It’s been quite the anticipated wait amongst fans, this. Following up from his breakthrough album ‘All The Little Lights’, the pressure was on and the delivery was questioned. Has Passenger matched ‘Let Her Go’ and other gems alike with his brand new ‘Whispers’…
Opening on ‘Coins In A Fountain’, a hollow percussion bound folk track making way for the familiar storytelling lyrics Passenger is acclaimed for, the album gets off to a positive start.
Live crowd pleaser, lyrically impeccable, and upbeat feel-good number, ‘27′ follows this as an ultimate stand out track of the entire record. The universally relatable hit at conformity combines a life story with a mist of humour into a melody you could only stamp your foot, nod your head, or click your fingers to. Frankly, Passenger at his best.
The familiar recent single ‘Heart’s On Fire’, known predominantly for its initial music video and collaborative sound featuring Ed Sheeran, brings a more mellow tone to the mix. Gentle, timid guitar holding bare behind Mike’s vocals and the intermittent strings, it strips it right back to a sense concerned solely with quality songwriting.
‘Thunder’ is probably the most radio-friendly track on the album – a catchy melody, smooth pop hooks and essentially generic. It doesn’t downgrade the album, but it doesn’t qualify in the same league as the likes of ‘27′, ‘Rolling Stone’ and ‘Scare Away The Dark’.
‘Rolling Stone’ seems to reminisce on the vibe of breakthrough hit ‘Let Her Go’ with its soft tone and quite minimalistic instrumental approach.
Title track ‘Whispers’ is amongst the highlights of the record, alongside ‘27′ and ‘Scare Away The Dark’. Possibly the most thought-provoking and emotive track on the record, ‘Whispers’ possibly carries the strongest, most transparent message in its four minute duration.
Closing track ‘Scare Away The Dark’ sings of the normalities and granted aspects of life, similar in concept to the songster’s previous ‘Staring At The Stars’. Closing in on an abundance of “Oooohh’s”, it’s set to be the next anthemic live track for Rosenburg, already semi-proven across his recent busking tour.
Receptive lyrics and the ability to tell a story is Passenger’s forté, and ‘Whispers’ is a poster-release for just that.
Check out title track ‘Whispers’ below: