Musically and melodically, this new version of ‘Circles’ from Passenger is gorgeous. But most striking of all is the way in which Mike Rosenberg’s voice entwines with that of guest vocalist Gabrielle Aplin. Together, they are quietly, delicately powerful, with a genuinely memorable clarity and purity. Passenger, AKA Rosenberg, says of the song and on working with Aplin: “‘Circles’ is a really special and quite unique song for me. I wrote it about my best friend from childhood. His family lived around the corner from ours and for years we were completely inseparable – it was a simple and happy time. Life happens though – it gets busy, people follow different paths, and it hasn’t always been so easy to spend time together. When we do though, it’s like we’re eight years old again. I feel so grateful to still have that…people who know you so well and for so long are unbelievably precious. I’m also so thrilled to have Gabrielle Aplin feature on this new version of the song – I’ve been a massive fan of hers ever since I heard her music over a decade ago. We both supported Ed Sheeran in Australia in 2012, just as the original ‘All The Little Lights’ album was starting to gain momentum. So like so many people involved in the making of this album, this feels like a really lovely full ‘circle’ moment (no pun intended…).”
Aplin adds: “I first met Mike properly when we toured together opening for Ed Sheeran in Australia and New Zealand, but I became a big fan much earlier when I saw him busking in Bath on a college lunch break. He became one of my favourite artists, and I feel so genuinely lucky to know him. These songs have really wonderful memories attached to them, and it’s always been one of my favourite albums. I love this song so much and cannot wait for you all to hear this new version.”
Unbelievably, we are celebrating ten years since the release of Passenger’s multi-platinum album ‘All the Little Lights’. The anniversary is being marked with re-recordings and well-chosen collaborations for the new edition of the album. This single follows the well-received ‘Life’s for the Living’, recorded with Foy Vance. While the new recordings sound fresh and exciting, they remain true to the spirt of the original songs from a remarkable album that remains as captivating now as it did on its release. The success of the original album was driven by the single ‘Let Her Go’, which has become the second ‘most-Shazamed’ song of all time and reached number one in 19 countries. From busking to achieving in excess of two billion streams is an astonishing story. The richness of the re-recorded songs reflects Passenger’s continued growth as a singer and songwriter and this is a ‘must listen’ record. Enjoy.
