Dodie Not For Lack Of Trying
Review coming soon...
Critics' Top Tracks
The standout songs that made critics take notice
The List
1 mention
"she pushes to magical heights on "The List," dressing her journal-like lyrics in lilting piano, strings, and her own sweet clarinet accents."— AllMusic
I’M FINE!
1 mention
"introspection (‘I’M FINE!’)"— Clash Music
I'M FINE!
2 mentions
"The opening "I'M FINE!" smartly sets the tone as Dodie ruminates on turning 29"— AllMusic
she pushes to magical heights on "The List," dressing her journal-like lyrics in lilting piano, strings, and her own sweet clarinet accents.
Track Ratings
How critics rated each track, relative to this album (0-100). Only tracks that made critics feel something are rated.
I’M FINE!
Smart Girl
Darling, Angel, Baby
Hold Fire
Tall Kids
I Feel Bad For You, Dave
Now
The List
Different
The End
The Answer
Not For Lack Of Trying
What Critics Are Saying
Deep insights from 4 critics who reviewed this album
Critic's Take
For listeners searching for the best songs on Not For Lack Of Trying, Dodie’s standout cuts include “I'M FINE!” and “I Feel Bad For You, Dave” for their raw introspection and narrative clarity. The album’s best tracks balance delicate vocals and upbeat moments — notably “The Answer” — showcasing why Not For Lack Of Trying is regarded as her best work. Overall, the best songs on Not For Lack Of Trying highlight themes of vulnerability, coming-of-age, and intimate storytelling.
Key Points
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“I'M FINE!” stands out for its intimate introspection and emotional clarity.
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The album’s core strengths are vulnerable songwriting, lush vocals, and balanced upbeat moments.
Themes
Critic's Take
The best songs on Not For Lack Of Trying are intimate, tuneful highlights like "I'M FINE!", "The List", and "Darling, Angel, Baby" that showcase Dodie's lyrical candor and melodic craft. Critics praise "I'M FINE!" for setting the tone of liminal adulthood and anxiety, and "The List" for elevating journal-like lyrics with lilting piano and strings. "Darling, Angel, Baby" is noted for its duet charm, while "I Feel Bad for You, Dave" delivers sharper, acidic commentary. Overall, the album's best tracks balance delicate revelation with theatrical arrangements, making them standout moments on Not For Lack Of Trying.
Key Points
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The List is best for its lush arrangements and lyrical magic, making it the album's standout.
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The album's core strengths are intimate songwriting, delicate vocals, and skillful blending of classical and folk textures.
Themes
Critic's Take
Best songs on Not For Lack of Trying include "Smart Girl", "Tall Kids" and "I Feel Bad For You, Dave" — Smart Girl is highlighted as an early standout with explosive string tremolo, Tall Kids showcases dodie’s peak emotive vocals, and I Feel Bad For You, Dave demonstrates playful storytelling. The review praises immaculate production and a consistently gentle, pensive mood while noting a sameness that weakens impact in the slower second half. Longtime fans will find cosy, autumnal listening, but newcomers may find the uniformity limiting.
Key Points
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Smart Girl is the standout for its emotional intensity and explosive string work.
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The album’s core strengths are immaculate, intimate production and dodie’s emotive, story-driven songwriting.
Themes
Critic's Take
Best songs on Not For Lack Of Trying include "I'M FINE" and "Different", highlighted for their cinematic strings and luminous arrangements. The review praises stripped-back moments like "Now" for intimate harmonies and notes bossa-nova flair on "I Feel Bad For You, Dave". It flags weaker moments such as "Darling, Angel, Baby" where cheesy lyrics undercut the warmth. Overall, the album's orchestral growth and hidden instrumental flourishes make these tracks stand out as the best on the record.
Key Points
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“I'M FINE” stands out for its cinematic string-arranged chorus, making it the album's best moment.
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The album's core strengths are its expanded orchestral arrangements, intimate harmonies, and memorable instrumental flourishes.