Whispers [Deluxe Edition]

by Passenger

Overview

British singer/songwriter Mike Rosenberg, otherwise known as Passenger, continues exploring the broader sonic palette he developed on 2012's All the Little Lights with his sixth studio album, 2014's Whispers. As he did last time, Rosenberg once again teamed up with All the Little Lights producer Chris Vallejo. Together, they deliver a batch of evocative acoustic folk and indie pop songs that are often expanded with orchestral flourishes. That said, Rosenberg's main instrument of choice here is still the acoustic guitar, and all the songs on Whispers retain the Brighton-based artist's core intimacy. Influenced by both traditional British folk and more modern singer/songwriters, Rosenberg's work here falls somewhere between the earnest classicism of Mumford & Sons and the contemporary pop of Ed Sheeran. Vocally, he has a distinctively poignant chirp of a voice that sounds something akin to an elf who stayed up all night smoking, drinking, and sharing stories with friends. Which isn't to say he sounds wizened, just world-weary and steeped in a kind of twee ennui. Whether he's singing about growing older ("27") or delving into a poetic allegory about loneliness ("Bullets"), Rosenberg has a knack for intimate revelations that still read as universal. He also has a gift for melody, and cuts like the melancholy "Heart's on Fire" and the similarly hushed "Rolling Stone," with its Van Morrison-esque woodwind backgrounds, are pleasantly enjoyable songs, perfect for introspective listening on warm summer afternoons. Ultimately, with Whispers, Rosenberg has crafted an album of sweet, hummable anthems for tender-hearted troubadours everywhere. [A two-CD Deluxe Edition added seven extra tracks.] ~ Matt Collar

Product Details

Release Date:	06/10/2014
Label:	Nettwerk
UPC:	0067003101523
Rank:	131213

Tracks

Disc 1

1. Coins in a Fountain
2. 27
3. Heart's on Fire
4. Bullets
5. Golden Leaves
6. Thunder
7. Rolling Stone
8. Start a Fire
9. Whispers
10. Riding to New York
11. Scare Away the Dark

Disc 2

12. [Untitled]
13. [Untitled]
14. [Untitled]
15. [Untitled]
16. [Untitled]
17. [Untitled]
18. [Untitled]

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Passenger   Primary Artist
Matthew Keegan   Woodwind,Saxophone,Brass,Clarinet
Rowena Macneish   Cello
Peter Martin   Drums,Drums
Cameron Lindy   Bass (Electric)
Scott Anlin   Piano
Rowena Macniesh   Cello
Nick Garbutt   Trumpet
Phillip Church   Vocals (Background)
Chris Vallejo   Mellotron
Geraldine Hollett   Vocals (Background)
Andrew Dale   Vocals (Background)
Phil Churchill   Vocals (Background)
The Once   Vocals (Background)
The Enigma Quartet   Strings
Nicholas Buc   Strings
Alex Boneham   Bass,Contrabass,Bass (Electric)
Nick Garbett   Trumpet,Trombone
Georgia Mooney   Vocals (Background)
Shelley Soerensen   Viola
Kerry Martin   Violin
Tim Hart   Mandolin
Marianne Broadfoot   Violin
Glen Hannah   Guitar (Electric)
Dan Dugmore   Pedal Steel
Tony Azzopardi   Congas,Shaker,Hand Percussion
Cameron Undy   Bass,Bass (Electric)
Mike Rosenberg   Vocals,Ukulele,Melodica,Vibraphone,Glockenspiel,Guitar (Acoustic)
Stu Hunter   Piano,Glockenspiel,Fender Rhodes,Organ (Hammond)
Peter Marin   Drums
Scott Aplin   Organ,Piano,Wurlitzer,Fender Rhodes
James Greening   Clarinet,Trombone,Saxophone
Stu Larsen   Vocals (Background)
Jess Ciampa   Shaker,Tambourine,Vibraphone,Glockenspiel,Hand Percussion

Technical Credits

Matthew Keegan   Brass Arrangement,Woodwind Arrangement,Arranger
Chris Vallejo   Producer,Mixing,Engineer
Nicholas Buc   String Arrangements
Bob Ludwig   Mastering
Dave Rowland   Engineer
Passenger   Composer
Mike Rosenberg   Composer,Producer
Gordon Davidson   Engineer
Josh Pyke   Composer