Journey to the Brightside (LP) - Lucid the Dreamwaker (Hiphop) It’s always a pleasure when we find an artist who is able to craft an entire LP that not only sounds fresh and distinctive in its sound, but also cohesive without feeling repetitive. That hat trick is certainly pulled off by today’s artist, Lucid The Dreamwaker, in his latest LP “Journey to the Brightside.”

First, let’s talk a little about Lucid. Artist, producer and DJ, Lucid The Dreamwaker harkens from Indianapolis, Indiana, where he’s recently been making waves. By genre blending EDM, Rap and Pop, Lucid works to create a well-rounded and dynamic style that is all his own. Production on Brightside, Lucid’s premier work, began in 2021 and arrives to us today fully baked.

The sound of the album is exactly as described, a hybrid of genres that works to create an individual sound and unique style for Lucid that permeates the project while still leaving each track with its own unique identity. Incorporating a dash of interludes into the mix, the album works as a complete, no-skip work with a distinctive point of view. Through thoughtful lyricism and engaging production, on “Journey to the Brightside”, Lucid captivates.

We don’t know much about Lucid’s inspirations, but the sound overall feels like a cousin of the Neptunes, maybe with a touch of Kanye. Certainly hiphop, the quirky EDM imbued therein borders on the avant garde—say, if Pharrell and Robyn worked together. When it comes to vocals, Lucid impresses with a Lil Wayne sounding rap flow and tonality (he even seems to call this out on an early track stating he’s Lil Wayne before “A Milli”) as well as a Miguel feeling R&B croon. And while a handful of guests help carry a few hooks on a track here and there, Lucid is clearly a one man band and while the features appreciated for their added flavor to certain tracks, Lucid can confidently stand on his own.

Giving an emotive performance throughout with clearly personal lyrics, Lucid bounces from party to melancholy, from positivity to despair, showcasing the inner turmoil at the center of the album. Our favorite tracks include “Warrior Soul“, which, together with introduction interlude “No More Therapy“, takes the audience into his faceoff with futility, where Lucid chooses numbing himself through vice and gives up on therapy. The track is both relatable and a powerful call to action—hearing it you cannot help but want to help Lucid get back to the light. On the flip side, you have other standout “Put In The Air“, which is the Top 40 bop of the project, feeling very much like a Neptunes track made for Kelis. Special mention to “Until Its Gone“ whose drowning and all encompassing oppressive bass fills up your chest in a way that made our ears perk up—it’s a jewel.

Lucid’ premier couldn’t have gone better, in our view. Full of personality, boasting a distinct sound and as revealing as a diary, with “Journey to the Brightside”, Lucid The Dreamwaker steps on to the scene with confidence and fully in his power.