Are You a Dreamer?
Denison Witmer · 2005
53 min · 13 tracks · acoustic music
Gentle acoustic melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, crafting a serene soundscape that invites reflection and contemplation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Are You a Dreamer? — The title track encapsulates the album's core themes of introspection and existential questioning, featuring tender melodies that linger long after the song ends.
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California Brown and Blue — This track showcases Witmer's poignant storytelling abilities, blending vivid imagery with a haunting melody that evokes feelings of nostalgia and yearning.
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Worry All the Time — With its relatable lyrics about anxiety and uncertainty, this song captures a universal human experience, making it particularly resonant amid the album's contemplative nature.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features introspective songwriting and layered harmonies but lacks strong cohesion in its running order.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a gentle, mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied dynamics and instrumentation.
- Several tracks utilize layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in 'California Brown and Blue' and 'Finding Your Feet Again'.
- The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and personal reflection, with songs like 'Worry All the Time' focusing on introspective themes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- introspective acoustic reflections
- gentle melodies for quiet moments
- yearning nostalgia in every note
- thoughtful soundtracks for solitude
- soft pacing for late nights
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy excitement
- prefer upbeat party anthems
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time Denison Witmer released Are You a Dreamer? in 2005, he was already recognized within the indie folk scene following his earlier albums. This release marked a significant moment in his career as it showcased his growth as a songwriter and solidified his position in the acoustic music genre, building on the intimate style established in his previous works.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine· Nick Drake
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Finding Your Feet Again
The bridge introduces a shift in perspective, turning from resignation to hope as it acknowledges past struggles while embracing renewal.
This structural turn signifies a pivotal moment on the album where despair transforms into possibility, reflecting Witmer's artistic evolution.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Little Flowers 4:34
- 2 Everything but Sleep 3:13
- 3 Ringing of the Bell Tower 4:55
- 4 Are You a Dreamer? 4:16
- 5 East From West 3:23
- 6 California Brown and Blue 5:05
- 7 Castle and Cathedral 3:27
- 8 Worry All the Time 4:04
- 9 Grandma Mary 3:01
- 10 Finding Your Feet Again 4:30
- 11 Are You a Dreamer? (acoustic version) 4:06
- 12 How to Be Alone (demo) 4:18
- 13 Worry All the Time (acoustic version) 4:09
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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