What makes Sleepless by Peter Wolf notable?

'Sleepless' received critical acclaim for its authenticity and lyrical depth, reaching number 40 on the Billboard 200 chart. It solidified Peter Wolf's presence as a solo artist while contributing to the resurgence of roots rock in the early 2000s. Upon the release of 'Sleepless' in 2002, Peter Wolf was transitioning from his earlier work with the J. Geils Band to a solo career focused on personal storytelling. This album marked his fourth solo effort, following 'Fool's Parade' in 1998, and showcased a matured sound that reflects his growth as an artist.

How many songs are on Sleepless?

Sleepless has 12 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Sleepless

Peter Wolf · 2002

41 min · 12 tracks · blues

A soulful blend of rock and blues, weaving poignant narratives through vibrant instrumentation and heartfelt vocals.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Nothing but the Wheel — This track features a driving rhythm and reflective lyrics about life's uncertain journey, encapsulating the album's core themes of resilience and introspection.
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A Lot of Good Ones Gone — With its poignant storytelling and emotional delivery, this song pays tribute to lost friends and influences, resonating deeply within the album's narrative arc.
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Five O'Clock Angel — This track stands out for its infectious melody and soulful groove, blending classic rock elements with contemporary flair, showcasing Wolf’s versatility.

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 features strong storytelling and varied instrumentation but lacks a cohesive flow across all tracks.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature a steady mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a slower ballad that shifts the album's energy.
Several songs incorporate prominent horn sections, adding a layer of richness to the instrumentation.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Growin' Pain 3:12
2 Nothing but the Wheel 4:34
3 A Lot of Good Ones Gone 3:33
4 Never Like This Before 3:21
5 Run Silent, Run Deep 4:13
6 Homework 2:39
7 Five O'Clock Angel 3:00
8 Hey Jordan 3:03
9 Too Close Together 2:24
10 Some Things You Don't Want to Know 2:31
11 Oh Marianne 4:19
12 Sleepless 4:05

What to play next

Listen next

Midnight Souvenirs

2010

Go back to

Fool's Parade

1998

Full Peter Wolf discography Artists like Peter Wolf

blues soul

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata