Pete Doherty Returns with Poetic Album ‘Felt Better Alive’ (Review)

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The Libertines frontman Pete Doherty has released his fifth solo studio album via label Strap Originals. It’s been 9 years since we have had a project delivered solely by Doherty and it has so far been welcomed by The Libertines’ fans and folk music fans alike. ‘Felt Better Alive’ follows the incredibly triumphant return of The Libertines in 2024 with their album ‘All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade’. This came 2 years after Doherty’s last solo release; a collaboration with Frédéric Lo entitled ‘The Fantasy Life Of Poetry & Crime’.

Here, we examine a selection of tracks from this new project and dissect their ability to really move a listener.

‘Calvados‘

‘Calvados‘ describes a reality that Doherty has clearly felt through his life. He describes the mundanity of a Normandy apple farmer, laboriously producing the great “liquid gold” calvados brandy with his wife at home. Perhaps this is a call to the exhaustively well-documented personal journey that this artist has been on. Despite his tough journey, he arrives at present day living a calmer life with his wife and young daughter.

‘The Day The Baron Died’

This track seems to be a perfect example of Doherty’s solo influences over the years. It’s in the folklore nature to the lyrics, to the Edgar Allan Poe-esque cadence. The song opens with intimate acoustic guitar strums which are joined solely by Doherty’s vocal for the first verse. Following this, we we are met at the chorus with a sudden drum fill and a bright Beatles-style hook. Only then are listeners to be taken back to the acoustic calmness. As we move through the song, an eeriness begins to creep in. It climbs to a crescendo at the bridge’s almost solemn minor brass melody. When speaking on the track, Peter fervently keeps the meaning behind the song to himself, promising a follow-up ditty to come.

‘Felt Better Alive’

By making this album, Doherty seems to be creating folklore around his own life as an ode to his trials and successes. He has three children, and the title track feels like a summation of his life told in his own manner. His way of holding onto tradition and honesty in the musical style that feels the most Pete Doherty. This song features playful strings and an infectious melody throughout that carries the listener through seamlessly, making you want to do nothing but listen.

Conclusion

In conclusion, what is clear from these tracks is that this album has been performed with honesty and a comforting playfulness that makes you want to listen again and again. The clear dedication to his family and his happiness is heard throughout. For example, moving songs like ‘Pot Of Gold’ serve as an ode to his infant daughter.

At time of writing, Doherty has released four videos along with this album. Further to this, three of these star himself and his wife which complete the familial spirit of the entire project. The videos are gothic and humble, perfectly complimenting the energies of the tracks. There is a radiant confidence to this album that we were yet to feel from Doherty. Now, we are sat with him in a time capsule, listening to his life told by his 46-year-old voice to the backdrop of centuries old instrumentation and timeless melodies.

A 7″ vinyl featuring two non-album tracks, ‘Océan’ and ‘Honky Noir’ is also available. Peter will be performing at festivals around Europe this summer, as is his band The Libertines, including a performance at Glastonbury Festival 2025.

Rating: 8/10

Peter Doherty is on Instagram, Threads, and X. You can stream ‘Felt Better Alive’ below and read more album reviews here.

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