As the sophomore debut from "Jack's Mannequin," "The Glass Passenger" holds up to its reputation as a strong American rock band.
Andrew McMahon, from "Something Corporate" fame, formed "Jack's Mannequin" in 2004 and released its first album in 2005.
Now, three years later, he is still going strong.
As a songwriter and a vocalist, McMahon has evolved from his "Something Corporate" days, but his songs aren't any less musically endowed or entertaining - just more mature. His voice has also changed - sometimes melodic and sometimes off-key - yet he still manages to keep the same stature and mood throughout the album.
His vocals are best displayed on "Annie, Use Your Telescope," which almost resembles a church-like choir.
Though some of the ballads on this album aren't as enjoyable as the more upbeat songs, "Annie …" breaks the mold with its guitar, piano and string section.
"The Resolution," the album's first single, has an additional video that was co-directed by Stephanie Meyer of "Twilight" fame. It's undoubtedly the most radio friendly single, but isn't the best of the album.
Listeners who have no previous experience with "Jack's Mannequin" can easily get into this song; it's a perfect demonstration of who they are as a band.
"What Gets You Off" and "Bloodshot" are by far the strongest songs on the album. "What Gets You Off" tells about a past relationship, as the lyrics demonstrate the point without being too revealing or raunchy, as the title would imply. Lyrics like, "That black designer dress looks better underneath our feet/Your knees in the dirt" and "It was last night/At our empty warehouse party/And there in the black light/I could see the tattoos glowing on your body," bring the song to life.
The only downside of this piece is that McMahon glorifies drug use: "I'm always coming down from the night before, but I'm doing my best to get caught."
"Bloodshot," which could be described as the most alternative song on the album, comes complete with handclaps and electric guitars. The song is a narrative of a girl and a boy and the underlying meaning of their relationship. The chorus could be improved lyrically, but it doesn't take away from the essence of the song. The title "Bloodshot" is used in reference to people's eyes, alluding to more drug use.
The record as a whole is one that could be chorused at a gathering by everyone around.
McMahon has come a long way from "If U C Jordan," yet, stays the same as an artist.
And if he knows one thing about being an artist, it's how to make unbelievably enjoyable piano rock.
Haley Navarro can be reached at hnavarro@student.umass.edu.
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