but many hilights.
  13. MichaelK
    Jul 4, 2005
    8
    definitely worth picking up for the very strong and melodic first half or so ("Some Cities" --> "Walk In Fire"), and by no means as dull as most of the bands they keep getting compared to (when's the last time you've heard Coildplay use instrumentation anywhere as clever as on this album? or samples?). however, it does seem to drag and get mired somewhat in its own pretension definitely worth picking up for the very strong and melodic first half or so ("Some Cities" --> "Walk In Fire"), and by no means as dull as most of the bands they keep getting compared to (when's the last time you've heard Coildplay use instrumentation anywhere as clever as on this album? or samples?). however, it does seem to drag and get mired somewhat in its own pretension over the second half, though this is mostly due to somewhat poor sequencing. "the storm" is gut-wrenching and "shadows of salford" is quaint and amusing, both great songs despite what many say, and i'd definitely love to see more Jez Williams vocals. it's heresy to even utter the name coldplay in the same paragraph as this powerful, compelling band.… Expand
  14. noemier
    May 20, 2005
    10
    tis the best
  15. SaeedG
    May 11, 2005
    8
    Solid all around, though is not as accesible and memorable as Last Broadcast. Highlights: Some Cities, Black & White Town, Snowden, Sky Starts Falling Skip: The Storm
  16. CarlosM
    May 4, 2005
    9
    An excellent anthemic and epic album. The first 6 songs are awsome. We are at the verge of the first really great band of the latest nineties and the begining of the new century. Coldplay will pass, Travis already passed, but Doves have an intensity, and athmosphere of their own that can't be missed and will be remembered at least for the next 25 years. Some cities is dark, An excellent anthemic and epic album. The first 6 songs are awsome. We are at the verge of the first really great band of the latest nineties and the begining of the new century. Coldplay will pass, Travis already passed, but Doves have an intensity, and athmosphere of their own that can't be missed and will be remembered at least for the next 25 years. Some cities is dark, melancholic, and is filled with a sense of urgency that responds to a sad urban life that envolves many of us.… Expand
  17. BenS
    May 2, 2005
    9
    Fantastic Album. First Four songs make the album worth a buy alone. Not quite as good as Last Broadcast, but still, impressive.
  18. StephenC
    Apr 29, 2005
    10
    What a great album. The Doves are great at making albums that feel so complete and as though they've gone through the motions to write. I dont deel they write songs just so they can release a single or an other reason apart from making good music. The write and play what they are feeling. Brilliant and great beats.
  19. SimonH
    Apr 26, 2005
    10
    Amazing! No more no less.
  20. JohnW
    Apr 23, 2005
    9
    Stunning mostly
  21. MikeH
    Apr 22, 2005
    10
    LOVE IT. One of the best albums I've picked up for a long time. Going to the show in Vancouver May 6th and I can't wait!!!!
  22. TomR
    Apr 9, 2005
    0
    Rubbish. Flat. Off-pitch. Stolen. Van Gogh would cut off his other ear.
  23. MaciejW
    Apr 5, 2005
    9
    Lush and atmospheric, The Doves know how to craft mind powering tunes, and although this record doesn't have as strong a consistency as Last Broadcast does, it definitely does not fall short of its mark boasting some of the best Songs the Doves have written to date (especially the first 4 tracks of the record).
  24. melanier
    Apr 5, 2005
    10
    Another fantastic, melodic, soulful, intelligent offering from The Doves. I just hope that they all comtinue to get along and keep producing music with such longevity. Am still not tired of the first album. Ambition is a beautiful offering. Snowden, Sky starts falling and Walk in Fire, in fact there is not a bad song on this album.
  25. CarolG.
    Apr 4, 2005
    7
    Some of this album rocks out - but they really should have dropped that "Walk with Fire" track - stands out as lame and unorginal
  26. Anandgyan
    Apr 3, 2005
    7
    The sophomore jink hits them on their third album. It is efficient but not so memorable as were the first two albums with their sizzling moments. A Coldplay-Elbow hybrid if there were ever one yet LS and LB were magnificent. Let's wait.
  27. JoeDP
    Apr 3, 2005
    10
    Not an easy listen...but well worth the replays...which will leave the melody's ringing in your head and make you take a closer look at each song (from stucture to lyrics)...The DOVES are England....if you have ever been there or lived there you will understand...What I have always enjoyed about the DOVES is the way their music is PERSONAL and its up to the public to catch on...you Not an easy listen...but well worth the replays...which will leave the melody's ringing in your head and make you take a closer look at each song (from stucture to lyrics)...The DOVES are England....if you have ever been there or lived there you will understand...What I have always enjoyed about the DOVES is the way their music is PERSONAL and its up to the public to catch on...you either like them or want nothing to do with there world.… Expand
  28. NickPik
    Mar 28, 2005
    10
    Brilliant again...they keep pushing the boundries of music the no other band can imagine.
  29. Joris
    Mar 26, 2005
    5
    A few very good songs: the single is OK, One of these days and Someday Soon are gems and Ambition even brings Sigur Ros to mind... But then we had it, and even the above mentioned tracks can't meet up with (ahum) the filler tracks, experiments on masterpiece The Last Broadcast. Walk with Fire is e.g. like a bad copy of There goes the fear, anyone noticed yet? Very good band, A few very good songs: the single is OK, One of these days and Someday Soon are gems and Ambition even brings Sigur Ros to mind... But then we had it, and even the above mentioned tracks can't meet up with (ahum) the filler tracks, experiments on masterpiece The Last Broadcast. Walk with Fire is e.g. like a bad copy of There goes the fear, anyone noticed yet? Very good band, dissapointing album. I mean do "they" really have to open their album with a dull attempt to rock like Some Cities?… Expand
  30. MLM
    Mar 25, 2005
    8
    Like the Billboard review says, this disc is less epic than its predecessors; catchier, yet still retaining what made Doves great. Gets better with every listen.
  31. NickR
    Mar 25, 2005
    9
    Inspiring third album from Doves. Showcasing Jimi Goodwins incredible soulful voice to great effect. The first 8 tracks are all killer, the last 3 lose focus a bit i think, but still a great album. More Lost Souls than Last Broadcast, and maybe their best yet!
  32. joset
    Mar 24, 2005
    6
    this is an average album... definitely not creative as steve says... also, it may sound nice at times but after a while (especially towards the end of the cd) it becomes tiresome. good for background music. there are plenty of better releases currently, including bloc party and the kaiser chiefs. if possible, i would borrow this first and not buy it.
  33. Steve
    Mar 21, 2005
    10
    Beautiful, elegant, and creative. There's not much of that in today's music. Shallow-minded listeners like Robert P and alice better go look up the top five albums of the week at billboard.com to make sure it's cool.
  34. MatthewA
    Mar 20, 2005
    9
    Takes a while to get used to, but Some Cities definitely passes as one of the best albums so far this year.
  35. RobertP
    Mar 17, 2005
    2
    yawn... zzzzz.......
  36. Alice
    Mar 17, 2005
    3
    I can't believe how anyone can rate this a perfect 10. This album has only a couple of decent songs. It starts off promising and pretty much goes downhill from that point.
  37. JohhnyW
    Mar 16, 2005
    5
    A bit boring compared to their first two albums.
  38. VitoZ
    Mar 11, 2005
    8
    Like the previous 2 albums they released, the record needs a couple listen tos before you can understand the beauty of the work. I find myself humming/singing the songs when not listening to anything at the moment. It's a fairly addictive album once you start listening.
  39. [Anonymous]
    Mar 9, 2005
    10
    11 masterpieces = a masterpiece record That's an easy review
  40. LawrenceP
    Mar 9, 2005
    8
    As good as everything else they have done. One of the most solid british bands around, along with radiohead and blur. RYAN C Who took the jam out of your dougnut!
  41. DaveK
    Mar 9, 2005
    10
    Great CD! I still think I like Lost Souls slightly better, but this comes very close.
  42. DaveL
    Mar 7, 2005
    9
    Absolutely brilliant. Close to Lost Souls as their best work, it combines the last two albums into a big soup of greatness.
  43. MattD.
    Mar 7, 2005
    10
    A masterpiece! Don't listen to the snobs.
  44. Ryanc
    Mar 3, 2005
    1
    Screw the Doves, Manchester music died ten years previously. However if you are interested in great music from England, try Kervin Hyte and also the Seperated Parts. Now thats the future, not the Doves
  45. ColR
    Mar 3, 2005
    9
    Doves are the greatest post brit-pop indie band to come out of Manchester. This album is as consistently great as the previous two. Any critic who doesn't praise this awesome aural treat doesn't know music.
  46. Decepticon_Pom
    Mar 2, 2005
    8
    It's like someone took all the best bits from your favourite Doves songs and put them all together in a whole new Dovetacular order. And Black & White Town is one of the most infectiously wondrous comeback singles in recent years by anyone!
  47. richard
    Mar 1, 2005
    8
    Not as good as lost souls, but that aside it's a fine album which grows on you with each listen. In particular 'Ambition' is beautiful beyond words and 'i almost forgot myself' is amongst the best they've done. Just buy it.
  48. TomB
    Mar 1, 2005
    9
    Their high watermark. I would love to sit the Playlouder critic down and hash this out with him, because either the guy has tin for ears or he didn't get Jimi to autograph his tit back in 1999.
  49. RobEggnog
    Mar 1, 2005
    9
    This years first great album. More windswept than it's predecessor, listen to 'Snowden' and you'd be hard pressed not to be impressed.
  50. MichaelK.
    Mar 1, 2005
    8
    Like Coldplay if they actually tried. Gorgeous and catchy.
  51. MarkusK
    Feb 28, 2005
    9
    Don't care what the critics say, but this is really great album. For me, it's even better than their first one, and definitely better than the second, that was really "grey" and dumb album. This one is full of life and wonderful musically.

Awards & Rankings

76
#76 Most Discussed Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 28
  3. Negative: 3 out of 28
  1. Rolling Stone
    60
    Some Cities is less self-consciously arty than Souls, though the murky atmospherics and nondistinct Brit voices here will likely confine the album to the nether regions of America's Top 100.
    Read full review
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    There's an almost antiquated quality to this wondrously exhilarating, shimmering pop masterpiece. [4 Mar 2005, p.73]
  3. Urb
    80
    They throw light on their shadowy melancholia, resulting in positively euphoric tunes. [Mar 2005, p.111]
See all critic reviews »