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Wake Up Call (Theory of a Deadman album)

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Wake Up Call
A symmetric mosaic pattern consisting of squares in various shades of orange and yellow, representing a sunlit sky. The entire image is surrounded by a thick black border. The word "Theory" is seen in the middle while the words "Wake Up Call" is displayed in the bottom right corner.
Studio album by
Theory of a Deadman
ReleasedOctober 27, 2017 (2017-10-27)
Recorded2016
StudioKensaltown
Genre
Length41:07
Label
ProducerMartin Terefe
Theory of a Deadman chronology
Angel Acoustic EP
(2015) 		Wake Up Call
(2017) 		Say Nothing
(2020)
Singles from Wake Up Call
  1. "Rx (Medicate)"
    Released: July 27, 2017
  2. "Straight Jacket"
    Released: January 16, 2018
  3. "Wicked Game"
    Released: July 10, 2018[3]

Wake Up Call is the sixth studio album by Canadian rock band Theory of a Deadman, released on October 27, 2017, through 604 Records in Canada and Atlantic and Roadrunner Records in the United States. Critics have described the album as having a more pop-infused sound than previous releases, which was the result of lead singer Tyler Connolly composing the majority of the record's music on the piano instead of the usual guitar. Departing from the same recording and production team they had worked with for the past four albums, the band opted to collaborate with Swedish music producer, Martin Terefe, and spent seven weeks at Kensaltown Studios in London.

The album was met with mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the lyrical maturity that was lacking in previous albums; others criticized it for the sudden change in genre. Wake Up Call peaked at numbers thirteen and twenty-four on the Billboard Canadian Albums and US Billboard 200 charts, respectively. Its lead single, "Rx (Medicate)"—a song addressing the opioid epidemic in North America—was released on July 27, 2017, and is the band's third single to top the US Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.

Background and development

[edit]

Theory of a Deadman's sound had been firmly rooted in the alternative and hard rock genres since the band signed a record deal with Chad Kroeger's 604 Records in 2001. Lead singer Tyler Connolly stated that after the release of their fourth studio album, The Truth Is..., in 2011, the band was receiving pressure from their record label to create an album that was "more poppy". He believed the label was "getting tired of [their] fun rock stuff" and "wanted to hear something different". The band responded to this pressure with the release of their fifth studio album, Savages, in 2014, which Connolly described as the "opposite" of their record label's wishes.[4] Los Angeles-based music producer Howard Benson worked with the band on Savages as well as three of their previous albums.[5] The record marked the band's second album to peak within the top ten of the Billboard 200 chart.[6]

While on tour in 2015 in support of Savages, Theory of a Deadman released a five-track EP called Angel Acoustic EP. The release (also produced by Benson) consisted of acoustic versions of some of their most popular songs and included an acoustic cover of Swedish singer Tove Lo's "Habits (Stay High)".[7] 2016 marked 15 years since the band's formation and was celebrated with an unplugged tour throughout western Canada.[8]

Musical style and composition

[edit]

Wake Up Call has been described by critics as a departure from Theory of a Deadman's usual hard rock foundation, moving into pop and pop rock territory.[1][2] The band has credited this shift to Connolly, the group's primary songwriter, acquiring and learning how to play the piano prior to the album's recording. Connolly expressed feeling creatively exhausted, stating, "For some reason, [on] this album, I felt tapped on the guitar side. I felt like every riff was written."[9] With a friend's encouragement, Connolly purchased a piano and told Billboard:

... [I] just started playing and writing songs like I'd never written songs before. And the songs were so different and the lyrics were so different. It came from a place of complete freedom. It didn't come from a place of, 'Where's music at right now? What's rock doing?' It was just me sitting at a piano and playing chords and notes and then all of a sudden I come up with one song idea after another.[10]

Bassist Dean Back agreed, saying, "During the writing process, Tyler’s go-to was to always pick up a guitar and write with that. He pushed himself through and instead of writing with the guitar he used a piano he has in his house. ... I think writing on the piano opened up another creative realm in him."[11]

Recording

[edit]

Theory of a Deadman worked with the same recording and production team in Los Angeles for their previous four albums and felt they wanted something different for Wake Up Call. Connolly stated that their A&R team mentioned Swedish music producer, Martin Terefe, who was known for working with pop rock music artists such as Jason Mraz, James Blunt, and Train, and was interested in collaborating with the group. Instead of working in Los Angeles, the band spent seven weeks in London in 2016, recording at Terefe's Kensaltown Studios.[5][12]

Back commented on the relaxed and "organic" atmosphere of Kensaltown and described the studio as an open room with the group recording their music while sitting on couches as opposed to being isolated in separate areas. Terefe used minimal dubbing and preferred to abandon the pre-production of tracks—something the band would normally spend two to three weeks on—in order to leave room for creative freedom. Connolly and Back both described the recording process as a "great" and "cool" experience.[5][12]

Promotion and singles

[edit]

Wake Up Call marked the first album in which the band went by their abbreviated name, Theory.[13] Its first single, "Rx (Medicate)", was released on July 27, 2017, the same day that Theory of a Deadman announced the name of its respective album. The song addresses the opioid epidemic that has affected the United States, with Connolly telling Billboard that he "really wanted to discuss how messed up America is" regarding prescription drugs.[10] He also conveyed his feelings that this was the band's "most important song" as far as how it has affected their fans.[14]

"Rx (Medicate)" proved to be successful, with Back claiming it as "the biggest song of [the band's] career right now".[5] The track reached number one on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart in October 2017 and earned a "No. 1 Song Award" from the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN).[15][16] It was certified platinum in June 2018 by Music Canada and nominated for "Rock Song of the Year" at the 2018 iHeartRadio Music Awards.[17][18]

Pre-orders of the album were made available on July 28, 2017, which included "Rx (Medicate)" as an instant grat download. The band released a music video for "Echoes" in September 2017; the song was also made available with pre-orders.[citation needed] The album's second single, "Straight Jacket", was released in January 2018,[19] and was accompanied by a music video on their official YouTube account in February 2018.[20] Featuring staccato piano notes performed by Connolly, the song reached number 12 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart in May 2018.[21]

The band launched a 33-city tour in the United States during the fall of 2017.[22] The tour was extended into 2018 to include shows throughout western Canada and Europe.[5] "There’s a real dichotomy of Theory now, two very different sides," Connolly said. "Not that we want to get away from our old songs, but the new songs are so diverse, such a juxtaposition. We're really working on building a big show, and trying to make it all more visual, as well." The band toured in Australia for the first time in their career in June 2018,[23] and released a video the following month for "PCH" (which stands for "Pacific Coast Highway", the name designated to a particular section of the California State Route 1 in southern California)[24] at the start of their summer tour in the United States.[25] A music video for the title track was also released in October 2018.[26]

Critical reception and awards

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[27]
Alternative Addiction[1]
Classic Rock Magazine[28]
Renowned for Sound[29]

Wake Up Call received mixed reviews from critics. James Christopher Monger of AllMusic gave the album three out of five stars, complimenting the maturation of the band's songwriting since their debut album and observing the favoring of "genuine emotion" throughout their songs over "callow frat boy misogyny".[27] Alternative Addiction praised the band for adopting an "adapt, survive, and evolve" strategy concerning their move into pop music.[1] Malcolm Dome from Classic Rock concluded that the album felt "too lightweight", saying, "The songwriting suggests there is a quality album in them that’s waiting to take flight, but the end game never lives up to the clear potential the music carries".[28]

Über Rock criticized the album, stating, "With barely any trace of their established sound, Wake Up Call comes across as a desperate attempt to wear the clothes of pop music. Unfortunately for Theory of a Deadman, they fit terribly."[30] Haydon Benfield from Renowned for Sound was also critical of record, stating, "With Wake Up Call offering little to captivate the listener, it is difficult to image [sic] what appeal Theory of a Deadman use to draw their fans in."[29] The record was nominated for "Rock Album of the Year" at the 2018 Juno Awards, but lost to The Glorious Sons' Young Beauties and Fools.[31]

Track listing

[edit]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Straight Jacket"Theory of a Deadman4:00
2."Rx"Theory of a Deadman3:53
3."Echoes"Theory of a Deadman3:58
4."Wake Up Call"Tyler Connolly, Christine Connolly, Peter M. Amato3:55
5."PCH"Theory of a Deadman3:35
6."G.O.A.T"Theory of a Deadman4:08
7."Loner"T. Connolly, C. Connolly3:36
8."Time Machine"T. Connolly, C. Connolly, Louis Biancaniello2:56
9."Glass Jaw"Theory of a Deadman3:52
10."Po Mouth"Theory of a Deadman3:34
11."Wicked Game" (Chris Isaak cover)Chris Isaak3:40
Total length:41:07

Personnel

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Credits adapted from the liner notes of Wake Up Call and AllMusic.[32][33]

Theory of a Deadman

  • Tyler Connolly – vocals, guitar, piano
  • Dave Brenner – guitar, backing vocals
  • Dean Back – bass, backing vocals
  • Joey Dandeneau – drums, backing vocals

Additional musicians

Production

  • Martin Terefe – producing
  • Tyler Connolly – producing, engineering
  • Dyre Gormsen – engineering
  • Oskar Winberg – engineering, programming
  • Nikolaj Torp Larsen – engineering
  • Clem Cherry – engineering
  • George Murphy – engineering
  • Flo Reutter – programming
  • Neal Avron – mixing
  • Scott Skrzynski – mixing
  • Ted Jensen – mastering

"Loner", "G.O.A.T.", and "Wicked Game"

  • David Davidson – violin, strings arrangement
  • David Angell – violin
  • Kris Wilkinson – viola
  • Carole Rabinowitz – cello
  • Bobby Shin – engineering

Charts

[edit]
Chart (2017) Peak
position
Canadian Albums Chart (Billboard)[34] 13
US Billboard 200[35] 24
US Alternative Albums (Billboard)[36] 4
US Top Rock Albums (Billboard)[37] 5

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[38] Gold 40,000‡
United States (RIAA)[39] Gold 500,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d "Album Review of Wake Up Call by Theory of a Deadman". Alternative Addiction. Archived from the original on March 8, 2018. Retrieved May 19, 2018.
  2. ^ a b Podplesky, Azaria (November 9, 2017). "Theory of a Deadman Trade Hard Rock for Pop-rock on 'Wake Up Call'". The Spokesman-Review. Archived from the original on December 31, 2017. Retrieved May 19, 2018.
  3. ^ "Rock Future Releases". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on July 1, 2018. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  4. ^ Kennedy, Adam (March 6, 2016). "Tyler Connolly of Theory of a Deadman". National Rock Review. Archived from the original on September 14, 2017. Retrieved May 19, 2018.
  5. ^ a b c d e Zillich, Tom (December 15, 2017). "'Rx (Medicate)' the Biggest Song of Theory of a Deadman's 16-year Career, North Delta Bassist Raves". Surrey Now-Leader. Archived from the original on May 18, 2018. Retrieved May 19, 2018.
  6. ^ "Theory of a Deadman – Chart History: Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
  7. ^ Chachkes, Keith (April 16, 2015). "Theory of a Deadman Releasing Angel Acoustic EP on April 28th". Ghost Cult Magazine. Archived from the original on May 20, 2018. Retrieved May 19, 2018.
  8. ^ Regnier, Sheri (January 21, 2016). "Theory of a Deadman Rocks Full House at Charles Bailey Theatre". Trail Daily Times. Archived from the original on April 1, 2019. Retrieved March 31, 2019.
  9. ^ 10 Questions with Tyler Connolly from Theory of a Deadman. Two Doods Reviews. December 9, 2017. Event occurs at 1:45. Archived from the original on June 11, 2018. Retrieved May 19, 2018.
  10. ^ a b Graff, Gary (July 27, 2017). "Theory of A Deadman Shares 'Rx' Video from Upcoming 'Wake Up Call' Album: Exclusive". Billboard. Archived from the original on January 11, 2019. Retrieved March 31, 2019.
  11. ^ Allegrezza, Kim (October 22, 2017). "Interview: Theory of a Deadman's Dean Back on Their New Sound for 'Wake Up Call'". AXS. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved May 19, 2018.
  12. ^ a b 10 Questions with Tyler Connolly from Theory of a Deadman. Two Doods Reviews. December 9, 2017. Event occurs at 2:14. Archived from the original on June 11, 2018. Retrieved May 19, 2018.
  13. ^ Theory Interview — Stingray PausePlay. Stingray Music. December 13, 2017. Event occurs at 0:19. Retrieved May 21, 2018.
  14. ^ Theory Interview – Stingray PausePlay. Stingray Music. December 13, 2017. Event occurs at 9:31. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
  15. ^ "Theory of a Deadman – Chart History: Mainstream Rock Songs – Rx (Medicate)". Billboard. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
  16. ^ Druckman, Howard (November 16, 2017). "Theory of a Deadman Earn SOCAN No. 1 Song Award for "Rx (Medicate)"". Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada. Retrieved March 31, 2019.
  17. ^ "Canadian certifications – Rx (Medicate)". Music Canada. January 8, 2018. Retrieved May 21, 2018.
  18. ^ Mastrogiannis, Nicole (March 7, 2018). "Foo Fighters Win iHeartRadio Music Award for Rock Song of the Year". iHeartMedia. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved May 21, 2018.
  19. ^ "Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs – Week of January 27, 2018". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 29, 2018. Retrieved March 26, 2018.
  20. ^ "Theory – Straight Jacket (Official Music Video)". YouTube. February 7, 2018. Archived from the original on June 27, 2018. Retrieved April 1, 2019.
  21. ^ "Theory of a Deadman – Chart History: Mainstream Rock Songs – Straight Jacket". Billboard. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
  22. ^ Hunt, Chase (July 29, 2017). "Theory of a Deadman Announce 'Wake Up Call' and Fall Tour". AXS. Archived from the original on April 1, 2019. Retrieved March 31, 2019.
  23. ^ "Theory of a Deadman Reveal Details of Their First Ever Australian Tour". The Music. April 12, 2018. Archived from the original on April 1, 2019. Retrieved March 31, 2019.
  24. ^ @TOADM (July 9, 2018). "The official "PCH" video is out now! We had loads of fun shooting this... Sometimes there's just no place like the Pacific Coast Highway" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  25. ^ "Theory – PCH (Official Video)". YouTube. July 9, 2018. Retrieved July 10, 2018.
  26. ^ "Theory – Wake Up Call (Official Video)". YouTube. October 3, 2018. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  27. ^ a b Monter, James Christopher. "Wake Up Call – Theory of a Deadman". AllMusic. Archived from the original on June 13, 2018. Retrieved May 19, 2018.
  28. ^ a b Dome, Malcolm (November 2, 2017). "Theory of a Deadman – Wake Up Call Album Review". Classic Rock. Archived from the original on May 29, 2018. Retrieved May 28, 2018.
  29. ^ a b Benfield, Haydon (November 21, 2017). "Album Review: Theory of a Deadman – Wake Up Call". Renowned for Sound. Archived from the original on March 18, 2018. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  30. ^ D, Jonni (November 13, 2017). "Theory of a Deadman – 'Wake Up Call'". Über Rock. Archived from the original on January 16, 2018. Retrieved January 15, 2018.
  31. ^ "Junos 2018: The Complete List of Winners". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. March 25, 2018. Archived from the original on July 6, 2018. Retrieved March 31, 2019.
  32. ^ Wake Up Call (Liner notes). Theory of a Deadman. 604 Records, Roadrunner Records, Atlantic Records. 2017. 016861744922.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  33. ^ "Wake Up Call – Theory of a Deadman – Credits". AllMusic. Archived from the original on May 20, 2018. Retrieved March 19, 2018.
  34. ^ "Theory of a Deadman – Chart History: Billboard Canadian Albums – Wake Up Call". Billboard. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
  35. ^ "Theory of a Deadman – Chart History: Billboard 200 – Wake Up Call". Billboard. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
  36. ^ "Theory of a Deadman – Chart History: Alternative Albums – Wake Up Call". Billboard. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
  37. ^ "Theory of a Deadman – Chart History: Top Rock Albums – Wake Up Call". Billboard. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
  38. ^ "Canadian album certifications – Theory of a Deadman – Wake Up Call". Music Canada. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  39. ^ "American album certifications – Theory of a Deadman – Wake Up Call". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
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