What makes Wake Up and Say Goodbye by David Usher notable?

This album received critical acclaim for its lyrical depth and sonic variety, solidifying Usher's reputation as a significant figure in Canadian music. Notably, tracks from this album charted well on various platforms, contributing to ongoing discussions about the blending of pop sensibilities with rock influences during the late 2000s. By 2008, David Usher was transitioning from his earlier work with Moist to a solo career that had already produced several albums. 'Wake Up and Say Goodbye' marked his fifth studio album, showcasing his continued evolution as a songwriter and performer after the success of previous releases like 'If God Had Curves'. This album reflects both personal growth and artistic experimentation within the alternative rock genre.

How many songs are on Wake Up and Say Goodbye?

Wake Up and Say Goodbye has 13 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Wake Up and Say Goodbye

David Usher · 2008

44 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

A reflective blend of alternative rock and pop, layered with introspective lyrics and melodic hooks that linger long after the last note.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The River — Opening the album with a sweeping melody, this track sets a contemplative tone that resonates throughout the rest of the record. Its exploration of emotional currents serves as a thematic anchor for the album's overarching narrative.
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Wake Up and Say Goodbye — As the title track, it encapsulates the album's themes of farewell and reflection, showcasing Usher's ability to blend poignant lyrics with an infectious chorus. The duality of longing and hope in this song highlights his songwriting prowess.
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My Biggest Mistake — This track stands out for its raw honesty and vulnerability, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into personal regrets that many can relate to. The emotive instrumentation further enhances its impact.

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 showcases solid songwriting and thematic depth but lacks a strong cohesive flow throughout.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces slower ballads that create a reflective atmosphere.
Several tracks utilize layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the melodic hooks.
The lyrics often explore themes of introspection and personal struggle, with a focus on storytelling across multiple tracks.

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 The River 3:38
2 We Are Wolves Here (Electric City) 2:38
3 And So We Run 3:40
4 My Biggest Mistake 3:01
5 Wake Up and Say Goodbye 3:07
6 Kill the Lights 3:31
7 Everyday Things 3:25
8 I Am the Weapon 3:41
9 Airplanes 3:58
10 Secret Garden 4:00
11 When It Hurts 2:47
12 Speak/Listen 3:01
13 Kill the Lights 3:34

What to play next

Listen next

The Mile End Sessions

2010

Go back to

Strange Birds

2007

Full David Usher discography Artists like David Usher

alternative rock pop rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata