Album Review: Passenger – Young As The Morning Old As The Sea
2 min read
Serenading the ears and entering the mind with utmost reclined tendencies, is the latest studio album by singer-songwriter Michael Rosenburg, better known as Passenger. Forcing his way through the intertwined emotions of country touched love and ethereal measurements of peaceful balance – Young As The Morning Old As The Sea is a profound scattering of inspiration fusings tipped with an abundance of spirit and substance.
This is largely received through the first track, Everything, as it loosely follows acoustic applications of mellowness and sincerity. Delicate craftings ensue in the next track If You Go – launching extensively into competent countrified musings of written simplicity. The record raises into a cogent movement of symphonic compositions both intricate and tangible. When We Were Young is a step into nostalgia-based country ignitions, highlighted by Rosenburg’s calm vocal comforts. As good as his vocals are, at times they govern the flow and focus against the semi-generic instrumentation. The record has copious notable saviours, though, such as the faint backing vocals that transpire into the song’s overall heavenly illustrations. Then there’s more upbeat pub-rock visit in the form of Anywhere, reminiscent of early Ed Sheeran or Tom Odell – clinging to a uniqueness and originality drawn from Passenger’s honest songcraft approach. Detouring from the slight cliche cross-country feelings is the sombre psychedelic ballad – Somebody’s Love. Easily one of the more restrained and thoughtfully written treasures on the record – encircling the particular infatuating guitar miseries which lead into the narrative gifts expelled throughout Rosenburg’s dainty vocal buoyancy. Additionally, the album’s production registers as a remarkable feat in its own right. The Long Road is a good example of such sovereignty, as it unfolds into a beautiful handcrafted acoustic hymn – warming the heart and illuminating with the sunny melody from within. Lastly, the album completes with a poignant ode to origin. Home dims the lights and focuses on the romantic fairness in Rosenburg’s performing qualities. Equipped with faint piano colourings, and airy drum brushes, this personal number is musical therapy in the most uncorrupted form. Lingering deep in the mind, it closes another chapter in Rosenburg’s ranging genial and smooth output.
During Young As The Morning, Old As The Sea‘s most heightening moments does one feel a sense of charismatic grace and bountiful brilliance. It’s hard to pinpoint where it can go wrong, and for that reason, Rosenburg’s extensive need to craft music with inherent, particular value has proven to win the hearts of many of his fans, and also those who have never previously heard his sound. One thing’s for certain, this album is essential for healing the soul and enlightening any mood.
