Passenger

I have always loved the deep, lyrical and sensual voice of Irish singer-songwriter Lisa Hannigan from her days in the band of another Irish signer song-writer Damian Rice, now fully embarked on a solo career I was delighted to discover this solo album on Amazon. Passenger was released in 2012 its her second solo album and its ten beautifully crafted songs are a delightful blend of pop and soul written in Lisa's own inimitable style. Her songs sound so effortless and are very beautiful, you may have to listen to the album a number of times before you appreciate the quality and resonance of these gorgeous songs, I could have wished the alum was twice as long. Hannigan's' voice is soul-less and intoxicating the Irish verve for singing is fully extended on all of the timeless tracks, which you will wallow in and inhale in a steady intoxication of joyful pleasure! The gentle lullaby's go together with beautifully crafted songs that will leave you breathless for more before the end of this delightful album. I thoroughly recommend this album its a pure delight from the unheralded but very talented Lisa Hannigan a voice of real beauty from the lovely Emerald Isle.

I loved Lisa's first album, Sea Sew, but Passenger is much more upbeat and has a bit of humour scattered around as well - it just puts a smile on my face every time I play it. And it's a great disc for driving as the songs have a strange calming influence (Sea Sew had the same effect) - road rage never crosses my mind, no matter how rude or incompetent other drivers appear to be.My favourite song is Knots as it is good ol' foot-stomping FUN! And check out the video on YouTube too (the one with Lisa in the white dress and the paint...) as this will just add to the fun - absolutely inspired, and done in just one take. Safe Travels (Don't Die) is very, very funny - bound to be a great crowd pleaser when played live! I'd not come across Ray LaMontagne before but he sings a fabulous duet with Lisa on O Sleep - their voices hardly need the backing music at all. Little Bird is a little cracker, too - clever lyrics and beautifully sung.Could it be improved? Well, not much in my view, but I would have loved to have seen Braille on the album as well - another lovely upbeat song that would have fitted in well with the newer songs. I first came across Braille at the end of the enchanting Neil Jordan film "Ondine" - check it out here:  Ondine [DVD ] Ondine also features Lille from the Sea Sew album - beautiful!Enjoy the craic!

I first heard Lisa Hannigan when she sang alongside Damien Rice. Some years later, I was bought Lisa's debut, 'Sea Sew', which really grew on me, so I decided to listen to her second album, 'Passenger'. Wow. Lisa has a slight, smokey voice and plays a plethora of instruments as well as writing her own material. Stand out tracks for me are 'Sail', 'Paper House', and 'What I'll do'. The tone of the album varies from melancholic to upbeat. Without a doubt the highlight of this album for me, is 'Little Bird' which is accompanied by two acoustic guitars and a violin, it's haunting whilst being stunningly beautiful. It's so refreshing to listen to talent instead of the all-too-common manufactured pop.

I cannot fault Lisa Hannigan s lyrics which are sung by a purely fantastic vocalist and sends you to another place of solace

I'm glad I held off reviewing this album for a while. I just didn't appreciate its subtle moods at the start; in fact I really wondered if I'd made the right decision to buy. However, through repeated listenings, I've begun to pick up on the attractively weird tone of many of the tracks. If there's ever a chance to see Lisa in concert, I'll be there in a flash.

If you liked Lisa's debut, Sea Sew, you'll find much to love in Passenger. The sound is more expansive but really it's a continuation of the lilting, eccentric, beautiful song-writing that we've come to expect from the Irish singer/songwriter. Little Bird is the immediate gorgeous stand-out track with its spine-tingling lyrics of loss, but after a few plays new favourites will emerge and lodge in your head as you go about your day. Sublime music for sunny afternoons and sultry evenings.

I love it. Lisa Hannigan has a way of presenting songs that make you feel she is confiding in you. At times it feels very personal, delicate and vulnerable. She can still 'belt it out' when needed but she doesn't go into diva territory. The arrangements add to the intimate, close feel of the whole package, and it's very well recorded.

Wonderful, album, as described. Perfect transaction. Thank you