There's a goofy stoner charm about the Docs' fourth album. Unpretentious boogie jams like the single "She Used to Be Mine" and unlisted "That's The Way (I Like It)" is a bonus giggle. --Jeff Bateman
There's a goofy stoner charm about the Docs' fourth album. Unpretentious boogie jams like the single "She Used to Be Mine" and unlisted "That's The Way (I Like It)" is a bonus giggle. --Jeff Bateman
Cameron White | Somewhere on the West Coast of the United States | 08/04/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am an oddity, as far as Spin Doctors fans go. The first SD album I bought was Here Comes the Bride, which I bought on a whim because I had heard their songs "Two Princes" and "Little Miss Can't be Wrong" and thought that they were good. I enjoyed Here Comes the Bride a lot (even though they sounded quite a bit different than they did on those two singles, I had little idea of their history at that time) and wanted more of the Spin Doctors great instrumental expertise and wacky lyrics. I spent a few months hunting for PFOK (cuz I knew it was their most popular, and their first mass-released album) and finally found it in the back corner of a Sam Goody's (in the Tri-Cities of Washington) slowly gathering dust. I was delighted by their old sound, and that album solidified me as a die-hard Spin fan. I just recently got this album (their third mass-released) and was again delighted by it. It sounds a bit different than PFOK, and a lot different from HCTB, but it is still vintige Spin Doctors, and again shows their evolution as artists. This album, needless to say, is great. Check out the title track, for it's joyful chorus. And the sad love song that is "She's not You." It brings a singular tear to my eye. Also notable at "Sister Sisphyphus", and their hidden track "That's the Way (I like it)", (stick around for the kazozs bit at the end of the song, it's very funny). I recommend this CD to anyone who likes the spin doctors (or their singles), anyone who likes cheerful, soulful, and a bit goofy songs, and anyone who likes good music.Keep the chee up, y'all."
"The failure of this album boggles the mind. Personally, I think it's fantastic. Maybe people were hoping for a re-hash of Pocket Full of Kryptonite or something. Well, that's obviously not what this album is. A lot has changed since those days, some for the better, some for the worse, but in the end, the Spin Doctors remain a great band with a great sound. The title song which opens the album has a lot of soul to it, and it's unusual sound shows that the Doctors aren't afraid to try something new. The real highlights are She Used to Be Mine (the single they released----very funky and catchy----it should have been a hit), She's Not You (the SD's first slow, sad, love-song. It's beautifully written and played, and conveys a lot of feeling), To Make Me Blue (a charged, energetic song with great guitars), and Sister Sisyphus (a funk song that reminiscent of some of their earlier work). If Wishes Were Horses is also worth mentioning. Someone criticized it for it's goofy rhyming, but I think that person misunderstood the song. The lyrics are SUPPOSED to be a bit goofy. It's the way the song is----a bit silly, sometimes almost nonsensical, and just plain fun. Also, don't forget the SD's version of That's the Way I Like It (not listed on the album cover). It's another really fun song to listen to. Actually, all of the songs are good, except for Dogs on a Doe (#3), which was sort of lame and seemed out of place on this album. All in all, You've Got to Believe is something is a energetic, funky, fun, rock album that is a refreshing answer to the SD's second CD, the somewhat tired Turn it Upside Down. It is yet another example of a great work that has gone unappreciated. The people who decided not to buy it are missing out on something great."
Good Times, Good Music
J. Clark | Ky | 06/28/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Youve got to believe in something is the soundtrack to the happiest times in my life. I bought it when I was 15 years old back in 1996. It is such an optimistic happy record with much heart and soul. If wishes were horses, Bout A Train and I cant believe youre still with her are 3 really good tunes to go along with all the other wonderful music on this record. Spin Doctors are truly one of the most underated bands in a long time because for whatever reason only their first album(and some recognition for their sophmore record) was recognized. This album would definitely be in my pick for one of the top ten of the decade. I bought it in 96' and I still love it today."
Their Finest Work
-fade- | 01/10/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Spin Doctors are one of the most underrated bands of the past decade, and the commercial failure of this album is truly a crime. You've Got to Believe In Something recaptures in the momentum they had on Pocketful of Kryptonite, and in some cases, it even surpasses it. Unlike the second album (Turn It Upside Down --- a good one, but a little tired-sounded), this album is brimming with their familiar funk-rock-blues synthesis, and with energy and vigor. You've Got to Believe In Something is also the title of the opening tract. It's a bit different for the Spin Doctors, but it rocks, in fact, it even has a soulful sound to it. House has a lot of acoustic guitar in it in addition to the customary electric one, but it is a fun song that I would describe as I rock with a hip-hop influence. Dogs On A Doe is the albums one weak spot. It doesn't really fit on hear, and the doesn't sound all that great. I Can't Believe You're Still With Her is a pop song with excellent lyrics and a fun sound. She Used to Mine is the real treat on this CD though. It has everything --- a funky sound, great singing, a soulful chorus, and wonderful lyrics. It really, REALLY should have been a hit. She's Not You is slow, sad, and touching song. The next track, To Make Me Blue, is a marked contrast --- a very energetic rock song. 'Bout A Train is one of the best rock-blues songs you'll ever here. I can't do it justice ... you simply have to hear it for yourself. Where Angels Fear To Tread and If Wishes Were Horses are both very enjoyable pop songs, especially the latter (a bit goofy, but still great). Sister Sisyphus is a feast if you like funk-rock, like I do. Last but not least, there is the unlisted tract, a cover of That's The Way I Like It. It's obvious that the Spin Doctors had a lot of fun recording it, and I certainly have fun listening to it, although the part in the middle is ..... well, interesting (you'll see what I mean). On the whole, I was very impressed with both the music and Chris Barron's singing, and I think this is the band's strongest album lyrically. Also, it is just plain fun to listen too --- a good thing to pick you up when you're a bit blue --- upbeat, yet at the same time not overly perky or pop. People who turned away from this album don't know what they are missing."
You've Got To Beleive In This!
Semicolon | 09/21/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you're planning on buying this album, you probably own (or at least have heard) Pocket Full Of Kryptonite. If you're expecting the same old stuff you may be disappointed at first, but trust me- you're in for a real treat!
The Sipn Doctors take a more antique-ish sound in this studio attempt and combine it with the great Spin sounds of Pocket Full Of Kryptonite. Some of the beast tracks are You've Got To Beleive In Something, House, To Make Me Blue, If Wishes Were Horses, and the unlisted bonus track (whatever it's called!) Don't turn your back on this one, it has to be heard to be belived.
While this album didn't exactly rake in the cash, it's actually BETTER than Pocket Full Of Kryptonite if you ask me! Spend a few dollars here, and you'll get 52 minutes of some of the best music you'll ever hear."