“As any fan of Jack’s Mannequin already knows, Andrew McMahon has had an interesting couple of years. On the day Jack’s Mannequin finished their debut CD, Everything in Transit, McMahon was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The band’s newest CD The Glass Passenger testifies to McMahon’s battle and survival of leukemia.”
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As any fan of Jack’s Mannequin already knows, Andrew McMahon has had an interesting couple of years.

On the day Jack’s Mannequin finished their debut CD, Everything in Transit, McMahon was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The band’s newest CD The Glass Passenger testifies to McMahon’s battle and survival of leukemia.

The lyrics to the first track on the album, Crashin, shows McMahon dealing with his life after the illness with a rush of anxiety. And even if your voice comes back again/Maybe there’ll be no one listening.

As the CD continues, it’s clear to see that this won’t be a problem. Many fans have been anxiously awaiting this album and they will be more than pleased with what they find.

Swim is another song that not only addresses McMahon’s own struggle, but gives encouragement to the song’s listeners.

Part of the first verse, You gotta swim/Swim for your life/Swim for the music/That saves you/When you’re not so sure you’ll survive conveys a message that will inspire fans,

Fans can also expect to hear a variety of sounds on The Glass Passenger.

From the sweeping orchestrals of Annie Use Your Telescope, to the thrashing guitars of Suicide Blondeand the soothing melody of Hammers And Strings (A Lullaby), everyone will find a song that they’ll fall in love with.

As for myself, trying to pick one stand out track on this outstanding sophomore effort is about as easy as trying to decide which Olsen twin is more annoying.

Personally, I’m a fan of Spinning, which harkens back to McMahon’s days in Something Corporate.

The bright fun sound will instantly remind you of McMahon’s older songs.

While listening to it, it’s practically impossible not to picture McMahon’s signature dancing on top of his piano is known for.

Quite a few other songs stand out, such as Caves. The seven and a half minute composition that again tackles his fight with cancer.

Beat my body like a rag doll/You stuck the needles in my hip/Said ‘we’re not gonna lie/Son, you just might die/Get you on that morphine drip, drip.’

These vivid lyrics capture the essence of McMahon’s experience.

What begins with McMahon quietly singing with his piano soon turns into the up tempo rock number one would come to expect from the band.

Another notable track is What Gets You Off, a haunting ballad that proves McMahon’s skills as a lyricist are just as well honed as his piano playing.

Now I love Everything In Transit as much as the next Jacks Mannequin fan, but I have admit: it doesn’t hold a candle to The Glass Passenger.

The range of musical styles and meanings in the songs is almost overwhelming.

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