Wake Up, Sunshine cover

Wake Up, Sunshine

All Time Low · 2020

46 min · 15 tracks · pop rock

A vibrant blend of pop-punk energy and introspective lyrics, capturing the essence of youthful uncertainty and hope.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Some Kind of Disaster Start here — This track opens the album with infectious energy and explores themes of existential dread wrapped in catchy melodies, setting the tone for the entire record.
  • →
    Monsters — Featuring a collaboration with Blackbear, this song addresses inner struggles and mental health issues while maintaining an upbeat sound that resonates with listeners.
  • →
    Wake Up, Sunshine — As the title track, it encapsulates the album's overarching theme of optimism amidst uncertainty, balancing lyrical depth with an anthemic chorus that invites sing-alongs.

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 balances energetic pop-punk with introspective moments, though it doesn't fully stand out in its genre.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains a consistent upbeat tempo, while the second half introduces slower tracks that explore more introspective themes.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response sections, enhancing the pop-punk energy.
  • Interludes are strategically placed to create pauses in the flow, allowing for emotional reflection before transitioning back into more energetic songs.
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 4/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo sing-alongs
  • youthful optimism throughout tracks
  • relatable themes for reflection
  • for road trip vibes

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slower, more sounds
  • seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows a strong return to pop-punk roots and achieves significant chart success.
Themes
mental health struggles· optimism in chaos
Career context
Wake Up, Sunshine is All Time Low's eighth studio album, following their 2017 release Last Young Renegade. At this point in their career, the band was navigating a transition back to their pop-punk roots after experimenting with a more alternative sound. The album marked a return to form, showcasing their ability to craft catchy hooks while addressing personal themes.
Stylistic neighbors
Paramore· Panic! at the Disco· Fall Out Boy

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Monsters

    The song features a shift where the narrator confronts their fears directly, acknowledging inner turmoil without romanticizing it.

    This moment represents a vulnerable break from typical bravado in pop-punk, emphasizing authenticity over mere bravado.

Tracklist

  • 1 Some Kind of Disaster Start here 3:44
  • 2 Sleeping In 3:01
  • 3 Getaway Green 2:47
  • 4 Melancholy Kaleidoscope 2:55
  • 5 Trouble Is 2:27
  • 6 Wake Up, Sunshine 3:16
  • 7 Monsters 2:54
  • 8 Pretty Venom (interlude) 3:02
  • 9 Favorite Place 3:14
  • 10 Safe 3:40
  • 11 January Gloom (Seasons, Pt. 1) 2:46
  • 12 Clumsy 3:02
  • 13 Glitter & Crimson 3:03
  • 14 Summer Daze (Seasons, Pt. 2) 3:15
  • 15 Basement Noise 3:06

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata