Brian Fallon's 'Sleepwalkers' Is The Best Album To Come Out Of 2018 | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Brian Fallon's 'Sleepwalkers' Is The Best Album To Come Out Of 2018

I was completely blown away by this album and I can't wait to see it played live!

390
Brian Fallon's 'Sleepwalkers' Is The Best Album To Come Out Of 2018
Instagram

On February 9th, 2018 Brian Fallon—frontman of the beloved Jersey band The Gaslight Anthem— released his second solo album 'Sleepwalkers' and I have not stopped listening to it. Fallon is, without a doubt, my favorite musician of all time. From Gaslight to the Horrible Crowes and Molly and the Zombies, all the way to his recent solo projects, I am a diehard Brian Fallon fangirl.

When I heard a new album was coming out, I was overjoyed—I was as stoked for this album as I was to hear Gaslight is doing a reunion tour this summer, which says a lot. I was absolutely blown away when I listened to the album in full Friday morning—but I expected nothing less.

Each song is unique in sound and style, ranging from pop-like beats interwoven with his familiar rock guitars all the way to big band, jazzy styles. When a friend of mine from the U.K. listened to it as soon as it came out midnight his time, he told me how different it was from Fallon's earlier works— but in a good way.

I, unfortunately, slept through the midnight release here on the East Coast, but I listened to it as soon as I got in the car for my morning commute. The album starts off with the jazzy single "If Your Prayers Don't Get To Heaven," followed by "Forget Me Not" with those infamous calls of Stacey! As much as I love these songs, I've been listening to them since they were first released, so I couldn't wait to get to the third song and hear something new.

The third track on the album, "Come Wander With Me" carries a very pop-like beat, working with familiar rock-style guitar riffs. As soon as this song came on, I had a huge smile on my face— it was upbeat, fast-paced, and that iconic line in the first verse, "Mama was a woman and a hard working man" quickly became one of my favorite lyrics of all time.

"Etta James" follows, with more of a slowed down, smooth-jazz vibe— but still carries that upbeat vibe that we've grown comfortable with over the past four songs. Fallon really sings his heart out here, and you can definitely tell he had a lot of fun recording it. The final verse of "Etta James, Etta James" is smooth and soft, almost soothing.

The fifth song, "Her Majesty's Service" reminded me of Gaslight's work— not necessarily in sound, but rather in lyrical content. That image of the Queen is famous among Fallon's fans, being referenced in songs across his entire discography.

After that, we're gifted with "Proof of Life," AKA the best love song Fallon has penned since "Blue Jeans & White T-Shirts" on the 'Senor and the Queen' EP. The following song, "Little Nightmares" is another fun song— but not one that jumped out to me like some of the others did.

The eighth song on the album, the title track "Sleepwalkers" is currently tied for my number one favorite. Big band, New Orleans vibes coupled with even bigger vocals—"Mama she was famous in my dreams"—make for the perfect song to jam out to in the car.

The next song, "My Name Is The Night (Color Me Black)" was the last single to come out before the album's release, and is my other contestant for favorite song. If you've heard "Rosemary" off his first solo album, 'Painkillers,' you might understand what I mean when I say that this song is 'Sleepwalkers' "Rosemary" in my opinion. The resolution and intensity just make me want to scream out the lyrics every time it comes on!

The last three songs,"Neptune," "Watson," and "See You On The Otherside" close out the album in a gentle decline. "Neptune" is another song that reminds me of Gaslight—specifically the song "Sweet Morphine" off their last album 'Get Hurt.' "Watson" pairs a similar, smooth sound that we hear in "Etta James" with Fallon's intense vocals and is catchy as hell.

The last song, "See You On The Otherside" is the perfect ending to the album. It's gentle and hopeful and loving and definitely a song to listen to at night when you're trying to relax.

Overall, I was blown away by this album. It was everything I was hoping for and more. Listening to it, you can definitely tell this was a project that Brian worked hard on—and it's something he worked hard on for himself and the people closest to him. He made this album without anyone's expectations in mind except for his, and—in my opionion—that's the most admirable thing any artist can do.

You can stream "Sleepwalkers" on Spotify, or download it on iTunes.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

187795
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

13354
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

456708
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25923
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments