Reading Time: 3 min read

4 out of 5 stars

The National, โ€œTropic Morning Newsโ€ [๐Ÿ“ท: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; The National / 4AD; OpenClipart-Vectors, PIRO via Pixabay]Matt Berninger and The National turn doom-scrolling and connection issues into the superb record, โ€œTropic Morning News.โ€

โ€œYou wait around in a conversation / While I get in and start stumbling through it.โ€ Interesting ๐ŸŽ™ Matt Berninger.  Clearly, ๐ŸŽ™ The National front man is on the struggle bus where connecting is concerned on ๐ŸŽต โ€œTropic Morning Newsโ€, the five-minute-plus promo single from their ninth studio album, ๐Ÿ’ฟ First Two Pages of Frankenstein (April 28, 2023).  The key lyric, โ€œThe tropic morning news was onโ€ is derived from what Berninger describes as doom-scrolling.  In the press release, Berninger asserts, โ€œIt became a song about having a hard time expressing yourself, and trying to connect with someone when the noise of the world is drowning out any potential for conversation.โ€ Given the noise, and being in a dark, depressive place, Berninger and company exceptionally execute โ€œTropic Morning News.โ€

The National, First Two Pages of Frankenstein [๐Ÿ“ท: The National / 4AD]The second verse sheds even more light on this dark place. โ€œBut it somehow got switched around /โ€ฆ My dumb, automatic chit-chat,โ€ Berninger sings, adding, โ€œItโ€™s not what I meant to say at all / Thereโ€™s no way you can attach me to that.โ€ Notably, in the bridge, despite conversational shortcomings, and connection issues, he asserts, โ€œYou found the slush in my sentiment / You made it sound so intelligent /โ€ฆ I would like to move on and be through with it.โ€ The chorus is the centerpiece, where Berninger opens up further about his dark state, admitting, โ€œI was suffering more than I let on.โ€ Despite the dark tilt of the lyrics, the music itself sounds brighter. Perhaps this is a representation of Berninger getting to a better place and the bandโ€™s ability to begin their latest chapter.  The backdrop is picturesque, blending rhythmic and more lush musical cues and ideas.


Final Thoughts ๐Ÿ’ญ

awesomeOnce again, The National dress to impress โ€“ well โ€“ they impress through incredible musicianship! ๐ŸŽต โ€œTropic Morning Newsโ€ serves as a stupendous prelude to ๐Ÿ’ฟ First Two Pages of Frankenstein.  Matt Berninger is true to self, with his awesome baritone.  Furthermore,  The backdrop is superb, while the theme and lyrics take the cake. Strong way to start off 2023.

4 out of 5 stars


๐ŸŽ™ The National โ€ข ๐Ÿ’ฟ First Two Pages of Frankenstein โ€ข ๐Ÿท The National / 4AD โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 4.28.23
[๐Ÿ“ท: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; The National / 4AD; OpenClipart-Vectors, PIRO via Pixabay]

 


the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.