"This actually probably tied with The Glass Passenger for me, but "His best since The Glass Passenger" doesn't have the same ring to long time McMahon fans"

you sly bastard you. Brooklyn, you're killing me has been stuck in my head despite not hearing it for several days. giving this another shot today

Album Rating: 4.5

My entire review could have been summed up with this line from the last para:



This album – while straightforward from a songwriting perspective – is just a collection of powerhouse pop tunes, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that when it’s executed to perfection like it is here.



It's just tremendously catchy pop-rock, very light on the piano though which is really the only disappointing thing. I'd say 8 of the 11 songs are unskippable and catchy af, which automatically places this waay ahead of this project's debut, where pretty much only Cecelia and High Dive stood out.

ok birthday song is great

also even though the album art is kinda cheesy I just realized it ties into his old something corporate song "The Astronaut"

"Birthday Song" is fantastic. Rest of the album? ...it's okay.

I still think Synesthesia is one of his best post Jack's Mannequin songs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfm1Gvlz12U

Album Rating: 4.5

I actually never heard that before because I skipped over his solo release. I liked it a lot though, and the music video was really cool and uplifting.

I love the song Synesthesia. Definitely one of the best post-Jack songs. This album just isn't doing it for me. I don't like it much at all... just feels too poppy/overproduced for some reason. I know he's in a different place in his life, but I must say that I liked Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin significantly more than any of the recent solo material.

hell yeah sowing, check that entire EP if you have time. the song I linked is the best one though

I'm starting to warm up to this one, binging all his stuff the last few days from something corporate to this and loving it

My only wish is that Don't Sprak For Me did at least one triumphant extended chorus section. Could have been a glorious moment.

Album Rating: 4.5

Hell yeah Atari that's a good enough rating for this. Honestly surprised by the low avg, I know it's pop but it's hard to imagine a mcmahon fan giving this lower than than a 3. I listened to EiT and this in succession and even though that record easily stands in a class of its own, I think this is my new clear #2, a spot that used to be held by Glass Passenger.



Also, I agree that Don't Speak for Me's chorus leaves something to be desired. The verses kill it and there's no huge moment to capitalize. Still one of my favorites on this album though.

sometimes just catchy is enough. but yeah being a longtime fan, this album has some really great moments even if it's a mixed bag at times.

album closer is my favorite, but the whole thing's been stuck in my head lately - especially dead man's dollar, fire escape, so close, and Brooklyn you're killing me

'Annie Use Your Telescope' is astoundingly the only song by this guy that ever resonated with me.

Let's see if I can find another one on here.

This will probably be my only post until, like, April -- but:
1) I'm excited to listen to this.
2) Congrats Atari on becoming staff!! No idea how belated that is, lol.

Album Rating: 4.5

haha toxin welcome back, this is amazing, and Atari has been staff for a year

holy shit hey toxin (and thanks for the belated grats ;) nice to see you drop by these parts

I was actually just wondering if you might make an appearance the other day since you dig his stuff. You'll have to let us know what you think!

Album Rating: 4.0

What's with all those 1.5's?

Album Rating: 4.5

Not sure. I don't think everyone even listened to this. It's like "I don't like the cover? AND this is pop? Strike two you're out."

Album Rating: 1.5

it's actually better than i expected

I heard a song from this on the radio... yeah not for me.

the lead single makes me want to give this is a 1.5