Passenger – Whispers

Passenger is the stage name of the ultra-talented artist Michael Rosenberg, and if you’ve had the pleasure of listening to him before, then you’ll be acquainted with his ability to create lyrically superlative music. Thus, unsurprisingly, his new album Whispers is another perfect example of this finesse.

The album contains a multiplicity of folk-pop tracks that differ notably from his previous work, but when you bear witness to the beauty of his evolution you will embrace the change. Comforting is one word that springs to mind upon first hearing Whispers. For the most part it is homely, warm and evokes images of joyful summertime cavorts, yet at the same time it is both raw and passionate in its liberation of a somewhat sorrowful tale.

Two particular songs that will sweep you away are Golden Leaves and 27 – dissimilar in sound, but parallel in the impact that they deliver. Golden Leaves is conceivably one of Passenger’s most moving songs to date: with emotive lyrics accompanied by a union of harmonising stringed instruments, it is a track that will stir emotions in most. In comparison though, 27 is vastly upbeat and emblematic of a classic folk-style song, with a cheeky modernised twist. 

Disregarding the already-released songs, other tracks to look out for on the album are Rolling Stone and Thunder, which are inimitable in their charm and once again diverge from Passenger’s own conventions. Yet, when an album is so collectively flawless, it can be difficult to single out individual songs for praise.

All in all, it would be fair to state that Passenger is an underrated marvel, and in a world where talentless sham artists often prevail, it is refreshing to observe such remarkable talent from a unique and spellbinding artist.

Keira Trethowan

Whispers was released on 6^th June 2014. For further information or to order the album visit Passenger’s website here.

Watch the video for Scare Away the Dark here: