Making Waves

***Making Waves*** is the second studio album by Danish rock band The Oceans, released on 16 October 2026 by Tidal Records. The album consists of 16 tracks and is characterized by a blend of art pop, progressive pop, alternative rock, and synth-rock. The band's sophomore effort delves deeper into more mature themes compared to their debut album Public Transport, with lyrics that touch on social and political issues, as well as personal struggles and relationships.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time, Making Waves showcases The Oceans' musical virtuosity and innovative approach to songwriting. The album features lush, intricate arrangements, and sophisticated melodies that explore the limits of the pop genre, taking the listener on a journey through a myriad of moods and emotions. Making Waves is a landmark achievement for The Oceans, cementing their place in the pantheon of rock legends.

## **Background**

The Oceans started working on "Making Waves" shortly after the release of their debut album "Public Transport." The band had gained a significant following in Denmark and across Europe, thanks to their unique blend of art pop, progressive pop, and alternative rock. As they began working on new material, they were determined to take their sound and songwriting to the next level.

According to interviews with the band members, "Making Waves" was heavily influenced by their experiences on the road, as well as their personal lives. They wanted to explore more mature and introspective themes, such as love, loss, and self-discovery, and to experiment with new sounds and textures. The album's title, "Making Waves," reflects the band's ambition to create something that would have a lasting impact on the music world. They wanted to push the boundaries of what was expected of a mainstream rock album and to challenge their listeners with complex melodies, intricate arrangements, and thought-provoking lyrics.

### **Album artwork**

The album cover for "Making Waves" features a lot of different colored shapes on a #D9C9BB surface, with pencil sketches of the band members cut out and pasted onto the cover.

## Composition and recording

The composition and recording of Making Waves was a meticulous and ambitious process that took place over the course of two years. The album was recorded at various studios in Denmark, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, and featured a wide range of instruments and techniques.

The band members, who were heavily involved in the production process, drew inspiration from a wide variety of sources, ranging from classical music to contemporary art-pop. The result was a dynamic and eclectic album that combined intricate arrangements with emotionally resonant lyrics.

The recording process was marked by a dedication to experimentation and a commitment to achieving the perfect sound. The band spent countless hours in the studio, experimenting with different arrangements, instruments, and production techniques. The album features an expansive range of instrumentation, including guitars, keyboards, synthesizers, horns, strings, and a variety of percussion instruments. The band members also utilized various effects and production techniques, including tape loops, overdubbing, and signal processing.

The vocals on the album were also carefully crafted, with the band members experimenting with different vocal styles and harmonies. The album features intricate vocal arrangements, with the band members layering multiple vocal tracks to create a lush, textured sound. In addition to the band members, the album also features contributions from several additional musicians, including string and brass sections, as well as a number of guest vocalists.

## Release

In the lead up to the release of Making Waves, The Oceans generated a lot of buzz with the release of their single "The Tide". The track initially received mixed reactions from critics, with some praising its dreamy instrumentation and emotive vocals while others criticized its slightly meandering structure. However, it quickly became clear that the song was resonating with audiences in a big way. "The Tide" shot to the top of the charts, becoming a triumphant hit and showcasing the band's newfound maturity and artistic growth. The song ultimately garnered over one billion streams on Spotify and over 500 million views on YouTube. The success of "The Tide" created a huge wave of anticipation for the release of Making Waves. Fans eagerly awaited the album's release, eager to see what other treasures the band had in store for them. Finally, on October 16, 2026, Making Waves was released on Tidal Records. The album was available in a variety of formats, including CD, vinyl, and digital downloads. Each format was carefully designed to enhance the overall experience of the album.

The vinyl release of Making Waves featured a gatefold sleeve, which opened up to reveal beautiful, intricate artwork. The album came with a poster and a lyrics booklet, allowing fans to immerse themselves fully in the band's lyrical and musical world. The digital download version of the album was equally impressive, with a digital booklet that included lyrics and artwork.

Upon its release, Making Waves debuted at number one on the Danish Albums Chart, marking The Oceans' second chart-topping album in their home country. The album also performed well internationally, reaching the top 10 in several countries, including the UK, US, Germany, and Australia. Making Waves sold over 3 million copies worldwide in its first week of release, making it the best-selling album of 2026. The album's success was largely attributed to its unique blend of art pop, progressive pop, alternative rock, and synth-rock, as well as its exploration of more mature themes in its lyrics. The album was widely praised for its experimental and innovative sound, with many critics hailing it as a landmark in modern music.

Making Waves spawned several hit singles, including "The Tide," "Sunset Boulevard," and "Burning Cigarettes," which all reached the top 10 on various charts around the world. "The Tide" remained at the top of the charts for several weeks, becoming one of the band's signature songs and a fan favorite.

## Critical Reception

Making Waves received critical acclaim upon its release, with many music critics praising the band's musical direction and songwriting. The album was praised for its art pop, progressive pop, alternative rock, and synth-rock sound. It is widely considered to be one of the greatest albums of all time.

David Fricke of **Rolling Stone** wrote, "Making Waves is a quantum leap from their debut album, as The Oceans prove themselves to be among the most imaginative and exciting bands of the decade." Judy Berman of **Pitchfork** wrote, "Making Waves is a grand statement, a complex and captivating album that effortlessly blends genres and styles to create something truly unique."

Alexis Petridis of **The Guardian** praised the album, writing, "Making Waves is an ambitious and masterful work that showcases The Oceans' immense musical talent and creativity. It is a must-listen for any fan of alternative rock or art pop." **Clash Magazine** wrote, "The Oceans have crafted a masterpiece with Making Waves, an album that is sure to stand the test of time and cement the band's place in music history."

Making Waves has been widely praised for its innovation, creativity, and artistic vision, cementing The Oceans' place as one of the most important bands of their generation.

### Legacy

The legacy of "Making Waves" has been significant, solidifying The Oceans' position as one of the most innovative and influential bands of their time. The album has been cited as a major influence on a wide range of artists in various genres, including alternative rock, art pop, and progressive pop.

Many critics and music publications have included "Making Waves" on their lists of the greatest albums of all time. In 2031, Rolling Stone ranked the album as the 5th greatest album of all time, stating that "Making Waves" "marked a turning point in popular music and inspired countless musicians to explore new sonic possibilities." The album's impact can also be seen in its continued popularity and relevance. In 2046, nearly twenty years after its release, "Making Waves" was reissued on vinyl and quickly sold out, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the album.

In addition, the album has been celebrated for its artistic and intellectual depth, with many critics praising its lyrical themes and musical complexity. Critic Alexis Petridis of The Guardian described "Making Waves" as "a rich, strange and endlessly fascinating work, brimming with ideas and unexpected turns."

### Accolades

"Making Waves" won the 2026 Album of The Year, and "The Tide" won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the GRAMMYs

"Making Waves" has also received following accolades:

* Winner of "Best Synth-pop Album" at the Electronic Music Awards
* Listed in Rolling Stone's "Top 50 Albums of the Year" list
* Included in Pitchfork's "Best New Albums" list
* Winner of "Best Album Artwork" at the Art and Design Awards
* Winner of "Best Production" at the Music Producers Guild Awards
* Included in Billboard's "Best Albums of the Year" list
* Winner of "Best Vocal Performance" at the Pop Music Awards

## Personnel

### **The Oceans**

* Jack Schweizer – lead vocals, guitar
* Oskar Winters – bass guitar, drums, percussion, keyboards, synthesizers, backing vocals

### **Additional musicians**

* Sarah Thompson – cello on tracks 3, 7, and 10
* John Davis – saxophone on tracks 4, 9, 10, 13, and 16

### **Production**

* Jack Schweizer – producer
* Oskar Winters – producer
* Alex Salter - producer
* Ryan Adams – mixing engineer
* Emily Lazar – mastering engineer

*Note: The above list only includes the key personnel and not every individual who contributed to the album.*

## Charts

 UK Albums (OCC)
 US Billboard 200
 Canada Albums (Billboard)
 Germany Albums (Offizielle Top 100)
 France Albums (SNEP)
 Australia Albums (ARIA)
 Japan Albums (Oricon)
 South Korea Albums (Gaon)
 Global 200 Albums (Billboard)

## Notes

* The album was originally going to be called "Breaking Currents" but the band decided to change it to "Making Waves" because they thought it better represented the themes of the album.
* The opening track, "There's A Time And Place For Everything," was written and recorded in just one day.
* The music video for "The Tide" was originally supposed to be directed by David Lynch, but he had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts.
* The album features a hidden track at the end of the last song, "What Happens After The World Ends?" The track is a 30-second snippet of the band messing around in the studio and laughing.
* The song "Is There A Light At The End Of The Tunnel?" was originally written as an instrumental piece, but the band decided to add vocals after listening to a demo with a poem that Schweizer wrote over the music.
* The album was partially recorded in a secluded beach house in Malibu, California, where the band lived and worked for several months.

## References

1. Andersen, M. (2030). "The Oceans' 'Making Waves': A Sonic Journey Through the Depths of the Ocean." Rolling Stone.
2. Christensen, L. (2030). "Making Waves: The Oceans' Second Album Is a Defining Moment in Modern Rock Music." Pitchfork.
3. Jensen, K. (2030). "How The Oceans' 'Making Waves' Became the Soundtrack of Summer." NME.
4. Larsen, H. (2030). "The Oceans Dive Deep Into Their Sound on 'Making Waves'." Billboard.
5. Møller, P. (2030). "A Review of The Oceans' 'Making Waves': The Perfect Mix of Rock and Art-Pop." The Guardian.

1. ↑ Davis, J. (2028). "The Oceans' Impact on the Music Industry". Variety, 20 August 2028, pp. 30-33.