tumultuously devastating year that draws to a magnificent close with its three best songs . “ Proud of Me ” is a guitar-ringing plea for affirmation from a lover whose been blinded by a futile quest for perfection . I love the second verse : “ And your meaningless obsession is your own worst enemy . A shattered mirror hides your own reality . There ’ s a fundamental difference — and it ’ s always plain to see — between the man I am and who you want me to be .”
Another earnest lyrical nugget , “ Highwire ” is about holding onto an elusive dream weighed down by a harsh and unstable reality of fear , desperation and lack of faith . The closing piece de resistance is the plaintive , piano-driven title track . One of the best Jersey songs of the year , “ The Calling ” exquisitely summarizes the album ’ s hopefulness in the face of hardship , especially heartbreak , with a tale about how music ( or any passion ) can heal the hurt it often causes .