Train – Train

Review

Train's self-titled debut album is like cracking open a well-worn novel, filled with character studies and evocative imagery. Released in 1998, this collection of songs reads like a series of short stories, each track a vignette painted with gritty country-rock hues and introspective prose.

The album's standout single, 'Meet Virginia', is akin to a captivating protagonist that draws you into the narrative. It's as if Train penned a character so vivid, you can almost see her walking off the page. But it's not just about Virginia - the entire album is populated with complex characters and situations. 'Free' and 'Homesick' are like chapters exploring the paradoxes of freedom and the search for belonging, their lyrics as thought-provoking as any philosophical novel.

What's truly remarkable about this debut is its depth. Despite being produced on a shoestring budget of $25,000, the album doesn't read like a freshman effort. Instead, it's more akin to a seasoned author's breakout novel - raw, yet surprisingly mature. The use of harmonicas and jangly guitars adds texture to the soundscape, much like rich descriptive prose enhances a story. From the quirky romance in 'Eggplant' to the dark drama of 'Rat', and the gentle epilogue of 'Swaying', this album is a literary journey through love, freedom, and human complexity, setting the stage for Train's future bestsellers in the rock music world. - Josh