I Awake cover

I Awake

Sarah Blasko · 2012

46 min · 12 tracks · indie rock

Ethereal melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a haunting atmosphere that reflects both vulnerability and resilience.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I Awake — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of awakening and self-discovery, featuring lush instrumentation that complements Blasko's haunting vocals.
  • →
    God-Fearing — This track stands out with its poignant lyrics reflecting on faith and doubt, paired with a stirring melody that enhances its emotional depth.
  • →
    New Country — With its rich instrumentation and contemplative lyrics, this song represents a shift towards broader themes of change and belonging, making it a highlight of 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 features strong melodies and cohesive production, but its introspective nature may limit broader appeal.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features layered vocals and a slow build, setting an atmospheric tone that persists throughout.
  • Several tracks incorporate strings and piano, creating a lush backdrop that complements the introspective lyrics.
  • The pacing varies, with mid-tempo songs interspersed with slower ballads, but the overall mood remains consistent and reflective.
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 3/10

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 moments of self-discovery
  • lush orchestration for reflective moods
  • emotional depth in personal narratives
  • cathartic release through heartfelt melodies

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat party anthems
  • prefer straightforward, catchy tunes

Where this album fits

Career context
'I Awake' is Sarah Blasko's fourth studio album, released in 2012 after her acclaimed album 'As Day Follows Night'. By this time, she had already established herself as a significant voice in the Australian indie rock scene, known for her unique blend of orchestral elements and introspective songwriting.
Stylistic neighbors
Bat for Lashes· Feist· Lana Del Rey

Tracklist

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

  • 1 I Awake 3:27
  • 2 An Arrow 3:22
  • 3 Bury This 3:07
  • 4 God-Fearing 4:33
  • 5 All of Me 4:29
  • 6 New Country 4:02
  • 7 Here 4:33
  • 8 Illusory Light 4:03
  • 9 Fool 3:28
  • 10 Cast the Net 3:52
  • 11 An Oyster, a Pearl 4:21
  • 12 Not Yet 3:23

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata