Released 9 years ago this October
Wake Up Call
Theory of a Deadman · 2017
41 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock
A gritty blend of hard rock anthems and introspective ballads that confront personal struggles and societal issues.
Top tracks — play these first
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Straight Jacket Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Rx (Medicate) — This track stands out for its candid exploration of addiction and mental health, resonating with listeners who face similar struggles. The catchy chorus juxtaposes a serious message with an engaging melody, making it both impactful and memorable.
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Wake Up Call — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of self-reflection and urgency, embodying a call to confront one's demons head-on. Its driving rhythm and powerful lyrics serve as a rallying cry for change.
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Loner — This song delves into feelings of isolation and the struggle for connection, showcasing the band's ability to mix relatable lyrics with an energetic rock sound. It highlights the internal battles many face while navigating modern society.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines energetic rock with introspective themes but lacks strong cohesion across its runtime.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a high-energy pace with driving guitar riffs and anthemic choruses, while the fourth track shifts to a more reflective tone.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- 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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5/10
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
- gritty introspection on personal struggles
- engaging narratives for focused listening
- consistent flow for road trips
Maybe skip if you
- seeking fast-paced instant gratification
- prefer upbeat party anthems
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — The album explores new sonic territories while addressing mental health themes.
- Themes
- addiction struggles· mental health awareness· modern isolation
- Career context
- Released in 2017, Wake Up Call is Theory of a Deadman's sixth studio album, following their 2014 release, Savages. At this stage, the band was exploring new sonic territories while maintaining their signature hard rock sound, reflecting on themes of mental health and personal growth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Hinder· Three Days Grace· Shinedown
Tracklist
- 1 Straight Jacket Start here 4:01
- 2 Rx (Medicate) 3:53
- 3 Echoes 3:58
- 4 Wake Up Call 3:55
- 5 PCH 3:36
- 6 G.O.A.T 4:09
- 7 Loner 3:37
- 8 Time Machine 2:56
- 9 Glass Jaw 3:53
- 10 PO Mouth 3:34
- 11 Wicked Game 3:40
What to play next
Say Nothing
2020
Continues the exploration of personal themes with a fresh sound.
Savages
2014
Sets the stage with a mix of hard-hitting and introspective tracks.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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