Metascore
57 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 19 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 19
  2. Negative: 3 out of 19
  1. Stand[s] alongside Something to Remember Me By as his strongest album.
  2. He's never sounded more confident. [Mar 2005, p.134]
  3. With Awake, Lee has become a writer so adept at communicating his personality through song, that it's easy to feel like you know him after just a few listens.
  4. 80
    Simple without being simplistic. [#14, p.98]
  5. Indeed, "Awake" is Lee's strongest album in years; so good that you can even forgive the Har Mar Superstar cameo.
  6. [A] pleasant Sunday drive of an album. [18 Feb 2005, p.78]
  7. This album is just that – an album in the truest sense, a collection of songs that work together as a whole and one that doesn't rely on a strong single or two to make it work.
  8. The disc's simple melodies and slightly dated alt-rock sound are unlikely to change his fortunes anytime soon.
  9. 67
    [Lee is a] maturing craftsman. [Mar 2005, p.92]
  10. The songs, engaging as they are, sound cursory, as though Lee wrote them while riding the bus on his way to the studio, staring at his watch and an empty notebook.
  11. Nothing here approaches innovation, and while the music isn't offensive to the ears, it provides little to get excited about. [#9]
  12. Much of Awake Is the New Sleep feels labored, lyrically and musically.
  13. 40
    It intrigues more than satisfies. [Apr 2005, p.100]
  14. 40
    Doesn't pack enough hooks to make it memorable. [Apr 2005, p.105]
  15. Awake has the occasional spiffy tune... but it's padded with pop-rock toss-offs and an unlistenable, ten-minute instrumental noise jam.
  16. It's all perfectly serviceable pop, if a little dull.
  17. Contrary to what its title might imply, there's really not a whole lotta "new" goin' on here.
  18. Awake is a distinctly flawed album; much of what's here is precious or forced-sounding.
  19. Like a washed-up athlete, Lee's stuck reliving his glory years.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 28 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 21
  3. Negative: 5 out of 21
  1. Kim
    10
    Brilliant! One of my top five favorite albums! This is the kind of album that makes you feel good about everything when you listen to it. It's sweet and charming with a twist. I just adore it! Full Review »
  2. AmeliaE
    8
    beautiful! ben lee has made a stunning album to sing to
  3. KristyW
    10
    This album never ceases to make me happy. Despite what others claim, this is NOT a breakup album. Sure bits and pieces of an artist's personal life are going to wind up in their work, but this album is so much more than that. It has a spirituality that is neither cloying nor preachy...something this Agnostic can digest without annoyance. Love it! Ben's the man. Full Review »