The National have made an album this year that is brooding and hopeful. In between all those darkly painted corners, there is now, a brush stroke of bright light. All of those conversions that Matt Berninger has with his audience of loss and regret, seem to be ripe with acceptance on High Violet. I am not sure if this is how he is truly feeling, I can only describe what I hear in his lyrics and the inflection of his voice. His delivery has always been fraught with disappointment, but this year it seems filled with triumph. The songs on High Violet are put together so perfectly, that it takes a few listens to dissect and unravel all the bright spots. On the closing track, “England,” the chorus builds to a crescendo, and in the singer’s voice it sounds as though he has won a battle, or conquered a demon. Screaming “Afraid of the house/Stay the night with the sinners/Afraid of the house/Cause their desperate to entertain,” the listener senses a feeling of success, hope, and victory. This album continues to grow on me, especially after the expanded edition was released back on Black Friday.
“England”
“BloodBuzz Ohio”
“Anyone’s Ghost”
And your ears shall hear... 
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