I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning
by Bright Eyes
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 214 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 177 out of 214
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 214
  3. Negative: 23 out of 214

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  1. auxnbus
    Jun 17, 2014
    10
    It never got better than this for Bright Eyes.. One of the greatest albums of recent times - and stands with the greats of all time.
    This album seems to perfectly capture a stage in anyone's life at any given time. From the soul-crushing despairs of heartbreak, to the most hopeful of hopes, to the sour distaste for political affairs.
    This is the type of album that touches one day you and    It never got better than this for Bright Eyes.. One of the greatest albums of recent times - and stands with the greats of all time.
    This album seems to perfectly capture a stage in anyone's life at any given time. From the soul-crushing despairs of heartbreak, to the most hopeful of hopes, to the sour distaste for political affairs.
    This is the type of album that touches one day you and sticks to you for the rest of your life.    … Expand
  2. jmarkfin
    Sep 18, 2013
    9
    An absolutely lovely album that is one of Oberst's best. It's definitely not for everyone, but for those whose tastes are attuned to this acoustic-folk sound, it's some of the highest quality stuff you can listen to.
  3. davenbettridge
    Nov 7, 2011
    10
    "I'm not sure what the trouble was that started all of this, the reasons all have run away but the feeling never did - It's not something I would recommend, but it is one way to live, cause what is simple in the moonlight, by the morning never is..." - Lua, Bright Eyes
  4. Vampire25
    Mar 1, 2011
    9
    I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning is Bright Eyes's best album. Every song sounds like a single. Conor Oberst's voice sounds youthfully self-absorbed and it all sounds great. The opener "At The Bottom Of Everything" really opens up the whole album and the beautiful "First Day Of My Life" really puts a smile on your face. And the ending track "Road To Joy" really ends the album off with a bang.I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning is Bright Eyes's best album. Every song sounds like a single. Conor Oberst's voice sounds youthfully self-absorbed and it all sounds great. The opener "At The Bottom Of Everything" really opens up the whole album and the beautiful "First Day Of My Life" really puts a smile on your face. And the ending track "Road To Joy" really ends the album off with a bang. All In All. I'm Wide Awake is a fantastic album. A-… Expand
  5. druss
    Feb 2, 2011
    4
    In spite of the odd decent tune, the dislike I feel for the man singing is hard to suppress. He's like Dylan with a fraction of the musical talent and without any sort of artistic vision (not counting the ideas he stole from Dylan).
  6. ChadB
    May 20, 2009
    10
    Amazing.
  7. CJ
    Sep 27, 2007
    1
    Did someone actually write "It's about time someone got political"? I'm going to go ahead and assume that was a joke, since the entire industry seems to have turned into a left-leaning think-tank for amateur foreign-policy aficionados. Or maybe rock stars just like to throw temper tantrum whenever there's something going on in the world that actually puts their significance Did someone actually write "It's about time someone got political"? I'm going to go ahead and assume that was a joke, since the entire industry seems to have turned into a left-leaning think-tank for amateur foreign-policy aficionados. Or maybe rock stars just like to throw temper tantrum whenever there's something going on in the world that actually puts their significance into perspective. Rock stars do hate perspective. This one is no different. I mean that in every conceivable way it could be interpreted. If this is what rock gods have come to, rock is dead.… Expand
  8. TimA
    Aug 24, 2007
    10
    This album is bright eyes greatest masterpiece, the lyrics and melodies are all amazing. Conor's voice sounds at it's best on this record, and is beautifully complemented by the simple, but effective Instrumentation.
  9. JasonW
    Dec 19, 2006
    10
    Before i bought this album, i just thought of bright eyes as...mediocre at best. However, after purchashing this cd just out of curiosity, i have now become a bright eyes fanatic. two days after i bought this cd, i went out and bought digital ash in a digital urn, just because this cd didn't fill my appetite for conor's genius. i have been completely turned around in my opinion Before i bought this album, i just thought of bright eyes as...mediocre at best. However, after purchashing this cd just out of curiosity, i have now become a bright eyes fanatic. two days after i bought this cd, i went out and bought digital ash in a digital urn, just because this cd didn't fill my appetite for conor's genius. i have been completely turned around in my opinion on bright eyes and will absolutely add every cd that he makes to my ever expanding collection of amazing songs, no matter what the genre.… Expand
  10. NelsonD
    Sep 9, 2006
    4
    In the grand scheme of MTV and VH1 pop music, this album is a goldmine. In the indie/alternative world (and especilly compared to Bright Eyes previous masterpieces), this album is a giant disapointment. After the grand LIFTED in which he seemed to put all his worries finally aside, he seems to go back to pre-adolescent lyrics and themes in this album. The fact the he decided to make it a In the grand scheme of MTV and VH1 pop music, this album is a goldmine. In the indie/alternative world (and especilly compared to Bright Eyes previous masterpieces), this album is a giant disapointment. After the grand LIFTED in which he seemed to put all his worries finally aside, he seems to go back to pre-adolescent lyrics and themes in this album. The fact the he decided to make it a sort of Singer/Songwriter album also ruins it because unlike LIFTED and his previous albums, this one is unadorned, simplistic and in many cases (example: Lua) almost devoid of music. Maybe if the lyrics werent as crypted as an emo kid's poem, then maybe, the album would work better, but with such boring music acompanying it, it just doesnt work. Digital Ash in a Digital Urn, at least, is far more interesting music wise, for its diversity, though the lyrics suffer as before. Here's hoping Conor acts his age for the next album.… Expand
  11. Andy
    Aug 16, 2006
    9
    Its about time soneone got political. Another great effort from Conner, the lyrics will give you goosebumps.
  12. anna
    Jul 17, 2006
    10
    honest and true. oberst manages to surprise listeners on every track, while at times being blunt and at others, elusive. he transforms into a master story-teller and universalizes his lyrics without detaching a human element. from the intro to the final note on the last track a listener is captivated.
  13. ginnyt
    Jun 30, 2006
    10
    I was simply blown away. Like the first time I heard the Decemberists, or Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins. It's is VERY VERY rare to find a record that is worth listening to the ENTIRE way through. Beautifully done. This will be in heavy rotation for a long time...
  14. BobbyJJ
    Jun 26, 2006
    1
    bad
  15. TheCriticTheCritic
    Jun 14, 2006
    9
    C'mon!!!! All of you who don't like this album don't like music. He has a great voice and is a great songwriter. What more could you want?
  16. ms
    Jun 5, 2006
    10
    A grand triumph in songwriting and a lush and sweeping musical achievment. I am convinced that amongst a few albums that today's Pop artist's, Hip Hop superstars, and fake rock (i.e. Hilary Duff, Lindsy Lohan, Ashlee Simpson) should listen to, this is at the top of the list. It is an incredibly insightful and heartbreaking testament to loneliness, honesty, love, and the A grand triumph in songwriting and a lush and sweeping musical achievment. I am convinced that amongst a few albums that today's Pop artist's, Hip Hop superstars, and fake rock (i.e. Hilary Duff, Lindsy Lohan, Ashlee Simpson) should listen to, this is at the top of the list. It is an incredibly insightful and heartbreaking testament to loneliness, honesty, love, and the evil's of our political world. If there were ever a time to name our new great song-writer of the decade, Conor takes it fair and square. His sorrowful and observational lyrics contain such emotion and power, accompanied by his quivering voice and his frail range. From broken-hearted anthems of the heart, to the anti-war songs this album has it all and it's been crafted with such ernesty and empathy that it is one of the most believable records I think I've heard in the last three years. So I say that every superstar in today's music listen to this, listen to the passion, the themes, the words, the structures, and then they should listen to themselves..because they will feel small and immature at how brave and dignifying this album is.… Expand
  17. hibb
    May 26, 2006
    7
    I think that this album has been argued to death. It's far from incredible, but much more tolerable than most of his other works. Some of the songs are solid, but the others aren't substatial enough. "First Day of my Life" stands on its own as a great song, but it gets lost in the raucous disoder that is "Road to Joy."
  18. PhilM
    Apr 28, 2006
    10
    Brilliant, I could listen to this all day
  19. DavidP
    Apr 8, 2006
    3
    I have an academic respect for this album, but unfortunately it falls far short of what I expected musically, given the high praise it has received. The meaningful lyrics don't do much for me without compelling music, and the music is far from compelling.
  20. LachlanW
    Apr 5, 2006
    10
    An incredible album. Probably Obhert's masterpiece.
  21. garibaldim
    Feb 6, 2006
    10
    To all y'all hataz: Yes. If you really wanted to, you could decide to dislike this album, and then, with persistence, convince yourself that that's always the way you would have felt. But there's simply nothing to really strongly dislike about this album, unless you're offended by the very existence of american popular music canon. Imagine, if you can, coming across To all y'all hataz: Yes. If you really wanted to, you could decide to dislike this album, and then, with persistence, convince yourself that that's always the way you would have felt. But there's simply nothing to really strongly dislike about this album, unless you're offended by the very existence of american popular music canon. Imagine, if you can, coming across this album on your own...nobody else knows about it. get there, try to arrive at a place before overdetermined cynicism, a place you once knew, perhaps. A place where the music you hear has not been inextricably engrafted onto 122 user comments, or an industry of knowing comparisons that came after it, things the music itself never tried to engender. Poor Wide Awake. The music made is now the belated guest at its own party, expectant, innocent, ignored. Go. Be the one to put your arm around this bright-eyed broomstick cowboy. Listen to him. He's saying: "why are there cupcakes all over the walls? They were for eating..." Tell him it's not his fault. Tell him you'll make some new cupcakes -- together. Sorry, I forget what I was talking about.… Expand
  22. JackD
    Jan 28, 2006
    8
    I did enjoy this album and I still do, specifically First Day of My Life. However, I do not feel this album warrants a perfect 10 by any means. He needs to work on the consistency of his music through out the entire record.
  23. alexy
    Jan 27, 2006
    10
    simply amazing - the music is superb, and the words are equally amazing. just by reading the lyrics, you can tell that conor oberst is a genius.
  24. cables
    Jan 18, 2006
    10
    I just dont understand the hatred some people have for this album. it's fantastic. I hate emo, but i love this album. Don't lump this poor guy into the emo category, he's anything but.
  25. Liz
    Jan 15, 2006
    10
    Personally, I thought this was the best cd i've ever owned and bought. When I first listened to it, Conor's voice had this distinctive sound, and it made me want to hear more. I also love how the music makes you forget everything and it captures you, making you want to go through it again. This is a work of art.
  26. 36Thoughtless
    Jan 5, 2006
    2
    Never having heard Bright Eyes before, I went with good expectations for the band because people I knew with decent tastes in music bought this album. Nevertheless, this album has reached new lows in music. Conan Oberst can not sing at all and is a very weak guitar player. The mix of country and rock-based songwriting does not display a great sense of musical talent either: each song Never having heard Bright Eyes before, I went with good expectations for the band because people I knew with decent tastes in music bought this album. Nevertheless, this album has reached new lows in music. Conan Oberst can not sing at all and is a very weak guitar player. The mix of country and rock-based songwriting does not display a great sense of musical talent either: each song begins shockingly dull and ends the same way! I may be particular about the music I listen to, but when I saw the critics' reviews, it blew my mind how so many people could applaud this album's commitment to utter mediocrity. Conan Oberst might as well have been a 14-year-old boy getting together with his friends and producing an album with a tape recorder. The only saving grace (hence my 2 points) is "First Day of My Life," which happens to somewhat memorable, but nowhere near merits the praise given by so many people.… Expand
  27. JoeB
    Jan 3, 2006
    8
    This album is one of my personal favorites; I enjoy the rhythms and Oberst's vocals. He's certainly not the 'next Bob Dylan'--and to blame him for said label is not fair, nor reason to give a bad review. The lyrics are great, the instrumental is great. An all-around solid effort.
  28. JeffB
    Dec 25, 2005
    10
    Fucking fantastic.
  29. JoshH
    Dec 22, 2005
    6
    The good moments on this album are good, but the bad ones are catastrophic. It hits its low when he talks about guys throwing their backs out trying to lift a girl's heavy heart. Not every lyrical conceit is a good idea, and that's a prime example of one that's not. Oberst has outgrown the wunderkind label people have always slapped on him, but it's clear that he still The good moments on this album are good, but the bad ones are catastrophic. It hits its low when he talks about guys throwing their backs out trying to lift a girl's heavy heart. Not every lyrical conceit is a good idea, and that's a prime example of one that's not. Oberst has outgrown the wunderkind label people have always slapped on him, but it's clear that he still has a lot of growing up to do.… Expand
  30. ChrisF-T
    Dec 18, 2005
    0
    I tried enjoying this record in the music store earlier in 2005 when everyone was talking about it but I have to be honest here... I couldn't make it past the first song. This poor guy was going on and on about a silly and lame story and sounded like he enjoyed beyong oh-so pretentious. There is justice in the world however as this has been nearly completely forgotten by the end of I tried enjoying this record in the music store earlier in 2005 when everyone was talking about it but I have to be honest here... I couldn't make it past the first song. This poor guy was going on and on about a silly and lame story and sounded like he enjoyed beyong oh-so pretentious. There is justice in the world however as this has been nearly completely forgotten by the end of 2005. I knew it was just a phase! don't worry you sad emo kids, there is good music out there, and it makes you curious and happy instead of proud and sad. Thank you world for forgetting Bright Eyes.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

17
#17 Best Album of 2005
28
#28 Most Discussed Album of 2005
28
#28 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. Stylus Magazine
    100
    Bright Eyes may well be on the verge of finally bridging the gap between his precocious talent and the maturity of an ageless songwriter.
    Read full review
  2. AllMusic
    40
    Far from being the second coming of Dylan, Oberst is as precious as Paul Simon, but without any sense of rhyme or meter or gift for imagery, puking out lines filled with cheap metaphors and clumsy words that don't scan.
    Read full review
  3. The A.V. Club
    80
    A culmination of Bright Eyes' decade-long habit of reviving folk-rock conventions and social engagement for a generation raised on the celebratory egomania of rap and reality television.
    Read full review
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