Beware of the Dogs
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LP / Format
Secretly Canadian / Label
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CRITIC REVIEWS
90
The simple addition of synths, cello, bass, piano and (most notably) percussion, has elevated her music to a place most of us were hoping she would — one that's sonically diverse and a little more multidimensional.
90
With stories that give Courtney Barnett a run for her money and guitars reminiscent of Girl Ray, this album is truly entrancing and refreshing on dozens of levels.
90
Wonderfully fearless from start to finish, Donnelly speaks up for those who either won’t or can’t. Referring to herself as a “shit-stirrer”, Beware of the Dogs proves that Donnelly is anything but: her outspokenness is completely justified.
85
Stella Donnelly’s Beware of the Dogs sees her having grown musically and emotionally, and attacking various hard-hitting topics, both personal and political, with a more worldly perspective. However, the tracks on Beware of the Dogs brim with a character and cheekiness that brings enough levity to ensure unbridled enjoyment while dealing with these angering topics.
85
Beware of the Dogs is a melodic, memorable package overflowing with promise.
83
Beware of the Dogs shines in its concrete approaches to meaningful subject matter.
80
Building on the promise shown with ‘Thrush Metal’, ‘Beware of the Dogs’ presents Donnelly as an artist confident in her voice and unafraid of serious talk delivered with wit.
80
She wields anger, humour and empathy with such skill, creating a debut album from a bright and fearless voice that’s sure to ruffle feathers but also comfort many more.
80
By giving voice to her experiences Stella Donnelly is an artist giving a face to today’s climate of injustice, gender imbalance and music industry sexism and abuse, she’s giving voice to the voiceless, she’s turning the tables, ripping power from the powerful with humour.
80
Stella Donnelly has got the world in her palm, and the brain to do exactly what she wants with it.
80
As you journey through this accomplished debut, that voice becomes a trusted companion, inviting you into Donnelly’s perspective before gently leading you back out into the world alone.
80
Beware of the Dogs is Stella adjusting the scales, shifting seamlessly between intimate and all-encompassing.
80
What makes Beware the Dogs such a fun and engaging listen is how Donnelly expresses her opinions with such imperfect candor.
80
Enthralling and hugely relevant, the Australian singer-songwriter's debut album tackles difficult subject matter with cheekiness and real lightness of touch.
80
Through viciously direct lines or implication, she doesn’t need to pull up data or a full history lesson, she’s pissed and you know exactly why.
80
Beware of the Dogs is a triumph on its own terms, going from high point to high point as she maps the pains, pleasures and anxieties of her personal patch of twentysomething bohemia.
80
For a debut it’s a remarkably confident and assured album, while hinting at even greater things to come in future years.
76
The Australian singer-songwriter’s debut album brings her captivating voice and keen eye to songs that demolish expectations. Fierce, funny, and unsettling, her music is empathetic to the core.
73
An imaginative indie-pop chronicle of millennial malaise.
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.
70
Stella Donnelly has an unwavering ability to execute a subtly empowering and relevant record with derisive humour and mischievous wit.
70
Beware of the Dogs is a solid indie rock and pop album thanks to Stella Donnelly's songwriting personality, though she's still finding her voice.
If you're looking for funny, smart and somewhat relatable songwriting, look no further. If you're looking for interesting music, look elsewhere.
tldr; this album is really nice, very well writen, and overall isn't a bad album. But...Look.
I'm glad that female artists are able to write and create honest music that they 100% believe in and want to make. In an era where everything is being over-read, over-analysed, over shared and over reviewed, with people being overtly nihilist and dismissive because of the new connection to information we currently have, it's very nice to see honesty, fearlessness and positive vibes in an age that ... read more
I'm glad that female artists are able to write and create honest music that they 100% believe in and want to make. In an era where everything is being over-read, over-analysed, over shared and over reviewed, with people being overtly nihilist and dismissive because of the new connection to information we currently have, it's very nice to see honesty, fearlessness and positive vibes in an age that ... read more
I repeat. I said I repeat. This is the YEAR for female artists. Nearly every female-led singer/songwriter project released this year has been stellar and this is no exception.
Donnelly crafts a fun debut record in which both humor and personal and intimate songwriting are the bedrocks of this record. Some tracks are more delicate whereas others have a more driving motion behind them. Both vibes work well and create a strong and diverse debut.
You just gotta love this.
Favorite track: Boys ... read more
Donnelly crafts a fun debut record in which both humor and personal and intimate songwriting are the bedrocks of this record. Some tracks are more delicate whereas others have a more driving motion behind them. Both vibes work well and create a strong and diverse debut.
You just gotta love this.
Favorite track: Boys ... read more
i was anticipating reviewing this album, and it did not disappoint. while a lot of people right now are pretty fed up with the indie rock sound that's been popular recently thanks to sites like Pitchfork, it's never really bothered me. i love this kind of music, and Beware of the Dogs is one of the best examples in recent years. each song here is packed with emotion, humor, and great instrumentation.
while the base instruments used in many of these songs is pretty simple and standard, Stella ... read more
while the base instruments used in many of these songs is pretty simple and standard, Stella ... read more
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Track List
- Old Man
- Mosquito
- Season’s Greetings
- Allergies
- Tricks
- Boys Will Be Boys
- Lunch
- Bistro
- Die
- Beware of the Dogs
- U Owe Me
- Watching Telly
- Face It
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Added on: January 9, 2019