The Waking Sleep
Katie Herzig · 2011
45 min · 11 tracks · folk rock
A rich tapestry of folk rock that intertwines introspective lyrics with lush instrumentation and heartfelt melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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Best Day of Your Life — This track encapsulates the album's uplifting spirit with its anthemic chorus and vibrant instrumentation, making it a standout moment of hope and celebration.
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Free My Mind — Opening the album, this song sets the tone with its reflective lyrics and intricate arrangements, inviting listeners into Herzig's introspective world.
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The Waking Sleep — The title track serves as a poignant exploration of vulnerability and awakening, showcasing Herzig's lyrical depth against a backdrop of haunting melodies.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong melodies and thoughtful arrangements, but it follows familiar folk rock patterns.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a steady mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a more upbeat rhythm that contrasts with the preceding songs.
- The album closes with a gradual deceleration in tempo, particularly noticeable in the last two tracks, which creates a reflective atmosphere.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady mid-tempo reflective moments
- introspective lyrics for quiet nights
- warm melodies for cozy afternoons
- emotional connection through lyrical depth
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party vibes
- prefer standalone singles over albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- The Waking Sleep is Katie Herzig's fourth studio album, released in 2011 following her critically acclaimed album, Apple Tree. At this point, Herzig was transitioning from independent releases to broader recognition, having gained traction through licensing her music for film and television. This album showcases her evolving sound as she blends personal storytelling with more polished production techniques.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sara Bareilles· Ingrid Michaelson· Brandi Carlile
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Free My Mind 4:48
- 2 Make a Noise 4:43
- 3 Way to the Future 3:23
- 4 Best Day of Your Life 3:23
- 5 Wasting Time 3:51
- 6 Midnight Serenade 4:05
- 7 Oh My Darlin' 3:39
- 8 Closest I Get 3:56
- 9 The Waking Sleep 3:35
- 10 Lost and Found 4:47
- 11 Daisies and Pews 5:21
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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