Wakin on a Pretty Daze
Kurt Vile · 2013
69 min · 11 tracks · rock music
A sun-drenched exploration of mellow rock and intricate folk, blending introspective lyrics with spacious instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Wakin on a Pretty Day Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's overarching theme of appreciating life's simple pleasures, characterized by its extended instrumental passages that evoke a sense of dreaming.
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KV Crimes — This track stands out with its catchy melody and clever wordplay, providing insight into Vile's contemplative yet playful approach to songwriting.
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Never Run Away — With its reflective lyrics and soothing guitar work, this song exemplifies Vile's ability to convey vulnerability while maintaining an effortless groove.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's blend of mellow rock and folk elements creates a distinct yet cohesive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album features long tracks, with several exceeding six minutes, allowing for extended instrumental passages and gradual development of themes.
- Vocals are often layered with reverb, creating a spacious sound that complements the laid-back instrumentation.
- 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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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- serene afternoon contemplation
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- introspective moments of reflection
- dreamy melodies for daydreaming
- gradual emotional build-up
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer upbeat party vibes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified Vile's reputation and gained him wider recognition in indie rock.
- Themes
- sun-drenched afternoons· everyday life reflections· dreamy instrumental passages
- Career context
- By the time 'Wakin on a Pretty Daze' was released in April 2013, Kurt Vile had established himself as a prominent figure in the indie rock scene with his previous album, 'Smoke Ring for My Halo,' released in 2011. This album marked a continuation of his artistic evolution, showcasing his signature laid-back style while expanding on themes of everyday life and existential reflection.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jason Isbell· Mac DeMarco· Bill Callahan
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Girl Called Alex
The narrative shifts from a whimsical tone to a more serious reflection on relationships and personal connections.
This transition deepens the emotional impact, contrasting playful imagery with poignant realizations about love and loss.
Tracklist
- 1 Wakin on a Pretty Day Start here 9:30
- 2 KV Crimes 3:56
- 3 Was All Talk 7:41
- 4 Girl Called Alex 6:19
- 5 Never Run Away 3:24
- 6 Pure Pain 5:08
- 7 Too Hard 8:03
- 8 Shame Chamber 4:46
- 9 Snowflakes Are Dancing 3:22
- 10 Air Bud 6:29
- 11 Goldtone 10:25
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Atlas
Real Estate
Similar sun-soaked vibe with reflective lyrics and intricate guitar work, for lazy afternoons.
Helplessness Blues
Fleet Foxes
Shares a focus on introspective lyrics and lush instrumentation, evoking a sense of existential reflection.
2
Mac DeMarco
Captures a laid-back atmosphere with dreamy melodies and casual storytelling about everyday life.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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