Jack’s Mannequin – The Glass Passenger

30 September 2008, Joe @ 9:16 pm Jacks Mannequin The Glass Passenger

The long awaited arrival of one of the most anticipated albums this year has finally been released today, The Glass Passenger. This is Jack’s Mannequin’s sophomore effort, three years after their successful debut was released. Not to be mistaken with Everything In Transit, The Glass Passenger is a style of Jack’s, listeners have yet to hear. Driven by brutal honesty and vivid emotion, Andrew McMahon takes fans on a journey into the dark caves of disparity and out through the cracks of light and hope. The Glass Passenger, almost a direct telling of Andrew’s remarkable story, is an epic and heart-warming album, one that is a sure to be a candidate for album of the year.

Musically, this album is sound, from the instrumentals to the vocal work. Starting with track one, we begin our descent into The Glass Passenger with Jack’s Mannequin as our guide. Ironically the album starts off with Crashing, a track with a modest tone but heavy meaning. A catchy but sincere piano melody paves the way for this mellow but lyrically charged track. Although not as aggressive as some other tracks, it fits nicely with the emotionally-tuned theme. Besides the great piano work, listeners get a taste of an array of epic sounds from the guitar work to the drums. One of the key aspects of this song that really emphasizes the seriousness of it all, is the well placed and timely backing vocals. The backing vocals put me in a different mood, almost a sad realisation of the world, yet amidst it all, lays hope. Andrew does a great job with the lead vocals, managing to unleash emotion without having to sacrifice pitch and tone.

While Crashing is a nice song and an easy listen, it has only touched the surface of the album. The next track, Spinning, is one which I feel exhibits Andrew’s intense vocals very well. Having seen him live, I can attest to his high energy and emotional performances. What starts off as a solid mellow tune and a subtle verse, quickly turns into a passionate and hopeful chorus. This is where we hear Andrew at his best, delivering line after line of heart quenching lyrics. Combined with a beautiful melody, it’s a song that truly delivers. I really enjoyed the guitar work in this song, and everything combined to create a very surreal atmosphere. The entire album took me for an emotional ride, with the passionate vocals and meaningful instrumentals; it’s a side of Jack’s that feels very honest and uncut.

Unlike Spinning, songs like Spin, What Gets You Off and Bloodshot give another powerful feeling. Instead of optimism, listeners are treated to a world of despair and sadness, but it’s a sadness that’s beautiful and elegant. The way that Andrew carefully delivers his vocals keeps everything classy and never seeking attention or help. The songs are presented in a way in which listeners get a feel for whatever the songs happen to be about. It’s this no holds bar delivery that I felt put Jack’s Mannequin on another level. As always Andrew McMahons vocals are solid throughout, constantly changing paces, and always very passionate. The instrumentals are really outstanding this go around as well, although I do miss the happy care free piano work from Everything In Transit.

Deep within the album is my favourite track, The Resolution, which epitomizes the strength and persistence of Andrew McMahon. Not only that, but I feel the lyrics convey exactly what I feel about The Glass Passenger. While all the lyrics are completely meaningful and passionate, and often get dark and dreary, they never feel selfish or seek anything more then the message they convey. Likewise, the song is about finding an answer and not seeking attention or forgiveness, and it’s an incredibly refreshing and sincere message. A powerful song, it’s inspiring on every listen and makes me respect Andrew McMahon and his band Jack’s Mannequin a little more every time.

The Glass Passenger is an unbelievable album, and a great follow up to their debut. I’m going to do something out of the ordinary and rate this on a numerical scale, because I feel it deserves that much. Out of 10, it’s definitely a 10+, because I can’t think of a better more matured sound then what this album delivers. I though Everything In Transit was perfect and I still do, but The Glass Passenger is another completely different yet perfect sound altogether. Accompanied by a very strong sense of lyrics and meaning, Jack’s has created a piece of art that’ll go down in my record books as a classic.

AWmusic