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Woke On A Whaleheart Image
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

  • Summary: The singer-songwriter behind Smog [and its more parenthetical offshoot, (Smog)] returns with his first release under his given name.

Top Track

Sycamore
There's sap in the trees if you tap 'em There's blood on the seas if you map 'em Christian, if you see your poppa Tell him I love him He taught me to... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 18
  2. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. This album is ridiculously rhythmic.
  2. While Callahan's Woke On A Whaleheart shares Smog's rumbly tone and rootsy foundations, it is a bit of a departure.
  3. "Whaleheart" is sure to be one of the year's finest releases, which shouldn't come as news to anyone familiar with Callahan's singular, indelible songwriting.
  4. It's far from his best work, but, as Callahan takes a detour into rootsy musical traditions such as country and gospel, it is a characteristically eccentric release.
  5. It employs all his strengths as a writer of lyrics and music and stretches the canvas of his colorful if sparsely arranged tapestry.
  6. Woke on a Whaleheart is a deceptively easy listen-- steady, lulling, and vehemently organic-- but consequently, it can begin to feel invisible.
  7. Spin
    50
    Skirting the emotional depths that marked his past work, Callahan's new persona feels almost shallow. [May 2007, p.84]

See all 18 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. Jan 13, 2011
    9
    My first introduction to Bill Callahan or Smog and I was completely taken with this album. Played it everyday for a year. Though hardcore fansMy first introduction to Bill Callahan or Smog and I was completely taken with this album. Played it everyday for a year. Though hardcore fans will tell you it comes nowhere near his other stuff, listen to it away from the sinister athmospheric styling he usually pioneers and you'll LOVE it. Collapse
  2. roccoc.
    Nov 5, 2007
    8
    Delicious.