By admin
Mike Rosenberg (better known as Passenger) retreads familiar paths and styles his eighth album Young As The Morning, Old As The Sea.
Whilst it has been criticised for lacking originality and being easily forgettable, it is at heart a solid acoustic album with some shining singles that stand proudly. It is a complex album, with some complicated orchestral arrangements whilst Rosenberg’s signature raspy vocals and skilful song writing skills remain prominent throughout. Whilst it may lack a definitive track that is to be as successful as the 2012 colossal hit ‘Let It Go’ that made Passenger a household name, there are instead a handful of songs that could easily be considered highlights.
Despite this, the whole album quintessentially epitomises acoustic music. Rosenberg’s voice remains the focal point, quietly retelling stories of love and loss whilst gentle backing guitars help convey his emotions and sentiment. The deluxe edition of the album also features all of the songs that aren’t already acoustic as acoustic versions.
When We Were Young (both acoustic and normal version) is an incredible journey of loss and regret, and Rosenberg delivers his signature, brutally honest lyrics brilliantly. With the addition of an electric guitar solo on the normal version of When We Were Young it offers a release from the almost daunting, slower tempo orchestral segments.
If I had to pick one ‘Let It Go’ type track from Young As The Morning, Old As The Sea it would have to be Beautiful Birds, Rosenberg and Birdie marry perfectly achieving delicate and demanding harmonies. However, it feels somewhat short and lacks any real catharsis but it isn’t hard to see this song murdered in karaoke bars. Anywhere and Somebody’s love are slightly jauntier affairs; however they still retain the stylistic approach that makes a Passenger song instantly recognisable.
Ultimately, it is hard to understand why there is a significant amount of criticism for Young As The Morning, Old As The Sea. Whilst it does little to break boundaries and try to reinvent any particular genre, it is as solid as any previous attempt from Mike Rosenberg. Passenger knows what he does well, and he sticks to it. As long as that means more solid songs and albums in the future I’m sure very few Passenger fans will have a lot to complain about.
