Bands these days surprise you with some never before heard names. Take the case of Michael David Rosenberg who goes by the stage name Passenger. A British folk rock singer songwriter, Rosenberg struggled to make it to the top right from his humble beginnings in 2000s when he started his five piece band, of which he is the main vocalist and songwriter. The band released only one album Wicked man’s Rest after which the band disbanded. While the members went their own ways in 2009, Rosenberg kept his stage name to move on and believe in his music. Good for him the new album has worked in his favor.

With a sound that reminds one of Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens or even Paul Simon due to his guitar ridden songs and nasal sounding voice, Rosenberg’s highlight is his lyrics, once again very Dylan - esque. The opener Things That Stop You Dreaming sets the stage well. His lyrics if you listen carefully is charming, very poetically motivated. The song’s chorus goes ……..If you can’t get what you love, you learn to love the things you’ve go… speaks volumes about Rosenberg’s songwriting. This thankfully runs through the album. His most successful lead single Let her go has topped the charts in 16 countries so far. By mixing easy going yet innovative folk music with scintillating lyrics, each song makes keen observations on the hidden truths of human nature which could also be related to your own life experiences. The song has words like ……….But you only need the light when it's burning low, only miss the sun when it's starts to snow, only know your lover when you've let her go….. Surely to get you hooked instantly. The slow jam invites you to sing along.

Rosenberg’s songs can cut through the soul with thought provoking lyrics on other songs too. Cue on Staring at the Stars that boasts of some humorous and cheeky lyrics with a peppy feel to it. It has a good interplay of banjo and horns, as well as its faster tempo.Another offering is the more acoustic guitar - piano based Circles that talk about childhood to the anthemic Life’s for the Living. His youthful, chilled vocals, peaceful melodies will put you in a different mood telling you a story or giving you a moral in what life offers you. The Wrong Direction and Holes might be a tad disappointing, but the other tracks do make up for the downer here. The hidden track I hate (live version) signs off on a jocular note.

The eleven tracks might be similar in sound and style, but then this is an adult contemporary album that not only leaves you positive on what life offers, but tapping your toes to most of its songs. So turn down the little lights and play on Passenger a sublime artist, lyricist and musician that has all goodness wrapped up in one neat little package. Pretty enjoyable.

Includes Lyrics to all songs.

 - - Reviewed by Verus Ferreira