Natural Light

“Natural Light” Dan Mangan
7th solo studio album from the Vancouver, BC-based indie folk singer songwriter. Mangan has won two Juno awards and created scores for feature films as well as TV shows. This album plays like a cohesive journey, rather than a collection of individual songs. It was recorded over 6 days at a cabin in southern Ontario. The songs employ traditional folk arrangements but are often supported with keyboards ranging from piano to synthesizer and organ. The heartfelt lyrics reflect Mangan’s search for something positive in the face of the turmoil in today’s world. RIYL: Sam Roberts, Eric Bachmann, and ballads from The Rural Alberta Advantage or the Lumineers.
— Francis

Recommended: 2, 6, 9, 1, 10, 3, 8. No FCCs noted.

1. (5:42) It Might Be Raining (Clean Edit) — Starts softly. An easy stroll, with strummed and picked guitar, piano and synths. Expands with additional layers over time. ***
2. (3:01) Diminishing Returns — Lovely, catchy single. Lilting vocals. Playful guitar with a prominent bassline, organ and skipping drums. Segues into track 3. ****
3. (3:25) I Hated Love Songs — Halting, with ghostly synths, strummed guitar and pensive vocals. Picks up and fills out at 1:15. ***
4. (0:47) Contained Free (Interlude) — Chime-y and clocklike instrumental interlude.
5. (3:01) No Such Thing As Wasted Love — Plaintive vocals over strummed guitar, flowing keyboards and swelling wave-like sounds.
6. (3:20) Melody — Slide guitars and clarinets embellish a simple, arresting folk melody. First single released from the album. ****
7. (3:31) My Dreams Are Getting Weirder — Meandering and light. Fingerpicked guitar. Slapping drums. Dreamy tones and effects.
8. (4:34) Soapbox — Lovely and laidback, with a traditional protest song feel to it. ***
9. (3:37) Cut The Brakes (Clean Edit) — Jangly guitar over a confident rhythm, which creates a nice energy. Shimmering synths are added partway through. ****
10. (3:10) For Him — Pleading vocals backed by fingerpicked guitar and keyboards. Light orchestral accompaniment. ***
11. (3:21) Sound The Alarm — Simple, spare and peaceful. Smooth guitar and glistening keyboards with gentle musical runs.
12. (3:16) Proximity — A personal poem — perhaps dedicated to his family — set to a strummy, swing-y child-like melody.
13. (4:26) Hit The Wall — Moody and dream-like closing ballad. Starts worn down and slow, but then grows into something more anthemic and electric in the middle with brass and big backing vocals.