Review of Dorothy’s album ‘The Way’ by The Soundboard

Dorothy’s album, ‘The Way,’ may not rank as their worst effort, but it surely falls short in terms of satisfaction. This deviation from their usual style is quite noticeable and continues throughout the album.

Unlike many retro-rock bands, Dorothy has managed to diversify their sound, progressing from their riff-heavy debut, ‘ROCKISDEAD,’ to an impressive Led Zeppelin influence on ’28 Days In The Valley,’ and then showcasing their versatility with ‘Gifts From The Holy Ghost.’ However, ‘The Way’ sees them exploring southern- and country-rock, a departure from their established sound. Unfortunately, this shift feels forced and manufactured, rather than a natural evolution for the band.

The album’s tendency to borrow heavily from other acts is evident, particularly on tracks like ‘The Devil I Know’ and ‘Bones.’ These songs bear a striking resemblance to Alter Bridge and The Pretty Reckless, respectively, highlighting Dorothy’s struggle to find their own voice amidst a sea of influences.

One of the standout tracks, ‘Mud On Ya,’ takes a bizarre turn as it incorporates trap elements and strays far from Dorothy’s blues-rock roots. This departure feels out of character and jarring, lacking the authenticity that made the band’s earlier work so engaging.

Despite ‘The Way’ showcasing some radio-friendly hits like ‘Putting Out The Fire’ and ‘Unholy Water,’ the album feels formulaic and lacks the raw energy that defined Dorothy’s earlier releases. Even with the inclusion of legendary guitarist Slash on ‘Tombstone Town,’ the album falls short of recapturing the band’s former glory.

Lead vocalist Dorothy Martin’s powerful voice is a highlight throughout the album, but even her vocals feel overworked and restrained, losing the spontaneity and passion that once defined the band. The album’s attempt at a ‘Southern gothic’ vibe feels superficial, overshadowed by cliched imagery and lackluster execution.

While there are glimpses of the band’s potential on tracks like ‘Super Human,’ the overall lack of cohesion and creativity on ‘The Way’ leaves much to be desired. Dorothy’s attempt at mainstream rock feels contrived and lacks the authenticity that made them stand out in the first place.

In conclusion, ‘The Way’ may offer some radio-friendly hits, but it ultimately falls short of capturing the essence of Dorothy’s earlier work. The album feels like a calculated attempt to reach a wider audience, sacrificing the band’s unique identity in the process. Fans of Dorothy may find moments to enjoy on this album, but overall, it feels like a missed opportunity for a band with such potential.