Passenger, a British one-man folk band, is now hitting the American shores after releasing his album “All The Little Lights” in 2012. Passenger was a quintet until the first album “Wicked Man’s Rest” came out in 2007. Even though the album didn’t get bad reviews and ratings, the four original band members moved on except for one who stayed behind to continue Passenger; Mike Rosenberg. Rosenberg became a one-man band, literally. He wrote his own lyrics, played multiple instruments, and independently released three other albums prior to “All The Little Lights.”
Passenger’s songs throughout the albums reflect a band searching for its own identity. Settling on a more folk, indie pop sound, Passenger has a way of making his audience listen to each and every word that he sings, and making them feel the exact meaning of the song. While touring with British sensation Ed Sheeran in 2012 Passenger wrote a song called “Hearts on Fire,” which he collaborated with Ed Sheeran. “Hearts on Fire” is played with acoustic guitars along to the natural sounds of rain spilling onto to the streets, playing gently in the background giving the entire song a serene, yet melancholy pulse. The complimentary voices of Ed Sheeran and Passenger singing: “Well I don’t know where and I don’t know when / But I know we’ll be lovers again / I’ll see you some day before the end / I don’t know where and I don’t know when / But oh, darling, my heart’s on fire for you” will having anyone feel the pain of a broken heart that bleeds through these lyrics.
The one song by Passenger that is in the top ten of today’s hits on iTunes, has topped the charts in 16 countries, and gone platinum in Britain is “Let Her Go” from “All The Little Lights.” There are many reasons that people like this song, yet one reason stands out that can’t be argued and that is the lyrics. Passenger is known for his wordplay and cunning rhymes, but “Let Her Go” brings out shards of Rosenberg’s personality, and how he deals with life situations. The lyrics are simple, yet deep: “Well you see her when you fall asleep / But never to touch and never to keep / Because you loved her too much / And you dive too deep / Well you only need the light when it’s burning low / Only miss the sun when it starts to snow / Only know you love her when you’ve let her go” The lyric itself added to the soft melodies of an acoustic guitar and Rosenberg’s not-so falsetto, smooth, and passionate voice enraptures listeners to connect with Passenger on an intimate and meaningful level.
“All The Little Lights” is definitely one of Passenger’s best albums, not only because of the heartfelt songs, but because of how the music changes from folk to almost a soulful kind of sound. On top of that, the lyrics, yet again, are very straightforward and thought provoking, especially since each song addresses a new issue. Passenger then ends the album with a live version of a song called “I Hate” a satirical song in which Passenger rants about things that everyone is bound to agree with him.
This year has brought many good fortunes to Passenger, even though he was not expecting it. His album “All The Little Lights” distinguishes him from other artists in a way that one could tell that Passenger isn’t trying to win over his fans, but rather that he’s being humble as ever and sharing his thoughts with anyone who wants to listen. We’ll be expecting more unique albums from Passenger, especially now that he has left a quite good impression in the music industry and the public.
Connect with Passenger on Facebook and Twitter!
Purchase “All The Little Lights” on iTunes!
Media Raid 