Wake cover

Wake

Tara McLean · 2008

38 min · 10 tracks · traditional folk music

A reflective blend of traditional folk melodies and emotive storytelling that captures the essence of personal journey and introspection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Wait It Out — This opening track establishes the album's tone with its contemplative lyrics and gentle instrumentation, inviting listeners into McLean's introspective world.
  • →
    Mad World — A poignant cover that highlights McLean's ability to reinterpret familiar songs with fresh emotional depth, showcasing both vulnerability and strength.
  • →
    Generation Z — This track addresses contemporary themes of identity and belonging, resonating with younger listeners while reflecting on generational challenges.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album blends traditional folk elements with personal storytelling, showcasing solid craftsmanship but limited broader impact.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a steady tempo, while the second half introduces more varied rhythms and dynamics.
  • Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
  • The instrumentation primarily consists of acoustic guitar and piano, with occasional strings adding depth to specific tracks.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • If I Don’t Have You

    The moment shifts from a broad contemplation of love to a direct acknowledgment of dependency on another person.

    This transition provides an intimate turn in the narrative, grounding the song in personal stakes that elevate its emotional impact.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Wait It Out 4:00
  • 2 Capsize 3:41
  • 3 Things Outstanding 4:00
  • 4 Here and Now 4:02
  • 5 Got a Light? 4:08
  • 6 Over and Out 3:36
  • 7 If I Don’t Have You 3:12
  • 8 Carve 4:13
  • 9 Mad World 4:23
  • 10 Generation Z 3:07

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata