It's a risky venture when the lead singer of a popular band takes a stab at a solo album. Andrew McMahon, the man behind Jack's Mannequin and more famously the lead singer of Something Corporate, approached his solo album with his trademark passion and sheer hard work. The result is Everything In Transit, 13 inspiring tracks that evoke everything from a deteriorating relationship to the hope in everyday life.
Usually, a musician's last day of studio work is an occasion to celebrate. But the day he completed Everything In Transit, McMahon received what would be the most devastating news of his life and began an entirely new struggle.
In May 2005, McMahon was having problems with his voice. After a few cancelled concerts, his health continued to decline and he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphatic Leukemia (ALL).
The news came as a shock to all those connected to him and his music. Through his Web sites and Myspace.com, McMahon kept his fans up to date on his unreleased album and his recovery.
The highly anticipated Everything In Transit was released, Aug. 23. It was also the day McMahon underwent a bone marrow transplant. As it turned out, his sister was a perfect match, something very rare.
McMahon's work seeks to show that these uncanny connections are not merely coincidental. The title, Everything In Transit, symbolizes the way all aspects of life travel on separate paths, and yet everything is somehow connected.
Listening to Everything In Transit is an empathetic experience -- a variety of tracks bring the listener through universal themes about love, loss and understanding. Its impeccable storytelling makes it seem as if McMahon is sitting with the listener reading from his journal. The story begins with a fallen relationship and then dives into a journey of self-discovery that eventually leads to a peaceful and hopeful conclusion.
Tracks such as "Holiday From Real," "The Mixed Tape" and "MFEO" are the catchiest on the album, while slower songs like "Bruised," "Rescued" and "La La Lie" show the beauty and talent behind McMahon and his piano work.
The optimism becomes evident as the album moves from downhearted to transcendent. On first listen, the album has a punk-pop feel, but its instrumental depth and narrative lyrics warrant further exploration.
McMahon's passion for music and his sharpened writing skills on Everything In Transit certainly will set him on a path for more success. With the perfect mix of melancholy and hope, Everything In Transit leaves the listener begging for more and, at the same time, inspired to see where their own story will lead them.
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