The Waves, the Wake
Great Lake Swimmers · 2018
48 min · 12 tracks · folk rock
A serene blend of folk rock and introspective lyricism that invites listeners into a reflective soundscape of nature and existence.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Talking Wind — This opening track sets the tone for the entire album with its gentle instrumentation and contemplative lyrics, effectively introducing listeners to the overarching themes of nature and introspection.
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Alone but Not Alone — This song captures the essence of solitude intertwined with connection, featuring layered harmonies that enhance the emotional weight of its message about human relationships.
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Root Systems — With its metaphorical exploration of interconnectedness, this track stands out due to its rich imagery and storytelling, showcasing the band's lyrical prowess and thematic depth.
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Mouth of Flames — This track features an evocative climax in both lyrics and instrumentation, illustrating a moment of vulnerability that resonates deeply with listeners seeking authenticity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's serene flow and layered harmonies create a reflective experience, showcasing strong craftsmanship.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a gentle, flowing tempo that is maintained until the seventh track, which introduces a more rhythmic pulse.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a lush soundscape, particularly in 'Root Systems' and 'Mouth of Flames'.
- The album closes with 'The Open Sea', which features an extended instrumental outro that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering sense of reflection.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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
- reflective soundscapes of nature
- gentle pacing for quiet moments
- intimate themes of existence
- thoughtful melodies for solitude
- subtle layers inviting deep listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, high-energy tracks
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- The Waves, the Wake is Great Lake Swimmers' sixth studio album, released in 2018 after a four-year hiatus following their previous album, A Forest of Arms. This period allowed the band to explore new musical directions while maintaining their signature acoustic sound, indicating a phase of artistic maturation.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Iron & Wine· Sufjan Stevens· Fleet Foxes
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Talking Wind 4:22
- 2 In a Certain Light 3:23
- 3 Alone but Not Alone 3:17
- 4 Falling Apart 4:36
- 5 Side Effects 3:37
- 6 The Real Work 4:51
- 7 Root Systems 3:20
- 8 Unmaking the Bed 3:57
- 9 Visions of a Different World 2:31
- 10 Holding Nothing Back 3:51
- 11 Mouth of Flames 4:09
- 12 The Open Sea 6:25
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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