Dexys Midnight Runners - LOVE (2026)
A very personal and occasionally touching soul album, with some elegant arrangements, but one that I find rather uneven and often too theatrical for my taste.
LOVE sees Dexys Midnight Runners returning to their original name, with Kevin Rowland reflecting on his life, relationships and family. Produced by David Holmes, the album combines Northern soul, disco, orchestral pop and intimate piano ballads. The production is warm and sophisticated, although I sometimes feel that the arrangements are more interesting than the songs themselves.
“It's Over Now” is my favourite track. I enjoy its lively Northern soul rhythm, the catchy chorus and the contrast between the melancholic lyrics and the energy of the music. It's one of the few songs where everything comes together naturally without feeling overly dramatic.
“You've Got The Love” has an enjoyable disco groove, while “My Life In England Pt. 1” offers some interesting arrangements and autobiographical storytelling. “Once A Man, Twice A Child” is emotionally sincere, and “Old Love” has a pleasant, understated atmosphere, although neither leaves a particularly strong musical impression.
My main problem is Kevin Rowland's vocal delivery. I understand that his exaggerated phrasing and theatrical interpretation are part of Dexys' identity, but I often find them distracting rather than moving. Some passages feel almost spoken or overacted, and the slower songs tend to drag.
The songwriting is also quite inconsistent. There are some good melodies, but several tracks rely heavily on their arrangements and emotional intentions without offering much that stays with me afterwards. The album's nostalgic atmosphere is coherent, but it becomes a little monotonous over 45 minutes.
I appreciate the sincerity of the project and the quality of the musicianship, but I find the overall experience more interesting than enjoyable. A few good moments, just not enough songs I'd really want to return to.
58/100
❤️ Favourite track: “It's Over Now”
+ Warm, elegant soul arrangements
+ Some enjoyable grooves and melodic moments
+ Personal and emotionally sincere songwriting
– Overly theatrical vocal delivery
– Uneven songs and limited memorability
– Several slow, repetitive passages
Genre: Blue-eyed soul
Country: UK
Final Verdict: 58% (Forgettable Album)
Yearly Ranking: 680th / 742
Highlight: It's Over Now
Made me think of:
The Style Council
The Blue Nile
ABC
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