Dolores Forever It's Nothing
Dolores Forever's It's Nothing announces a confident debut that blends nostalgic 2000s and 1980s pop textures with frank, female-centered storytelling. Critics agree the record delivers memorable hooks and candid storytelling, and the collection earned a 78/100 consensus score across 4 professional reviews, marking it as a well-crafted, often rewarding first statement. It's Nothing repeatedly points to themes of female empowerment, friendship, anxiety and existential dread while balancing clever humour and raw honesty.
Reviewers consistently single out “Not Now Kids” as the album's electrifying opener and most talked-about moment, with harmonies and lyrical bite that critics call both earworm and political. Other standout tracks flagged across reviews include “Grace”, “Rotten Peaches”, “Stop Making It Worse” and “Someday Best” - each cited for hooky melodies, effective storytelling and moments of catharsis. Professional reviews praise the duo's knack for pairing punchy pop production with intimate lyricism, even as some critics note uneven lyrical delivery and occasional production missteps that blunt certain songs' impact.
Taken together the critical consensus frames It's Nothing as a debut with clear strengths: strong songcraft, vivid narratives about identity and self-worth, and memorable top tracks that reward repeat listens. Some reviewers temper that praise with observations about inconsistency, but overall the record stakes a distinct claim for Dolores Forever as a compelling voice in contemporary pop, worthy of attention and repeated plays.
Critics' Top Tracks
The standout songs that made critics take notice
Grace
3 mentions
"A later standout is the anthemic and infectious “Grace” beginning with sparse instrumentation and introspective lyrics"— The Line of Best Fit
Not Now Kids
4 mentions
"the album kicks off with “Not Now Kids” a track that perfectly encapsulates the band’s knack for blending melancholy with anthemic hooks"— The Line of Best Fit
Rotten Peaches
3 mentions
"“Rotten Peaches” slinks effortlessly, all pulsating beats and infectious melodies."— The Line of Best Fit
A later standout is the anthemic and infectious “Grace” beginning with sparse instrumentation and introspective lyrics
Track Ratings
How critics rated each track, relative to this album (0-100). Only tracks that made critics feel something are rated.
Not Now Kids
Someday Best
Concrete
Split Lip
Stop Making It Worse
Go Fast Go Slow
Rotten Peaches
Thank You For Breathing
Grace
Why Are You Not Scared Yet?
What Critics Are Saying
Deep insights from 4 critics who reviewed this album
Critic's Take
Dolores Forever make a striking debut with It's Nothing, where the best songs - “Go Fast Go Slow”, “Not Now Kids”, and “Grace” - showcase their knack for melding introspection with irresistible hooks. The record wears its influences proudly, channeling alt-pop pulse and disco grooves while never losing its intimate center, which is why “Go Fast Go Slow” stands out as a centerpiece of mood and melody. Wilson and Fabrin's harmonies elevate “Not Now Kids” into pure earworm territory, and “Grace” provides buoyant payoff that confirms these are among the best tracks on It's Nothing. Listening for the album's best songs reveals a duo confident in texture and story, balancing punchy pop energy with genuine emotional weight.
Key Points
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“Go Fast Go Slow” is best for its title-linking theme and captivating electro-pop atmosphere.
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The album's core strengths are textured harmonies, alt-pop songwriting, and a blend of disco and electro-pop influences.
Themes
Critic's Take
Dolores Forever’s debut It’s Nothing skates between impeccably crafted hooks and glancing misfires, which is why the best songs - “Not Now Kids” and “Stop Making It Worse” - stand out as the record’s most irresistible moments. Bella Martin’s tone is measured and slightly rueful, noting that “Not Now Kids” shimmies in with a Janelle Monáe impression while “Stop Making It Worse” could have slotted into a 2010s pop hitmaker’s playbook. The album rewards listeners who chase those glittery pop moments, even when tracks like “Concrete” and “Go Fast Go Slow” expose lyrical and production shortcomings.
Key Points
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“Not Now Kids” is the best track because its earworm chorus and confident opener energy make it the album’s most immediate hook.
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The album’s core strength is well-crafted, nostalgic pop songwriting that yields glittery moments despite uneven lyrics and production.
Themes
Critic's Take
In Phil Taylor's wry, conversational voice the best songs on It's Nothing stand out because they marry clever lyrics with irresistible hooks. He repeatedly singles out “Not Now Kids” as a rousing opener and points to “Someday Best” as an unlikely anthem with the infamous "Shut up and eat the pasta" refrain. Tracks like “Concrete” and “Split Lip” are praised for pace and emotional build, and the closing pair “Grace” and “Why Are You Not Scared Yet?” are described as future-looking and zeitgeist-capturing. Overall Taylor frames the album as modern yet soaked in the 1980s, strong songcraft across ten tracks, and richly rewarding on repeated listens.
Key Points
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“Not Now Kids” is the best song because it pairs infectious energy with a politically resonant chorus that can anchor the album.
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The album’s core strength is consistent songcraft blending 1980s synth textures, clever lyrics, and honest emotional content across ten cohesive tracks.
Themes
Critic's Take
In a voice equal parts exuberant and clear-eyed, Dolores Forever's debut It's Nothing stakes its claim with immediacy: the best songs - “Not Now Kids”, “Grace” and “Rotten Peaches” - showcase the band’s knack for pairing melancholic lyrics with anthemic hooks. The reviewer revels in the record's blend of pop sheen and indie grit, noting how “Not Now Kids” eviscerates world leaders while sticking a melodic landing, and how “Grace” turns sad banger shimmer into catharsis. This is an album that rewards repeated listens, its strongest tracks delivering emotional clarity and irresistible melodic thrust.
Key Points
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“Not Now Kids” is best because it pairs melancholy with anthemic hooks and pointed political imagery.
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The album’s core strengths are emotional clarity, genre-blending production, and confident, melodic songwriting.