Waking Up Slow cover

Waking Up Slow

Gabrielle Aplin · 2017

3 min · 1 track · traditional folk music

A soothing blend of gentle piano melodies and introspective lyrics that evoke a serene, contemplative atmosphere.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Waking Up Slow (piano) — This title track encapsulates the album's reflective nature, using minimalist piano arrangements to create an intimate listening experience that invites personal interpretation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100
Foothills
Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The song combines simple yet effective composition with strong lyrical themes, creating a cohesive listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The track features a solo piano arrangement that carries the melody throughout, with minimal accompaniment.
  • The song's structure is straightforward, following a verse-chorus format without complex changes.
  • Lyrically, the song employs vivid imagery and introspective themes, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A solid single that showcases Aplin's style but isn't a major entry point or breakthrough.
Themes
morning tranquility· intimate reflections
Career context
When 'Waking Up Slow' was released in 2017, Gabrielle Aplin was transitioning from her debut album, 'English Rain', which had garnered her significant attention and commercial success. This release marked her return to the music scene after a brief hiatus, showcasing her evolution as an artist while retaining her signature folk sound.
Stylistic neighbors
Lucy Rose· Birdy· Laura Marling

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Waking Up Slow (piano)

    The verse subtly shifts from imagery of dawn to moments of self-reflection, creating a delicate balance between external beauty and internal conflict.

    This transition emphasizes the juxtaposition of the tranquil setting with deeper emotional currents, illustrating Aplin's songwriting craft.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Waking Up Slow (piano) 3:41

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata