Pitchfork credited the chorus with inspiring "the most ubiquitous vocal device in contemporary rock": "a relentless procession of 'woah-oh-oh-ohs!'

The trend drove the popularity of "indie-oriented big-ticket music festivals" where acts could initiate engagement with larger crowds through "non-lyrical, group-chorus peer pressure.

"[5] As of June 2024[update], "Wake Up" holds the number 86 spot on Rate Your Music's Top Singles of the 2000s.

A brief snippet of the song's pre-concert appearance opens U2's concert film Vertigo 2005: Live from Chicago.

All proceeds from airing the song were donated to Partners in Health for relief efforts related to the 2010 Haiti earthquake.