Can't Wake Up
by Shakey Graves
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
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  1. Sputnikmusic
    May 7, 2018
    94
    Between the obvious stylistic growth of Shakey Graves and Rose-Garcia’s ramped up creative appetite, Can’t Wake Up presents itself as the definitive album of the project’s discography. It masters its own atmosphere, swelling with confidence at each and every turn while inviting all who listen to join in. It only gets stronger as it goes on.
  2. Austin Chronicle
    May 7, 2018
    89
    Third proper full-length Can't Wake Up now completes his metamorphosis into an exceptional songwriter whose songs manifest into cinematic novellas. Characters living therein and their actions come to life in dreamy detail. Delivering them all, the singer's voice floats like a passing cloud along blooming stretches of reverberated chords.
  3. PopMatters
    Jul 19, 2018
    80
    Can't Wake Up demonstrates that rules and prescription do not limit musical interpretation. Rose-Garcia's newest release is an extension of the artist's standpoint and his drive to experiment.
  5. Exclaim
    May 7, 2018
    80
    Now with a larger band, rapid-fire lyrics don't serve the same spatial purpose they did when Graves was stomping out his own drum beat. There's a busy conversational quality to the songwriting that strict economical poetics couldn't achieve. There's not a lot of wordless space on Can't Wake Up.
  6. Uncut
    May 7, 2018
    70
    [Graves reinvents] himself as wistful purveyor of psych dream pop. It happens to suit him. [Jun 2018, p.27]
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  7. AllMusic
    May 7, 2018
    70
    If Shakey Graves sometimes seems to overplay his arty hand, pushing the record toward the brink of murk, it's the price of ambition and there is much here to admire.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Praeter-Music
    Aug 26, 2019
    8
    Obviously usly a departure from Shakey Graves' previous works, "Can't Wake Up" brings a whole batch of great stories and personal struggles toObviously usly a departure from Shakey Graves' previous works, "Can't Wake Up" brings a whole batch of great stories and personal struggles to the studio along with a full band. The quality of this album is undeniable with its rich vocals, psychedelic instrumentals, and vivid lyrics. Some of these tracks speak so well to the modern man that it's a wonder it's not strictly biographical. The production and drumming quality really seal the deal.… Full Review »
  2. TSCannon
    Aug 16, 2018
    10
    He said "sell your suspenders" when he announced this album, and he was right. This album is a whole new direction - much more indie rock,He said "sell your suspenders" when he announced this album, and he was right. This album is a whole new direction - much more indie rock, much less folk-y. Weird, trippy, dreamlike - it's worth checking out for yourself.… Full Review »
  3. Doof
    Jun 5, 2018
    7
    I like the ramshackle aesthetic he's aiming for, I like the personality he's projecting, there seems enough variety within this sonic worldI like the ramshackle aesthetic he's aiming for, I like the personality he's projecting, there seems enough variety within this sonic world he's built for himself...and yet, only half the songs truly satisfy. This is good, he has the potential to produce something even better down the line.… Full Review »
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