Back and better than ever with his sixth official streaming release, Milwaukee’s own singer-songwriter Mike Mangione unveils his latest studio album “Blood and Water,” an 11-track masterclass in vocal performance featuring a musical exploration through themes of sacrifice, redemption, self-reflection. With specially selected features from band members like drummer Justin Guip, bassist Bryon Issacs, or keyboardist Will Bryant, along with spectacular production from the renowned three-time Grammy Award winner Larry Campbell, Mangione delivers a finished product steeped in rich, heartfelt vocals overtop a top-notch production quality, all while delving into concepts that reach and resonate far beyond a standard progression.
Opening with the track “Anastasia,” Mangione sets the stage for a beyond memorable experience through its steady, catchy rhythm, and improvisational sections heightened by perfectly placed instrumental break. Placing emphasis on an excellent tone quality all while continuing a steady feel, Mangione’s use of soulful vocals and falsetto touches do much to showcase his artistic talent, and this continues to reign true in selections from tracks like “Turnabout” and “Against the Grain.” Making use of storytelling elements through philosophies of love, hope, and resilience, these two tracks only continue to grow in emotional appeal against its backdrop of rich musical textures, unique instrumentation, and contrasting rhythmic styles towards a slower, more intimate experience.
“Love Ain’t No Easy Thing,” a true stand-out of the project at large, launches right into an awesome introduction of drums and organ that brings about its soulful atmosphere through blending some elements of jazz, once again perfectly aligned with Mangione’s vocal prowess. Drawing in listeners through themes of young love, the masterful touch of a laid-back tempo and feel put a much-appreciated focus on this track’s incredible use of vocals and storytelling, while chord changes feel fulfilling and satisfying on the edge of each line. In line with its preceding work, “Giving Up On You” champions perseverance in our relationships, mixing storytelling with the strength of emotion as Mangione opts for a grittier, almost gravelly tone and vocal character that match its theme of navigating storms, burns, scars, and staying the course against all adversity.
On “You Didn’t Come Here Alone,” Mangione introduces another, more blues driven, character that channels raw emotion and exceeds all expectations vocally. Supported by the song’s unique character, the touch of guitar blues helps create an appreciated balance accompanying uplifting lyrical themes. “Gone Once Again,” with a darker disposition, paints a vivid imagery of a man on the run, standing testament as another work steeped in entertaining storytelling elements from the group. “Better Days,” in contrast, shows the audience a glimmer of optimism, pivoting us back to a familiar tempo the album knows well, and uplifts listeners with sentiments of resilience amidst adversity. Penultimately, “Come Dance With Me,” with an infectious intro, continues to lighten the mood through upbeat tone and instrumentation, depicting heartfelt messages and longing to “dance until’ the dancing’s through.”
Closing the album, the track “Spirit Awake” emerges as yet another must-listen through its opening of tasteful yet faint guitar strums, inviting listeners into a stirring feeling of love, legacy, and once more, the resilience and strength it takes to stand by someone. Mangione opens up a much more vulnerable and candid side to audiences, as the work drives home that it is through love that humans truly carry on. Following Mangione’s exploration of an even wider vocal range that aligns closely with lead guitar, the larger, full melody we’ve grown accustomed to begins to diminish, continuing the intimate reflection between instrumentalist and vocalist before finally subsiding.
With its exceptionally sound vocals and crafted-to-perfection production, don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in all that Mike Mangione has to offer as “Blood and Water” is available now on select streaming platforms.
Written by Jake L. Munn