Passenger’s sophomore album “Wide Eyes Blind Love” is everything I wanted to be and more.  I am still honestly expecting this band from Brighton, UK to blow up in the U.S. of A hard….But on to a more serious review of the album:

The second time around, Mike Rosenberg — founder and lyricist — has stripped down his music to its earnest, most basic elements.  He weaves powerful creative poetry with simplistic, beautiful melodies that carry his audience to the dark, deep places.

Generally, the album is much more acoustic and far less produced than Wicked Man’s Rest…and to their credit I might add.  There is no where to run from the raw power of his often sorrowful lyrics; they force you to face emotion head on and really wallow in the experience.

The female vocalist who figures rather prominently on “What Will Become of Us” and “Underwater Bride” was a stunning addition.  Her voice is soft, but it rings so pure that I can’t imagine these tracks now without her.  She adds a beautiful dimension to an album that it is very instrumentally minimal.  Now, don’t get me wrong, its not one man and his guitar.  It is more like a man and two guitars, but each instrument functions together so flawlessly and softly that the focus can’t help but be Mike’s vocals.

The song that first stole my heart was “Caravan”.  As if the lyrics weren’t enough, the wistful sorrow in his whistling (yes, he whistles) made me well up a little bit.  No tears, but definite glistening.

If you enjoy artists like Iron and Wine, The Weepies, Elliot Smith, and Simon & Garfunkel (or British artists)–give Passenger a shot and let the music work its magic.