Train kicked off 2017 with its 10th full-length album, A Girl, A Bottle, A Boat. Released on Jan. 27, the record contains 11 fresh and upbeat songs that will appeal to both old school Train fans and first-time listeners.
In its latest release, the band takes a turn from its classic rock vibe and produces a number of hip and uplifting songs. Lead singer Pat Monahan�s voice rings through on every track, giving listeners�a taste of the original Train music they love.
Train dabbles in different styles of instrumentals and musical genres. In tracks like �Lottery� and �Lost and Found,� the band incorporates Caribbean and Latin elements by including bongo drumlines and sporadic trumpet melodies. �Lottery� contains an especially fun and danceable sound, especially during an upbeat drum solo leading into the cheerful chorus, where a piano tune and maracas add to the mix. Train�creates high-energy and fun tracks, making them perfect for activities like dance parties or even road trips to the beach.
The lyrics in the songs of�A Girl, A Bottle, A Boat don’t always�revolve around the light-hearted romantic themes Train is known for. One song in particular, �Working Girl,� contains�a strong feminist approach. The song focuses on a hardworking woman who refuses to settle for a man who disrespects her choices. This message of female empowerment is appealing to me, and to many in my generation,�especially due to its relevance to today’s pressing political and social issues.
In addition, the band takes novel approaches to classic genres. In particular, one of the album�s lead singles, �Play That Song,� finds roots�in Hoagy Carmichael�s �Heart and Soul.� The song starts off with a slow and flowing melody, containing only Monahan�s voice and acoustic guitar, and then diverges into a more fast-paced and catchy groove, with a heavier beat and a steady drumline on top.
Every song on the album contains a specific and moving beat drop. From a more intense drumbeat or the addition of a horn or synthetic rhythm, the drops are a captivating part of getting�lost in�the music. Here, Train uses more elements than ever in its career, including alternative and pop-based sounds like electric, synthetic whoops and grooves. They also use breaks in melodies, which add a dramatic flair to songs, as well as people humming in the background of songs.
The album also houses�a good mix of unique songs that flow very well with one another; every song complements the next. The album contains a diverse array, from charismatic jams such as �Drink Up,� to the band�s classic, slow, romantic numbers, such as �You Better Believe.�
Personally, I never really considered myself a huge Train fan, but after listening to this album, I was very pleasantly surprised by the band�s new material. The music had aspects from three of my favorite genres: alternative, reggae and pop. Still, some of the songs have a little too much going on within them. In “What Good is Saturday” in particular, the drumline is overpowering, especially because the vocals are also exceptionally loud and fast. I found it hard to pick up on the lyrics and the overall feel of the song.
Still, it is�very commendable for a band�made up of middle-aged individuals to�attempt to make mainstream music�and at the same time add in subtle aspects that make songs distinguishably their own.
A Girl, A Bottle, A Boat, gets a 7 out of 10. The �Play That Song Tour� will begin, in the United States, on May 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Contact CU Independent Arts Writer Sam Danshes at samantha.danshes@colorado.edu.