If there was ever an album written for all millennials, Passenger delivers it. We’re talking about those Saturday nights when we’re filled with liquid-courage and lost in love. Michael David Rosenberg takes the reins of our feels with his latest work, Songs For The Drunk And Broken Hearted. It’s the perfect soundboard for driving on the backroads this winter or continuing through remote work life. “’Cause I’m fine, then I’m not // I’m spinning round and I can’t stop” — that’s been our whole mood since quarantine kicked off!
Indie rock champs Passenger first came to be in 2003, then went their separate ways in 2009. English singer-songwriter Michael David Rosenberg kept the name for his solo projects. He soared in the spotlight in 2013 with the single, “Let Her Go”.
The record’s cry for despair is full of heart and healing. Rosenberg’s style is a mix of Bob Dylan, Neil Young, (both he has claimed are his idols) and John Mayer, for its commitment and care. The album evolved while at stay-at-home orders were in effect, allowing more time to spend on the lyrics and melodies, as opposed to feeling rushed on the project like he’s revealed he has felt in his past work. Well, the result is an incredible playbook about love, heartbreak, grace and inner-strength.
The first track, “Sword From The Stone,” is about closure after a relationship ends. Although the couple is not together, he offers only the best for his ex and discloses the hard road to recovery from a broken heart. He revealed to American Songwriter that the opening track captures the theme of isolation we know all too well from quarantine. “Being separated from people and being on your own in a way that none of us have really experienced before fueled the emotional core like a steam locomotive,” he shared.
When you listen to “The Way That I Love You,” there are two things to remember: (1) it’s a whole 2021 mood to say how you feel and know you’re worth and (2) have the tissues by your side because happy tears will certainly fall. “Don’t let life break your heart,” Rosenburg sings. We needed this track.
“Sandstorm” and “London in The Spring” have a nature-esque aesthetic that adds to their quality. The vibes are melancholy yet sweet, wrapping the intentions of the album in a nice little bow.
“Nothing Aches Like A Broken Heart” captures vulnerability, and we have all experienced this pain. This is the track that we didn’t know we needed but surely wanted.
Other tracks that caught our hearts and minds are “Suzanne,” “What You’re Waiting For,” and title track “A Song For The Drunk and Broken Hearted.”
Take a listen here!
Featured Image: Nettwerk Music Group / Black Crow Records
