Single Review: Peter Doherty – ‘Felt Better Alive’
Felt Better Alive
Peter Doherty makes a triumphant return with ‘Felt Better Alive’, his first solo album in nearly a decade. Released through Strap Originals on May 16th, the album marks a bold new chapter in Doherty’s storied career, showcasing a blend of playful innocence, poetic realism, and the melodic charm that has cemented him as a beloved figure in modern music.
The album’s title track, ‘Felt Better Alive‘, is a glorious and rambunctious opener that perfectly sets the tone for what’s to come. Released as the first single, the song immediately captivates with its raw energy and Doherty’s unmistakable flair for storytelling. The accompanying music video, directed by acclaimed French filmmaker Rose Bosch (1492: Conquest of Paradise, The Round Up), is a cinematic experience in itself. Filmed in the picturesque landscapes of Normandy, it features French actors Sophie Renoir and Laura Genovino portraying personifications of Death and Life, adding a layer of depth and artistry to the track’s themes.
Fans can look forward to Doherty’s signature poetic lyricism and knack for crafting unforgettable melodies throughout the album. From whimsical ballads to introspective anthems, ‘Felt Better Alive’ feels like a deeply personal yet universally resonant collection of songs. It’s also an album that pays homage to Doherty’s roots, with a special limited-edition bonus disc, Bootstrap Sessions. This vinyl-exclusive release offers fans a glimpse into his early career with 12 tracks drawn from his notorious bootleg sessions (2003–2007). Highlights include raw and unfiltered gems like ‘Killamangiro‘, ‘Ballad of Grimaldi‘ and ‘Hooligans on E‘, reminding listeners of the chaotic brilliance that first put Doherty on the map.
Pre-Order here: https://strap-originals.com/peterdoherty/
Accompanying the album’s release is a highly anticipated tour featuring nine UK dates on the “Anywhere in Albion” circuit and seven European shows under the “Felt Better Alive in Europe” banner. With tickets available for presale now and general release on January 17th, fans will have plenty of opportunities to experience Doherty’s electric live performances firsthand.
Adding to the allure, ‘Felt Better Alive’ is available in a variety of formats, including CD, limited-edition colored vinyl, deluxe double vinyl, cassette, and digital download. Collectors will also appreciate the exclusive and signed items available through Doherty’s official store.
With ‘Felt Better Alive’, Peter Doherty delivers his most confident and cohesive solo effort to date. It’s an album that balances vibrant playfulness with moments of profound introspection, offering listeners a journey through the heart and mind of one of Britain’s most enigmatic artists. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his music, this is a release that demands your attention.
Tracklisting
1.Calvados
2.Pot Of Gold
3.The Day the Baron Died
4.Stade Océan
5.Out Of Tune Ballon
6.Felt Better Alive
7.Ed Belly
8.Poca Mahoney’s
9.Fingee
10.Prêtre De La Mer
11.Empty Room
The songs began in an idyllic rural setting, the Normandy village where Peter and his family live. Peter enlisted his friend and producer/musician Mike Moore, who’s produced Baxter Dury and plays guitar in Liam Gallagher’s band.
Peter says of the pedal steel driven song ‘Felt Better Alive‘:
“It’s quite bouncy, quite country. ‘Dredging the mouth of the Humber’ is a line from Hancock [about coagulated sprinkled sugar in the bottom of a bowl of cornflakes]. The chorus I love, ‘And I’d always planned/To sing in a sweet and soulful way as only cowboys can/But my saddle strap snapped like a dog-chewed tourniquet…’ It’s an accurate description of how I feel about certain times in my life, y’know? Treasures of the Sierra Mardre: you set off on this mission for the gold and you just ended up lost in the mountains, being hunted by bandits.”
Anyone pre-ordering the album will be in with a chance to purchase tickets for the UK and Europe Tours in March – May. Peter will also be touring Europe/Australia and Korea with The Libertines in early 2025 and playing two other solo shows in Newport – ICC Wales (8th March) and Antiguel Festival in Geneva (6th April). The full list of solo dates is:
APRIL
06 – Geneva Antigel Festival
26 – Paris Le Trianon
30 – Amsterdam Melkweg
MAY
01 – Cologne Die Kantine
02 – Berlin Festisaal Kreuzberg
03 – Leipzig Taubchenthal
05 – Munich Technikum
13 – Bruges Cactus Muziekcentrum