Dreaming Wide Awake cover

Dreaming Wide Awake

Lizz Wright · 2005

44 min · 12 tracks · jazz

A soulful blend of jazz and folk, where emotive vocals glide over rich instrumental textures.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Hit the Ground — This track stands out with its upbeat tempo and heartfelt lyrics, encapsulating themes of resilience and hope that resonate throughout the album.
  • →
    I'm Confessin' — Wright's interpretation of this classic showcases her ability to infuse traditional material with fresh emotion, reflecting her deep connection to the song's narrative.
  • →
    Dreaming Wide Awake — The title track serves as a reflective centerpiece, blending evocative lyrics with a haunting melody that highlights Wright's vocal prowess.

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 features strong vocal performances paired with intricate arrangements, though it doesn't fully stand out in its genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a cover of 'A Taste of Honey' that features a slow build, layering instruments gradually to create a rich texture.
  • Wright's vocals often intertwine with the instrumentation, creating call-and-response moments that highlight both her voice and the accompanying musicians.
  • Several tracks, like 'Old Man' and 'Get Together', feature extended instrumental sections that allow for improvisation and showcase the band’s musicianship.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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

  • introspective late-night vibes
  • short, reflective listening sessions
  • warm, soothing background ambiance
  • gentle emotional explorations

Where this album fits

Career context
Upon the release of 'Dreaming Wide Awake' in 2005, Lizz Wright was building on the momentum from her debut album, 'Salt,' which had established her as a unique voice in contemporary jazz and R&B. This second album marked a significant step in her career, showcasing her growth as an artist and widening her appeal beyond the jazz genre.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 A Taste of Honey 3:48
  • 2 Stop 3:28
  • 3 Hit the Ground 3:28
  • 4 When I Close My Eyes 3:12
  • 5 I'm Confessin' 2:56
  • 6 Old Man 3:37
  • 7 Wake Up Little Sparrow 2:56
  • 8 Chasing Strange 3:44
  • 9 Get Together 4:39
  • 10 Trouble 5:08
  • 11 Dreaming Wide Awake 3:41
  • 12 Without You 3:58

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata