I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning by Bright Eyes (CD, Jan-2005, Saddle Creek Records)

I love that Bright Eyes’ songs feel like poetry put to music. I liken it to Bob Dylan in that the words are meaningful and not just fluff that society is so used to now. However, I think it is a required taste and you are either a Bright Eyes fan forever, or your not. If you love them, then you’ll really love this album, it’s one of the best.

If you are a bright eyes fan this is an essential recording of Oberst's early emotive singing, with sparse arrangements, and inventive use of common words...he breaks them up in unique rhythms that are surprising and funny, even as the meaning is serious. A complex artist with pleasant sense of humor toward himself.

Enjoy!

Tmd/1945

A younger friend said this was one of her favorite artists. I checked out Youtube and 'discovered' At the Bottom of Everything. This led to 'First Day of My Life and other tracks that impressed the heck out of me. Conner Oberst is some sort of genius....I had a gift certificate that allowed me to purchase several Bright Eyes CDs......Conner Oberst's various creative efforts are uneven at least......I'm Wide Awake...is probably one of his best and most accessible efforts.........Some of his other releases seem more like casual works in progress or experiments...It seems like he produces a LOT of stuff and issues most of it. The best of Conner/Bright Eyes is extremely good and much of the rest is more like a record of his prolific writing and less of an entertainment value. This CD is highly recommended....you may want to sample other issues before purchasing...........

I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning is such a hard one for me to get in to. I've listened to it countless times trying to make it click but so far no luck. Hardcore Bright Eyes fans seem to adore this so I must be missing something. I guess I'm more of a Digital Ash/Cassadaga guy. 3 Stars.

Now one of my favorite records by Bright Eyes. I love that Emmylou sings vocals on a few songs. I also love the whole vibe of the record.

I had listened to Bright Eyes prior to buying this CD, but not much, this is the first Bright Eyes CD I purchased. I have had this CD for 5 or 6 weeks...I have listened to it over and over, this collection of songs makes me laugh, cry and think. Favorite tracks: Lua, Another Travelin' Song, Land Locked Blues and Poision Oak. I love it...I am now a confirmed, full-fledged Bright Eyes fan.

From the first chords of "I'm Wide Awake and it's Morning" to the very end of the last song... I was in a complete state of wonder. It's beautiful and melodious and at the same time, filled with geat desperation. I cried when I listened to "Land Locked Blues" and "Lua" for the first time. It's just a great CD, with every song adding a layer of beauty and sadness and frustration to the story. Bright Eyes clearly isn't for everyone - Connor's music is very much acquired, as it is for a specific listener - but I think that anyone could appreciate it. If you're already a fan - this is undoubtedly the best CD, and if you've never even heard of Bright Eyes... well, give them a chance.