Doves – Constellations for the Lonely

Remember When Doves Sounded Like Magic? Lets explore whether Constellations for the Lonely recaptures the band’s signature brilliance—or loses its way.

There’s a certain feeling Doves capture, one that lingers between melancholy and euphoria. The slow build of Firesuite, the soaring catharsis of There Goes the Fear were songs to get lost in.

After more than a decade of uncertainty, a near-breakup, and shifting band dynamics, Constellations for the Lonely arrives in 2025 carrying both expectation and hesitation. With Jimi Goodwin stepping back from full-time vocal duties, the band is different now. But is different better? Or is it simply different?

Let’s dig into what the critics are saying—but more importantly, we want to hear from you. Does Constellations for the Lonely live up to the band’s legacy? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

What Works

A Cinematic, Expansive Sound

From the opening notes of Cold Dreaming, it’s clear that Doves haven’t lost their ability to create vast, textured soundscapes. Layers build, synths pulse, and soon, the song unfolds in full, rich detail. MOJO praises the album’s “cinematic sense of scale,” comparing its immersive quality to In Rainbows-era Radiohead. It’s the kind of production that doesn’t just fill a room, it transforms it.

Emotionally Heavy, But Rewarding

Few bands explore longing and isolation quite like Doves. Here, that introspection deepens, especially on Renegade and Saint Teresa, where weighty themes are woven into the intricate arrangements. The Guardian calls them “impeccably constructed but undeniably somber,” reflecting a band still adept at turning sorrow into something beautiful.

New Voices, New Textures

With Goodwin stepping back, Jez and Andy Williams take on more vocal duties, shifting the band’s dynamic. Glide Magazine highlights Strange Weather, where Jez’s delicate, almost ghostly delivery brings a different kind of emotional pull. The shift is noticeable, but it doesn’t overshadow the music, if anything, it adds an unexpected vulnerability.

Experimental Instrumentation

Strings swell, electronic flourishes peek through, and a sitar solo even makes an appearance. Northern Transmissions describes the album as having “a space-like quality,” stretching the band’s signature sound into new territories. It’s still unmistakably Doves, just with broader brushstrokes.

Critics Are (Mostly) Loving It

With a Metacritic score of 82, Constellations for the Lonely has been met with largely positive reviews. The lush arrangements and immersive atmosphere strike a chord, even as the band evolves into something slightly different.

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👉 Does Constellations still feel like Doves without Goodwin leading? How do the new vocal dynamics shape the album’s impact? Are the sonic experiments a fresh evolution, or do they stray from what made the band special?