What makes Awake by Illenium notable?

'Awake' debuted at number 14 on the Billboard 200 and marked Illenium's first entry into the top tier of mainstream electronic music. The album received widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and production quality, influencing a wave of future bass artists and contributing to the genre's growth in popularity. By the time 'Awake' was released in September 2017, Illenium had established himself as a prominent figure in the electronic dance music scene following his breakthrough album 'Ashes' in 2016. This album solidified his signature sound, blending heartfelt lyrics with expansive production, further elevating his status within the genre.

Awake works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, dynamic emotional journeys and long, immersive listening sessions.

How many songs are on Awake?

Awake has 13 tracks, running approximately 47 minutes.

Awake

Illenium · 2017

47 min · 13 tracks · electronic dance music

A vibrant tapestry of melodic future bass layered with emotional vocals and pulsing electronic beats.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Crawl Outta Love — This track features a powerful collaboration with Annika Wells, showcasing a dynamic blend of soaring melodies and poignant lyrics that epitomize Illenium's emotive style.
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Fractures — With its haunting vocal performance by Nevve, this track stands out for its ethereal buildup and cathartic drop, reflecting themes of heartbreak and resilience.
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Feel Good — This upbeat anthem captures the essence of joy amidst struggle, combining infectious hooks with a euphoric drop that serves as a sonic release throughout the album.

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

The album blends melodic future bass with emotional vocals, creating a cohesive yet familiar sound within its genre.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that build progressively, layering melodic elements and vocal samples to create an immersive soundscape.
Several tracks incorporate dynamic drops that contrast with softer, emotional verses, emphasizing the tension and release typical in future bass.
The album closes with a gradual tapering of energy, as the last three tracks feature more introspective melodies and slower tempos.

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, consistent energy levels
dynamic emotional journeys
long, immersive listening sessions
atmospheric background focus

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time 'Awake' was released in September 2017, Illenium had established himself as a prominent figure in the electronic dance music scene following his breakthrough album 'Ashes' in 2016. This album solidified his signature sound, blending heartfelt lyrics with expansive production, further elevating his status within the genre.
Stylistic neighbors: Said the Sky· Seven Lions· Trivecta

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Fractures

The verse shifts from despair to a moment of empowerment, illustrating a journey through pain toward recovery.

This transition not only encapsulates the personal narrative but also mirrors the construction of the song itself, enhancing its thematic impact.