4.5/5 Stars

After years as a dedicated fan, I began listening to The National’s sixth studio album Trouble Will Find Me with high expectations. At first listen, I was disappointed, if not downright upset. I had waited years for this album and now I was struggling to understand it. My main issues were that the songs seemed to lack any real meaning and I was unable to find signature song to “fall in love” with. On their last album, most fans – including me – could easily identify with the hit single “Bloodbuzz Ohio”. However, with patience and multiple listens, the album began to grow on me. It has grown to the point of being my favorite work by the band.
The record starts with a slow and tortured love song “I Should Live in Salt”. With lyrical magery characteristic of the band, lead vocals Mathew Berninger sings that he should suffer by living in salt for wrongfully leaving a relationship. The song is similar to the first song on High Violet: “Terrible Love”. In both, a lost or failing relationship is being lamented.

Probably by design, the second track of this album, “Demons”, is also similar to the second song off High Violet: “Sorrow”. Both explore the mental issues – “demons” – troubling Berninger, and can be related to by someone going through a rough time.
Despite enjoying the album as a whole, the song that became “signature” song for me off this album is “Sea of Love”. The upbeat instruments and interesting lyrics make it special. The dramatic moment in the song is Berninger sings “if I stay here, trouble will find me.” The band’s decision to repeat the album’s name in a non-single song from the album is curious.
Hands down, the strength of The National’s multiple albums is the mood they set. Unlike many modern radio hits, The National’s songs need to be played in chronological order from the album in order to give the songs meaning. The strength of their music lies in lead vocals Matthew Berninger’s baritone voice. It feels as though he adds a bass sound to the music just by singing.
This album takes longer than previous ones to get the hang of. Multiple listens will likely be required to grasp the true wonder of the music. I would recommend anyone new to The National to listen to High Violet before tackling this eccentric record.
Bottomline: 4.5/5 stars. The National produces another masterpiece with artful lyrics and euphonious singing.