Awaken cover

Awaken

Natalie Grant · 2005

54 min · 13 tracks · contemporary Christian music

Uplifting melodies and heartfelt lyrics intertwine, creating an emotional tapestry that resonates with the spirit of contemporary faith.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Something Beautiful — This track captures the longing for personal transformation and divine beauty, showcasing Grant's powerful vocals against a backdrop of soaring instrumentals.
  • →
    The Real Me — Delving into themes of authenticity and self-acceptance, this song resonates deeply with listeners seeking to embrace their true selves amidst societal pressures.
  • →
    Held — A poignant exploration of support during difficult times, this track combines emotional lyrics with a tender melody that has made it a favorite among fans.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album combines uplifting melodies with heartfelt lyrics, creating a solid but conventional contemporary Christian sound.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that emphasize themes of hope and renewal, while the second half shifts to more introspective ballads.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional impact of the lyrics.
  • The album opens with a spoken-word intro that sets a reflective tone before transitioning into the first song.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • uplifting melodies for motivation
  • steady pacing for reflective moments
  • heartfelt themes of personal growth
  • gradual peaks in emotional intensity
  • in-order listening for cohesive experience

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek high-energy party anthems

Where this album fits

Career context
In 2005, Natalie Grant released 'Awaken' as her third studio album, following the success of her previous album 'Deeper Life'. At this point in her career, she was solidifying her presence in the contemporary Christian music scene, showcasing her vocal prowess and commitment to uplifting themes.
Stylistic neighbors
Kari Jobe· Lauren Daigle· Hillsong United

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Intro (The Awakening) 0:44
  • 2 Awaken 3:47
  • 3 Something Beautiful 3:20
  • 4 What Are You Waiting For 3:42
  • 5 The Real Me 4:52
  • 6 Another Day 4:09
  • 7 Home 4:51
  • 8 Captured 3:51
  • 9 Held 4:22
  • 10 You Move Me 4:16
  • 11 Make Me Over 5:33
  • 12 Live 4 Today 4:24
  • 13 Bring It All Together 6:23

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata