Brian Fallon's 'Sleepwalkers' Is The Best Album To Come Out Of 2018
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.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

88882
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

57846
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments