What makes Hawaiii by Said the Whale notable?

Hawaiii received positive critical acclaim and was nominated for a Juno Award for Alternative Album of the Year in 2014. The album's catchy singles contributed to its chart success, reinforcing Said the Whale's status within the Canadian music landscape. Released in January 2013, Hawaiii is Said the Whale's third studio album, following their breakthrough record, Island. At this point in their career, the band aimed to expand their sound while maintaining the melodic charm that garnered them recognition in the Canadian indie scene.

Hawaiii works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective moments, airy instrumentation for daydreaming and short tracks for quick enjoyment.

How many songs are on Hawaiii?

Hawaiii has 12 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

Hawaiii

Said the Whale · 2013

34 min · 12 tracks · indie rock

Melodic indie rock harmonies weave through reflective lyrics, creating an inviting atmosphere that balances warmth and introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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More Than This — The opening track sets the tone with its layered harmonies and reflective lyrics, immediately showcasing the band's signature melodic style.
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Safe to Say — This track stands out for its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, encapsulating themes of reassurance and optimism that resonate throughout the album.
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Helpless Son — A poignant exploration of personal growth and familial relationships, this track highlights the band's lyrical depth while maintaining their melodic sensibility.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album balances catchy melodies with reflective lyrics, but lacks strong cohesion in its overall flow.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that gradually transition into more introspective pieces in the latter half.
Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies, creating a rich texture that enhances the melodic elements.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 2/10

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

steady mid-tempo reflective moments
airy instrumentation for daydreaming
short tracks for quick enjoyment
introspective themes for personal reflection

Maybe skip if you

prefer longer, sprawling albums
seek high-energy party tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in January 2013, Hawaiii is Said the Whale's third studio album, following their breakthrough record, Island. At this point in their career, the band aimed to expand their sound while maintaining the melodic charm that garnered them recognition in the Canadian indie scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Hey Rosetta!· The Rural Alberta Advantage· Stars