What makes Rising with the Sun by The Cat Empire notable?

Rising with the Sun received positive reviews for its upbeat energy and lyrical depth, exemplifying The Cat Empire's ability to fuse diverse musical influences. It reached notable chart positions in Australia, reinforcing the band's status within the contemporary world music scene and resonating with fans through its uplifting messages during a tumultuous time. Released in January 2016, Rising with the Sun is The Cat Empire's sixth studio album, following their 2013 release, Steal the Light. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their global presence and was embracing a more personal songwriting approach, reflecting on themes of resilience and community. This album captures a pivotal moment as they continued to evolve while maintaining their distinct sound.

Who is Rising with the Sun for?

Rising with the Sun works well if you're into celebratory moments of joy, steady pacing with uplifting peaks and for sunny afternoons.

How many songs are on Rising with the Sun?

Rising with the Sun has 11 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Rising with the Sun

The Cat Empire · 2016

43 min · 11 tracks · jazz

An eclectic blend of jazz, ska, and world music rhythms that radiates warmth and optimism throughout its vibrant tracks.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Wolves — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious rhythm and dynamic instrumentation, showcasing the band's signature style of blending genres.
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You Are My Song — A heartfelt anthem that emphasizes themes of connection and identity, this track stands out for its poignant lyrics and memorable melody.
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Rising With the Sun — The title track encapsulates the album's central theme of hope and renewal, featuring an uplifting chorus that invites collective participation.
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Daggers Drawn — This song introduces a more introspective tone, contrasting with the album's overall brightness while still delivering powerful instrumentation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends various styles effectively but has moments where it feels less cohesive.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong brass section in 'Wolves', establishing a lively tone that persists through the first half.
The last three tracks slow down the tempo, creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with the earlier upbeat songs.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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

celebratory moments of joy
steady pacing with uplifting peaks
for sunny afternoons
inviting group sing-alongs
vibrant energy for gatherings

Maybe skip if you

seeking introspective quiet moments
prefer instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its upbeat energy and diverse influences.
Career context: Released in January 2016, Rising with the Sun is The Cat Empire's sixth studio album, following their 2013 release, Steal the Light. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their global presence and was embracing a more personal songwriting approach, reflecting on themes of resilience and community. This album captures a pivotal moment as they continued to evolve while maintaining their distinct sound.
Stylistic neighbors: The Bamboos· Fat Freddy's Drop· The Specials