Lisa Hannigan has returned with ‘Passenger’, a second release after her Mercury Prize nominated debut, ‘Sea Sew’. It was with much trepidation that I waited for this release as ‘Sea Sew’ had launched Lisa to the top of my musical outlook. The critical response to ‘Passenger’ has been positive with many believing she is a shoe-in for a nomination for this years Meteor Choice Music Prize.
The albums artwork comprises of a stylized map jotted out with light dots. This thematic map corresponds to so many sentiments and stories being told on this record. Lisa attests to have written so many of these songs while on the road and in different cities around the world. The map itself comprises of different city maps where Lisa had penned some of the songs.
The songwriting on this record has also taken huge leaps forward as the songs dip in and out of dark and low places only to be juxtaposed with a uplifting arrangement behind it. A sad album it is not, whimsical elements such as the song ‘Safe Travels (Don’t Die)’ with lyrics such as “Please don’t bungee jump, or ignore a strange lump and a gasoline pump’s not a toy.“, help the album ebb and flow into a complete collection from Ms.Hannigan. ‘Knots’, the lead single stands out as one of my tracks of the year while ‘O Sleep’ is a beautiful song where she collaborates with none other than Ray La Montagne to stunning effect.
‘Paper House’ and ‘Little Bird’ stand as intimate odes to a past lover(no points for guessing who). Hannigan has admitted that these songs were challenging to play at the beginning due to the songs evocative nature. “We were all that we had, and breathed in each others words” – ‘Paper House’, these lines stand out as a moving glance to the past for Lisa. While ‘Little Bird’ is a much more focused personal observation, “You are lonely as a church, Despite the queuing out your door.”
I overheard a radio presenter on a Dublin station refer to Lisa as one of Irelands leading ladies, flying the Irish flag across the world. I couldn’t agree more as I believe that Lisa Hannigan will grow and continue to produce stunning pieces of work such as ‘Passenger’ for many moons to come.
This album simply stands as a triumph and will forever be top of my playlist no matter how many years will pass. Even though I have owned a copy of this album for many weeks now, I will be returning to buy more copies in order to spread the wonder of this album to many for the festive season ahead. I urge you to do the same. Lisa Hannigan, thank you.