Jack's Mannequin - The Glass Passenger
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Free Music Notes for The Glass Passenger
Free Music Review: Wonderful album
Hit: 5 Stars
Jack's Mannequin's second album definitely delivers! It brings something new and I can honestly say I love every song and cannot stop listening to this CD.
I particularly love "Swim" a song that inspires the soft at heart.
Free Music Review: Brilliant
Hit: 5 Stars
Another brilliant album. As the other reviewer said, this is definitely a step up from EIT. Andrew, you've still got it.Free Music Review: Bit of a step down
Hit: 5 Stars
I love this album, however it is not as good as everything in transit. It is obvious to me that Andrew still has it.Free Music Review: A Thought-Provoking Masterwork...
Hit: 4 Stars
The essence of The Glass Passenger is Andrew McMahon's valiant fight for life. He was diagnosed with lieukemia the same day that the mastering was completed on Everything in Transit, and it is a harrowing story of how one of America's most beloved and talented musicians nearly did not record another album, as quite simply he might not have been around, as the first track, Crashin', on TGP illustrates well.
A scary thought, seeing as few singer/songwriters out there are able to brilliantly conduct a mini-symphony with just a piano as McMahon can. For people unfamiliar with the group, it IS Andrew McMahon. Like Conor Oberst is to Bright Eyes. He is the heart and soul of this music, and good god, what incredible music he has the potential to make.
Let's get something clear. This album is not as catchy, nor as good, as Everything in Transit. But it doesn't have to be. Every note encapsulates Andrew's struggle for life, as well as his rejuvenated spirit in the wake of being given a second chance. TGP could be the soundtrack to anyone's life, and it is perfect listening material, no matter what mood the listener is in.
I would argue the album is broken down into two parts. The first six songs are similar to Something Corporate, except for Swim, which is a special, albeit slightly dull piano ballad. But not a ballad to a girl, like would be found on EIT. It is a ballad to the celebration of life, and to pulling yourself out of the deepest of holes. Spinning is the best track on the album, no doubt. It is destined to be the catchiest song of fall 2008, and although I haven't quite pulled together its meaning, it is truly amazing. American Love is a wonderful track, albeit with poor lyrical work, and What Gets You Off?, while sporting the most awkward title ever created, is pure essence of McMahon's soul.
Now, the second half of the album loses steam. Everyone is ranting about Annie Use Your Telescope, but it really detracts from the overall flow of the album. The last few songs are noticeably slower, and, although I HATE to say it, a little boring. First single, The Resolution, does not fit among these tracks and should have been the first track on the album. good pick for the first single, though.
This album is amazing, whether it immediately grabs you or not. I know it took me a couple times to appreciate it, and in fact, I was about ready to dismiss it altogether. But I just lost a friend to suicide four days ago, and so far, this had provided me the soundtrack for finding grief. Personally, it was almost astonishing how well timed this album's release was to help me get through the pain, and indeed it did. It will give any dark heart solace, and it is overwhelming to hear just how ecstatic McMahon is to be alive. A triumph.
Free Music Review: Better than reviews led me to believe
Hit: 4 Stars
After reading the other reviews, I was thinking that I'd be getting a mediocre album, but I don't think that's true.
True, The Glass Passenger isn't as pop-y or upbeat as Everything in Transit, but taken into account what Andrew, the singer and lyricist/musician, has been through in the past few years, I think the change is completely understandable. This album is a little more reminiscent of his Something Corporate days, something I appreciate.
My favorite songs on the album are definitely Caves and Spinning - "I can't remember when the earth turned slowly."
I'm happy with it and I think it might be being judged too harshly by people who expected something just as upbeat as before. The style is still the same and different things are tried here with the vocals and piano stylings of the wonderful Andrew McMahon.