Finally Woken
by Jem
  • Record Label: ATO
  • Release Date: Mar 23, 2004
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 30 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 30
  3. Negative: 3 out of 30

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. JeremyD
    Apr 4, 2005
    8
    A solid album
  2. BobB
    Jun 28, 2004
    10
    I am addicted to this album and I find it curious that the only bad things I've heard about it are from apparently jaded reviewers who believe there is something new to be sung. There isn't, what is new is how well it is done and this album is tops on my list.
  3. RogerJ
    Jul 20, 2005
    10
    Perfect for driving, the lyrics lull you into the impression you are entering a new world altogether magical. Simply enchanting.
  4. mikalb
    Mar 26, 2004
    8
    The EP had such promise. Although this is not a solid debut, it sure beats anything Willa Ford, or even Dido's last release.
  5. TimE.
    Jan 13, 2005
    10
    Wonderful! In an era when such overhyped singer-songwriters as Norah Jones and Alicia Keys rule the airwave it's nice to know that quality TV shows like the OC recognize actual talent.
  6. LuciusV-R
    Mar 27, 2005
    7
    Yes, uninspiring lyrics and an equally unoriginal voice. Nothing groundbreaking in those respects. But, the production on this album is, in pop terms, superb, and should be an example for the whole industry to follow. This is a good album, but I can't help thinking that it could have been so much better.
  7. JamieK
    Jul 3, 2005
    10
    I completely love this album! Jem has replaced fellow brit Dido as my new favorite female singer! "Finally Woken" is brilliant! i recommend!
  8. TrulyOutrageous
    Apr 20, 2004
    10
    JEM! Jem is Excitement! Woooah! JEM! Jem is Adventure! Woooah! Glamour and Glitter, Fashion and Fame JEM is truly Outrageous! Truly, truly, truly Outrageous! (Woah) Jem, The music's Contageous, Outrageous! Jem, Is my name, No One Else is the Same, JEM IS MY NAAAME! JEM!
  9. FerruccioC
    Mar 16, 2005
    10
    WOW!
  10. raVen
    May 13, 2005
    8
    Very good, if front-loaded. Some lyrics are slack, but this is not noticable until the music falls back around the 2/3rds mark. All songs are listen-worthy.
  11. AlexejM
    Jul 8, 2005
    9
    Fantastic album! All songs are extremley catchy and worth listening, very solid pop album, probably the best pop album so far!
  12. LanaM
    Mar 13, 2007
    10
    This is my favorite artist and I love her album
  13. JoeS.
    Jul 4, 2008
    10
    I try not to use words filppantly, but this is great music.
  14. MichelleS.
    Dec 30, 2004
    10
    If you're looking for an upbeat album to accompany you on a long ride, or just a good song for a pick-me-up, this album is for you. My favorites are "Just a Ride" and "Wish I."
  15. ChristineR
    Mar 31, 2004
    9
    her wispy, soulful voice, resonates such sensuality that is breaks your heart. And if you've ever had your heart broken, this is the type of music you would listen to to indulge in your tragedy and make it feel beautiful.
  16. ShockMaster
    Feb 24, 2005
    9
    well produced, catchy melodies, beautiful lush vocals; redundant at times with mediocre lyrics. as Jem's sound matures and takes more direction, look for this downtempo/pop songstress to join the ranks of Dido
  17. ellenb
    Mar 15, 2005
    9
    amazin album, luv the texts
  18. NicoleA
    May 16, 2005
    10
    Jem is very, very original, something not seen to often anymore. She uses kind of different sounds and an easy-going style to make a wonderful CD. Missing you is SO sad! It's the only sad one, however.
  19. AlinS
    Dec 10, 2006
    10
    This album is almost perfect! One of my favourites of all time!
  20. Andrew
    Nov 22, 2004
    9
    Great album, been my favorite for a few weeks now.

Awards & Rankings

87
#87 Most Discussed Album of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    Though the gently swaying songs… get a bit samey after a while, more often than not she succeeds in mixing the shuffle of languid hip-hop beats with intimate melodies. [26 Mar 2004, p.73]
  2. AllMusic
    60
    Overall, Jem's songcraft is only ambitious in relation to a genre often defined by a "blander is better" pleasure principle.
    Read full review
  3. Urb
    60
    A refreshing batch of summery, carefree downtempo songs. [May 2004, p.85]
See all critic reviews »