Andrew McMahon, the brainchild of Jack’s Mannequin, has finally released his greatly anticipated second album, “The Glass Passenger.”

The band released its first album, “Everything in Transit,” three years ago, and was hoping to
have released its sophomore album back in April.

But due to McMahon’s treatment for lymphoblastic leukemia, the album’s release date was pushed back numerous times.

While “Everything in Transit” was released only a few months after McMahon’s diagnosis, the songs have a darker and more melancholic feel than his previous work with the band Something Corporate.

With the release of “The Glass Passenger,” there is a definitive mood shift, and the songs are much more upbeat and positive than his previous album.

In the song “Swim,” McMahon encourages listeners “don’t let yourself sink / just find the horizon / I promise you it’s not as far as you think.”

His encouraging lyrics are encased in an entrancing piano rock melody that Jack’s Mannequin is known for, and his emotional vocals show his triumph after treading through the troubled waters of his own life.

McMahon seems to take many of his song ideas from his own life. “Hammers and Strings (A Lullaby)” follows almost like a journal entry, as the singer spells out his life and reflects on where he’s been.

Though this album is full of metaphors and interesting lyrics, not all of them make sense.

Though “Swim” could be viewed as McMahon conquering his disease and encouraging others to stay strong, he injects politics by saying, “swim for the lost politicians who don’t see their greed as a flaw.”

Is it really necessary to inject politics into an otherwise moving and emotional piece?

This album is much like the material fans have come to expect and appreciate from McMahon, but it feels more orchestrated and complex than previous works.

The song “Caves,” spanning over eight minutes, has a very classical feel to it, focusing mainly on piano and emotional vocals. Unfortunately, the falsetto voice McMahon uses in most of the song had me aching for Something Corporate’s “Konstantine” instead.

“Passenger” is a great album that was well worth the wait.

Though it may feel a little rough around the edges at first listen, the hypnotic rhythms and melodies could turn anyone into a believer after a few times.

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