Album Review: These Are The Dreams This Is The Life by Emmet Scanlan & What The Good Thought
Man, this album hit me like a warm hug on a cold day. Released back in 2016, These Are The Dreams This Is The Life is one of those records that doesn’t shout for attention but somehow grabs you anyway. It’s a mix of rock grit and traditional folk soul, stitched together with Emmet Scanlan’s raw lyrics and melodies that feel like they’ve been around forever. And yeah, it’s not perfect—there are moments where things get messy—but honestly? That just makes it more real.
The UK-based crew behind this gem kept things indie as hell, releasing it under "Not On Label," which kinda suits the vibe. You can tell everyone poured their heart into this project. Giorgio Massaro and Raoul Terzi handled recording and mixing duties, giving the tracks this earthy yet polished sound. Oh, and props to Emmet O’Malley for the photography—it fits the mood so well, all moody and timeless.
Now, let me talk about two tracks that stuck with me. First up, “Belt The Weather.” Wait, no, sorry—"Bless the Weather." (See what I did there?) This song feels like staring out at an open field after a storm has passed. There’s this gentle guitar line weaving through the whole thing, and Scanlan’s voice… dude, his voice sounds like gravel soaked in honey. He sings about finding peace in chaos, and damn if that ain’t something we all need sometimes. Every time I hear it, I think about those quiet mornings when life slows down just enough to breathe.
Then there’s “In Love & Falling,” which shows up twice on the album—once regular and once as a cinematic version. Both versions wreck me in different ways. The original feels intimate, like you’re sitting in the same room with the band while they play. But the cinematic version? Whoa. They stretch it out, layering strings and echoes until it feels huge, like falling into a dream. I don’t know how Scanlan pulls off making love sound both fragile and epic, but he does. By the end, my chest feels tight, like I’ve been holding my breath without realizing it.
What gets me most about this album is how personal it feels. Like, these aren’t songs made to sell; they’re stories shared because someone had to say them aloud. And sure, maybe the production isn’t super slick, but who cares? Sometimes rough edges make the beauty stand out even more.
Here’s the kicker though—I listened to this album during a road trip last year, windows down, wind messing up my hair. At some point, halfway through “You Know Who Knows,” I realized I hadn’t thought about anything else for miles. No stress, no worries—just music filling up the space inside me. Funny how albums like this remind you why music matters in the first place.
So yeah, give These Are The Dreams This Is The Life a spin. Just don’t blame me if it sticks with you longer than expected.
