What makes Alarm Clock by Richie Havens notable?

'Alarm Clock' received positive critical acclaim upon its release, marking a significant moment in Havens' career as it continued to shape the singer-songwriter movement. The album features notable covers and original compositions that resonate with the era's counterculture and has influenced subsequent artists within the folk and soul genres. In 1971, Richie Havens was riding the wave of success following his iconic performance at Woodstock in 1969. 'Alarm Clock' was his fifth studio album and showcased a maturation in his songwriting and musical style, moving deeper into themes of introspection and social commentary.

Who is Alarm Clock for?

Alarm Clock works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective moments, morning coffee contemplation and introspective journey through nostalgia.

How many songs are on Alarm Clock?

Alarm Clock has 9 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

Alarm Clock

Richie Havens · 1971

35 min · 9 tracks · folk rock

A soulful blend of folk rock with poignant lyrics that reflect on love, loss, and the passage of time.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Here Comes the Sun — This cover of George Harrison's classic transforms the original's optimism into a reflective meditation on renewal, showcasing Havens' unique vocal interpretation.
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Younger Men Grow Older — The song captures a sense of nostalgia and the inevitability of time passing, featuring rich instrumentation that complements Havens’ emotive delivery.
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Patient Lady — With its soulful arrangement and heartfelt lyrics, this track exemplifies Havens' ability to convey deep emotion while exploring themes of love and patience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Richie Havens blends covers and originals with introspective lyrics and strong musicianship, marking a solid entry in his discography.

What we noticed

The album opens with a cover of 'Here Comes the Sun', which features a prominent acoustic guitar riff and layered vocal harmonies.
Tracks alternate between original compositions and covers, with several songs featuring extended instrumental sections that showcase Havens' guitar work.
The lyrics across the album often reflect introspective themes, with a focus on personal growth and the passage of time, particularly in tracks like 'Younger Men Grow Older'.
The final track, 'Alarm Clock', serves as a reflective conclusion, incorporating both spoken word elements and a gradual build-up to a climactic finish.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo reflective moments
morning coffee contemplation
introspective journey through nostalgia
warm melodies for quiet evenings

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced excitement
seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: In 1971, Richie Havens was riding the wave of success following his iconic performance at Woodstock in 1969. 'Alarm Clock' was his fifth studio album and showcased a maturation in his songwriting and musical style, moving deeper into themes of introspection and social commentary.
Stylistic neighbors: Tim Hardin· John Sebastian· Nick Drake