What makes Sick of Wasting by Sage Francis notable?

The album received positive critical reception for its introspective lyrics and innovative production, contributing to Sage Francis's reputation as a leading voice in indie hip-hop. It also solidified his influence on the underground rap scene, inspiring emerging artists with its candid exploration of personal and political themes. By the time 'Sick of Wasting' was released in January 2009, Sage Francis had already established himself as a prominent figure in alternative hip-hop. This album followed his critically acclaimed project 'A Healthy Distrust' from 2005 and marked a continued evolution in his artistic expression, showcasing both personal introspection and broader societal critiques.

Who is Sick of Wasting for?

Sick of Wasting works well if you're into wave-like pacing for reflection, raw introspection on personal struggles and dynamic energy shifts throughout.

How many songs are on Sick of Wasting?

Sick of Wasting has 16 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

Sick of Wasting

Sage Francis · 2009

51 min · 16 tracks · hip-hop

A raw blend of confessional lyricism and eclectic beats, intertwining personal struggles with social commentary.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Needle — This track stands out for its haunting production and poignant reflections on addiction and self-doubt, encapsulating the album's emotional core.
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I Trusted You — A powerful narrative about betrayal and trust, this song highlights Sage's lyrical prowess and ability to weave personal stories into relatable experiences.
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Conspiracy to Riot — Combining sharp social commentary with a confrontational tone, this track showcases Sage's commitment to addressing societal issues through his music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album blends personal themes with diverse production, showcasing Sage Francis's unique voice in hip-hop.

What we noticed

Many tracks include layered vocal samples and varied instrumentation, creating a dense soundscape that supports the lyrical content.
The sequencing alternates between introspective tracks and more aggressive pieces, maintaining listener engagement through dynamic contrasts.

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

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

wave-like pacing for reflection
raw introspection on personal struggles
dynamic energy shifts throughout
headphone detail hunting required

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer straightforward, upbeat tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time 'Sick of Wasting' was released in January 2009, Sage Francis had already established himself as a prominent figure in alternative hip-hop. This album followed his critically acclaimed project 'A Healthy Distrust' from 2005 and marked a continued evolution in his artistic expression, showcasing both personal introspection and broader societal critiques.
Stylistic neighbors: Aesop Rock· Atmosphere· Brother Ali