Album Review- Pete Doherty- Felt Better Alive

The Libertines remind me a bit of the Strokes. Formed a year earlier, their debut released 15 months later. Critics could have no issue with such blatant ripping off of their on-their-sleeve influences. Yet in many ways, it felt fresh and there was no denying their melodic ear. It was a rip off of 70s/80s NYC and 70s/80s UK fashion and sound but it was so cool.

One suspected Pete Doherty was either going to die an early death or if he survived find himself a Costello or Morrissey style respected elder lyrical statesman. Neither really quite panned out. Doherty was hard to love for awhile but he seemed to find some middle aged magic. 

His fifth (by most counts) solo record comes off two well received works- 2022s Frederic Lo collaboration Fantasy of Life and Crime and 2024s Libertines reunion All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade. 2025s Felt Better Alive comes out to some glowing reviews. 

As a fan, I agree with the take that he’s making some great music. I am less enthralled by the new record though. That’s probably explainable -11 songs at a mere 28 minutes. Doherty always was capable of just plugging in a guitar and churning out an enjoyable half hour and that’s what this feels like. But I also think it’s an odds and sods album. (At least I thought I read that at least a couple of songs were previously heard. Danged if I can find that now). 

Most songs feel like fragments. “Pretre de la Mar” is a standout with its sea shanty-ish charm. “Pot of Gold” offering happy domestic life. These are highlights that could fit on any Doherty playlist- rarely but sometimes making it past the three minute mark. The goofy “Fingee” is one I would skip but it seems popular so what do I know. Which may be where I land. 

Most reviewers think more of this album than I do. I am not willing to bump many of Doherty’s other albums off my favorites list for this. That said, it’s still a decent listen if you’re a fan.