Grow Up, Go On: Young New England turns 10

Ten years. A decade. Where were you 10 years ago and more importantly where were you when you first listened to Transit? More specifically, the album Young New England. Following the now iconic, Listen and Forgive, YNE is an album fans either loved or had no tolerance for whatsoever. However, that being said, when we as fans put artists/bands into a box and expect the same thing over and over again, we then are basically stating that we want no creative growth or change from these artists. But the reality is that bands grow, sounds change, lyrics change and mature. And in the case of this album, I believe, that's what we were hearing.

When I started listening to Transit I started with Listen and Forgive. I was hooked. How could you not be?

It's an album for all seasons. An album for mending heartbreak and so full of relatability that you found comfort in your sorrow. You felt less alone and when you connect with music on that level, for those 35-40 minutes, all is well. Now of course after this release we all wondered how they would top such a gem. And in my opinion, even if unpopular, they did. They made an album that showed where they were going and what they were going through. Maybe it was an album just for them and at the end of the day that's how it should be. Because after all, nothing lasts forever.

From start to finish, we are taken on a journey of what seems to be transitions, healing and most of all a love for where you come from and where you are going. The albums sound took a bit of a new direction which I think prepared us for Joyride, but you also hear a bit of familiarity from Keep This To Yourself.

The album gave us gems such as Nothing Last Forever, So Long, So Long, Weathered Souls, Lake Q and of course the title track anthem itself, Young New England.

With those catchy Transit riffs we all know and love, to those lyrics that pull at heart strings, Young New England gave us this and more, we just have to remember to hang up all these ideas of comparing and contrasting in such critical ways when something isn't as familiar as the past.

Young New England may not be your favorite record, but it definitely deserves praise and appreciation as it celebrates its 10th year in existence. Transit is a band that we had to say so long to, but their music will always have a lasting effect on our weathered souls for years to come. Raise those glasses high for this album and play it a little louder today.