Jack’s Mannequin bring us on a thrill ride with ‘Glass Passenger’

Three years in the making, Jack’s Mannequin highly-anticipated ‘The Glass Passenger’ lets no one down. Front man Andrew McMahon returns taking more risks and adding more diversity.
Jack’s Mannequin combines piano with thought-provoking lyrics that provide the band’s piano-pop-rock sound. ‘Passenger’ succeeds at this and more, taking itself to a level above its well-received freshman album, ‘Everything in Transit.’
McMahon was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2005 after the release of ‘Everything in Transit.’ He stopped touring but fortunately made a full recovery. ‘The Glass Passenger’ details his struggles and offers insight into facing adversity.
The album starts off with ‘Crashin” as a fitting introduction. The track makes your blood rush with the enthusiasm written into the chorus. McMahon displays his eagerness to write again: ‘I wanna hear some music / I have been waiting down / Here for so long / Trying to write this big music.’
McMahon knows firsthand what facing impossible odds are like. He attempts to describe his experiences and fight in ‘Swim:’ ‘You gotta swim / Swim for your life /Swim for the music that saves you when you’re not so sure you’ll survive.’
Jack’s Mannequin takes a fresher, bolder turn in ‘The Glass Passenger.’ McMahon reflects the style of his first project, pop punk band Something Corporate, with more emphasis on the piano and less on the guitar. A notable step forward is the incorporation of electronic beats.
‘Passenger’ avoids the pessimistic and depressing lyrics stereotypical of emo bands. Without a lead guitar line, Jack’s Mannequin’s piano use is intelligent. Its upbeat tempos instill optimism, a common theme on the album.
Jack’s Mannequin’ is known for telling a continuing story from the first track to the last. ‘The Glass Passenger’ is no different: Instead of relationships, life-and-death is the plot.
The story is a build-up of struggle and hope to the album’s highlight, ‘Caves.’
The last track is seven-and-a-half minutes, but picks up halfway to end the album climactically. Passenger’s lasting message is noted: ‘As far as I can see / Walls are caving in / Doors got locked for sure / But I see these doors have keys.’
Jack’s Mannequin’s sophomore entry provides intelligent lyrics, catchy piano beats, and diversity. It’s definitely worth a look.