When I Woke
1994
PolyGram Records
Rusted Root made a impossibly gigantic leap from their independent-label debut, Cruel Sun in 1992 to When I Woke in 1994. Many of the favored songs were picked out and remastered to fit for their second album. Aside from the revamped songs the album follows very closely to the prior; a perfect blend of tribal/world music, rock, bluegrass, roots, and plain-old rock. Every band-member being able to play percussion also allows for intricate rhythmic complexity not seen in many other bands in the 90's, or of that century for that matter. Rarely is electric guitar used, and the band instead used Glabicki and Berlin's playing in unison to create a mesh of duel melody that is constantly on perfect beat. Going back to Glabicki, whose intense, artfully strained voice perfectly coincides with the music. Berlin's background vocals of course add further depth as well.
The faster, more climactic songs are where 'Root's expertise shines. 'Ecstasy', 'Send Me On My Way', and 'Martyr' (two of which are from their debut), and a personal favorite of mine the joltingly energetic and pounding 'Laugh As The Sun'. There's even some surprising RHCP influence sprinkled in with Rusted Root's tribal style like in 'Cat Turned Blue' and 'Food and Creative Love'. Finally there is the criminally underrated epic 'Cruel Sun', which is a song that holds an experience that can only be obtained from listening.
When I Woke is indeed one of my favorite albums of all time, and it's hard for me to not gush about it. I think any self-proclaimed music aficionado should have this one on high priority.
2016 - The Frying Pan & Thatcher
Have a nice day.
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