Floating on a Dream is the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter Avi Kaplan, released on May 20, 2022, through Fantasy Records. It is Kaplan's first studio album since his departure from the a cappella group Pentatonix in 2017. The album is entirely produced by Shooter Jennings, and features a guest appearance from Joy Williams.
| Floating on a Dream | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | May 20, 2022 | |||
| Recorded | 2018–2022 | |||
| Genre | Americana[1] | |||
| Length | 43:21 | |||
| Label | Fantasy | |||
| Producer | Shooter Jennings | |||
| Avi Kaplan chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Floating on a Dream | ||||
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Background
editOn May 12, 2017, Avi Kaplan announced that he would be leaving the a cappella group Pentatonix after six years.[2] In a video announcing his departure, Kaplan stated that although he enjoyed being in the group, he found it difficult to keep up with their schedule, which required him to spend less time with his family.[3] His final show with the group was held at the Champlain Valley Fair in Essex Junction, Vermont, on September 3.[4][5]
Before his announcement, Kaplan began releasing music as an independent artist under the name Avriel & the Sequoias.[6] His debut solo project Sage and Stone was released on June 9, 2017.[7] After leaving Pentatonix, Kaplan parted ways with their label RCA Records and continued to release solo music.[8] On November 5, 2019, he announced his second solo project I'll Get By, which was scheduled to be released on January 24, 2020.[9] Its release was delayed to February 28 due to Kaplan signing with Fantasy Records.[10][11]
On November 15, 2021, Kaplan released the album's lead single "First Place I Go".[12] He formally announced his debut studio album and released its second single, "All Is Well" featuring singer Joy Williams, on February 15, 2022.[13][14]
Critical reception
editIn a positive review, Mark Engleson of Entertainment Focus praised Kaplan's "incredible voice; it’s going to stand out on any project he does. His songwriting and the production here serve to bring out its deep emotional power, making a for highly listenable and enjoyable album."[15]
Track listing
editAll tracks are produced by Shooter Jennings.
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "First Place I Go" |
| 4:49 |
| 2. | "Floating on a Dream" |
| 3:59 |
| 3. | "On My Way" |
| 3:40 |
| 4. | "He Don't Love You Right" |
| 4:32 |
| 5. | "I'm Only Getting Started" |
| 4:01 |
| 6. | "Try to Get It Right" |
| 3:39 |
| 7. | "I Can't Lie" |
| 3:00 |
| 8. | "All Is Well" (featuring Joy Williams) |
| 2:57 |
| 9. | "Into the Blue" |
| 4:14 |
| 10. | "When I'm a Fool" |
| 3:41 |
| 11. | "My Queen" |
| 4:43 |
| Total length: | 43:21 | ||
Personnel
editCredits adapted from Fantasy Records.[13]
Musicians
- Avi Kaplan – vocals, guitar
- Aubrey Richmond – violin
- Chris Masterson – guitars
- Daniel Ellsworth – piano, organ, synthesizer
- Jamie Douglass – drums, percussion
- John Schreffler, Jr. – pedal steel
- Joy Williams – featured vocals (track 8)
- Kaleb Jones – guitar
- Smith Curry – pedal steel
- Ted Russell Kamp – bass
Technical
- Shooter Jennings – production
- David Spreng – recording, engineering
- Trina Shoemaker – mixing
- Pete Lyman – mastering
Charts
edit| Chart (2022) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Heatseekers Albums (Billboard)[16] | 19 |
| US Top Album Sales (Billboard)[17] | 57 |
References
edit- ^ Gulden, Andrew (May 18, 2022). "REVIEW: Avi Kaplan "Floating On A Dream"". Americana Highways. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
- ^ Nyren, Erin (May 12, 2017). "Avi Kaplan Exits Pentatonix in Tearful Goodbye Video". Variety. Retrieved March 1, 2022.
- ^ Frankel, Jillian (May 12, 2017). "Pentatonix's Avi Kaplan Announces He's Leaving the Group in Emotional Video". Billboard. Retrieved March 1, 2022.
- ^ Levy, Piet. "Pentatonix salutes departing member Avi Kaplan at sold-out Wisconsin State Fair show". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved March 1, 2022.
- ^ "ICYMI: Avi's Last Show With Pentatonix - FloVoice". www.flovoice.com. September 7, 2017. Retrieved March 1, 2022.
- ^ Shcherbakova, Liza (July 25, 2017). "Watch Avi Kaplan Cover 'Hey Ya!' With Post-Pentatonix Group Avriel & the Sequoias". Billboard. Retrieved March 1, 2022.
- ^ Runtagh, Jordan (July 22, 2017). "Avi Kaplan Talks Going Solo from Pentatonix". People.com. Retrieved March 1, 2022.
- ^ "Avi Kaplan's Solo Journey Continues With "It Knows Me"". idolator. July 14, 2020. Retrieved March 1, 2022.
- ^ Graff, Gary (February 28, 2020). "Former Pentatonix Member Avi Kaplan Carries Heavy Burdens in 'I'll Get By' Video: Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved March 1, 2022.
- ^ Leimkuehler, Matthew. "Nashville songwriter Avi Kaplan debuts soulful new folk tune, 'Sweet Adeline Pt. 2'". The Tennessean. Retrieved March 1, 2022.
- ^ "Exclusive: Avi Kaplan Shares New Single "It Knows Me," Signs to Fantasy Records". pastemagazine.com. January 23, 2020. Retrieved March 1, 2022.
- ^ "Avi Kaplan Finds Inner Strength on the Hopeful 'First Place I Go'". Fantasy Records. November 12, 2021. Retrieved March 1, 2022.
- ^ a b "Avi Kaplan to Release Floating on a Dream, His Full-Length Debut Solo Album Produced by Shooter Jennings on May 20th via Fantasy Records". Fantasy Records. February 15, 2022. Retrieved March 1, 2022.
- ^ Ells, Blake (March 1, 2022). "Avi Kaplan Teams Up With Joy Williams for Hauntingly Beautiful 'All Is Well' [Listen]". The Boot. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
- ^ Engleson, Mark (May 19, 2022). "Avi Kaplan – 'Floating on a Dream' Review". Retrieved May 20, 2022.
- ^ "Avi Kaplan Chart History (Heatseekers Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
- ^ "Avi Kaplan Chart History (Top Album Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved July 2, 2024.