Review

Richard Dawson’s End of the Middle marks a contemplative return to the intimate storytelling that has become his trademark. Released on 10 February 2023 in the United Kingdom and on 17 February 2023 in the United States via Domino Records, the album is as much a diary of everyday life as it is a subtle musical statement. Recorded in a modest studio in his native Newcastle, Dawson has partnered with longtime collaborator Paul Savage to produce an album that balances spare instrumentation with richly observed lyrical narratives. The record captures the quiet moments of suburban existence, infusing them with both melancholy and a wry sense of humour. While the production is understated, each song is carefully crafted, offering delicate acoustic arrangements that let Dawson’s reflective vocals take centre stage. Chart-wise, End of the Middle reached number 35 on the Official Albums Chart in the UK and secured the 60 spot on the Billboard 200 in the US—a respectable showing for an album that thrives on its understated intimacy rather than radio-friendly hooks. In End of the Middle, Dawson doesn’t aim for grand gestures. Instead, he invites us to find beauty in the mundane, turning everyday observations into poetic vignettes. It’s a record that may not shout for attention, but its quiet sincerity and precise craftsmanship resonate long after the final note.