What makes Waking Up by Bethany Dillon notable?

Waking Up received notable critical acclaim, particularly for its lyrical depth and melodic compositions, becoming a staple in contemporary Christian playlists. The album's success was marked by its chart performance on Christian music charts, further establishing Dillon as an influential artist in the faith-based music scene. Released in 2007, Waking Up is Bethany Dillon's third studio album, following her self-titled debut in 2004 and the sophomore effort, Immanuel. At this point in her career, Dillon was solidifying her presence in contemporary Christian music, transitioning from a promising young artist to a recognized voice within the genre.

How many songs are on Waking Up?

Waking Up has 13 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

Waking Up

Bethany Dillon · 2007

53 min · 13 tracks · contemporary Christian music

Introspective melodies intertwine with soulful vocals, creating a serene atmosphere that invites reflection and spiritual contemplation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Waking Up — The title track encapsulates the album's central theme of awakening to spiritual truths, featuring a haunting melody that lingers long after it ends.
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Change — This track showcases Dillon's ability to blend personal introspection with broader themes of transformation, resonating with listeners navigating their own journeys.
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When You Love Someone — A poignant exploration of love's complexities, this song balances vulnerability and strength, making it one of the album's standout emotional moments.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

55 /100

Foothills

Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album features strong melodies and thoughtful lyrics, with a cohesive flow that invites repeated listening.

What we noticed

Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that build gradually, creating a rich texture that complements the introspective lyrics.
The album closes with two tracks that shift to a more contemplative tone, allowing for a reflective conclusion.

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: 8/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Let Your Light Shine

The bridge shifts from personal reflection to a call for action, encouraging listeners to embody their faith visibly.

This structural choice moves the song from introspection into communal responsibility, emphasizing the importance of living one's beliefs.

Tracklist

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

1 The Kingdom 4:03
2 Come Find Me 4:31
3 Waking Up 4:06
4 Something There 3:24
5 Let Your Light Shine 4:01
6 Change 3:28
7 Top of the World 3:54
8 Tell Me 4:36
9 Are You Sure? 4:23
10 When You Love Someone 3:29
11 You Could Be the One 3:53
12 Beggar's Heart 4:45
13 You Are on Our Side 5:08

What to play next

Listen next

In Christ Alone

2008

Go back to

Imagination

2005

Full Bethany Dillon discography Artists like Bethany Dillon

contemporary Christian music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata