Passenger - Whispers

Passenger
Whispers
2015

There is always a bit of a double standard when it comes to singer song writers. On one hand the picking of a guitar and along with soft singing can be pleasing and inspiring but some of the lyrics can some across as cliche or trite. Such is the case with Passenger's new album Whispers. Often it is beautiful, light touches of horns, simple drum back beats and his breathy voice make for a record that is quite pleasing to listen to, but that all becomes so one note after the fifth or sixth track. I kept wanting from something to reach a crescendo or grow in to something profound but was left disappointed every time. Whispers leaves you with the feeling that you just listened to something pretty good, but also something that with a few tweaks could be really great.

The one note style of the record does allow it to flow together quite beautifully and there is no clear out and out single contenders. "David" is probably the most well written song that speaks of loss and growing old. That track in particular shows the depth of song writing talent that Passenger really has, and it is impressive. Passenger seems to be kind of a blend of Sufjan Stevens and Bright Eyes, but far closer to the pop side of things than those two indie artists. Whispers is a nice little album and a pretty good listen. Don't prepared for Passenger to change the way you think about singer songwriters or have this album blow your socks off, just sit back and enjoy.

6.5 out of 10