BABEL

The underpinning emotion of pop music is teenage angst. That was true back in the 1960s with songs like Lesley Gore's "It's My Party," it was true in the 1990's when punk and grunge ruled the airwaves and it is true today as embodied by Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe." Gangsta rap was underpinned by urban teenage angst. Mumford & Sons' debut CD "Sigh No More" upped the ante, bringing Boomer angst to the forefront and striking a chord with older listeners, raised on folk and rock'n'roll. It is a post-idealism, older but wiser demographic that advancing age and economic uncertainty has created, a demographic that is once more looking introspectively and realizing that love and family are what truly matters. "Sigh No More" signified a forefront in the neo-folk renaissance and became a bestseller and Grammy nominee and made Mumford & Sons' latest "Babel" one of the most anticipated new releases of 2012. Were they the real thing or a flash in the pan capturing a fleeting moment in the music industry? With the release of "Babel" we know the answer. Mumford & Sons are the real f***ing deal. "Babel" is brilliant from its opening title track through (in this Deluxe Edition) the finale, "Where Are You Now." It is an angst fest that somehow manages to confront the past ("Ghosts That We Knew" and "Reminder"), the present ("Hopeless Wanderer" and "Lovers' Eyes") and the future ("I Will Wait" and "Not With Haste"). Yet despite the angst ridden songs "Babel" is a resoundingly hopeful, uplifting album. A case could be made lyrically that these songs are sung not to another human being but to a greater power. The songs on "Babel" are ultimately about the triumph of the spirit over hard times and heartbreak, a message in which Baby Boomers such as myself can take comfort. Marcus Mumford's voice is an expressive wonder, pulling you in and grabbing successfully for your soul. You feel his pain, his passion, his confusion. When he sings "This ain't no sham/I am what I am" on "Not With Haste," the twelfth song (and finale of the non-deluxe version) you know exactly who the "I" of the song is because he has laid himself bare in these uncompromising, heartful songs that reveal his core beliefs and fears. At times he reminded me of such Boomer icons as Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen (minus the bombast) and the darker side of Harry Chapin. & Sons once again are simply brilliant. The way they can spin acoustic instruments into a powerful tornado of sound is genius. They don't accompany Marcus Mumford as much as they are his duet partner, blending with his emotion and filling the empty spaces where words alone are insufficient. They are as essential to the success of "Babel" as Mr. Mumford himself. Whether there is a track on "Babel" to inspire iTunes and chart success I can't say with any certainty. What I can say is no album in 2012 to date has so thoroughly moved me and made me listen as closely as I did to "Babel." Right now it's my choice for Album Of The Year.

After listening to their first album a little too much for any normal human being, a second album from Mumford and Sons is something that I have been anticipating for a long time. With the foot-stomping energy of the first album, it seemed difficult to imagine they could produce another album with such power and emotion. In short: they did it. Babel: 5/5 - From the first notes, it's evident the track for which the album is titled is going to be energetic. The thumping bass drum, the seemingly ever-present banjo, and Marcus Mumford's soaring vocals starts the album off on an excellent note. Whispers In The Dark: 4.5/5 - "Babel" carries straight into this track, the second song of the album. "Whispers In The Dark" keeps the energy from fading and is a good complement to "Babel". I Will Wait: 6/5 - If you've been listening to the radio at all recently, you've most likely heard this played a fair amount. However, there's good reason for that: it's an excellent song. After finding an older, live version of this song on YouTube about a year and a half ago (titled "Nothing is Unwritten"), this is absolutely fantastic to listen to. The addition of the "I will wait/I will wait/I will wait for you" part was genius in my opinion, as the old version seemed to be a little lacking. All in all, a fantastic track. Holland Road: 5/5 - After the fast-paced "I Will Wait", "Holland Road" slows things down a little, but still manages to keep the same energy. The refrain of "ah"s feels like a relaxing massage, which is very pleasant to listen to. Ghosts That We Knew: 5/5 - "Ghosts That We Knew" is the first slow song on the album. The mellow and relaxing nature of the song is accentuated with fantastic harmonies, making this one of my personal favorites of the album. Lover Of The Light: 4.5/5 - The energy is brought back up with this, the sixth track on the album. The song takes a little bit to build, but once it does, you'll be bouncing to the tune. An excellent and energetic song keeps the album flowing. Hopeless Wanderer: 5/5 - "Hopeless Wanderer" brings down the intensity a bit. The harmonies are particularly excellent, in my opinion. The thumping bass drum during the final part of the song is a great touch. Broken Crown: 4/5 - This, the eighth song on the album, is a quick, two minute track of Marcus Mumford and his guitar. A break in the action, it showcases the lead singer's ability to perform. This song didn't seem to click for me, however, so I rate it a little lower. Hopeless Wanderer: 5/5 - "Hopeless Wanderer" begins sounding a little basic, but then the guitar begins speeding up and you're off. The power of this song, from the soaring vocals to the banjo to the the piano, is thrilling to experience. Broken Crown: 4.5/5 - Slowing the pace down, "Broken Crown" is the only song so far where there's noticeable foul language. All in all, a good song. Below My Feet: 5/5 - "Below My Feet" is another song I found live on YouTube a little while back. It was one of my favorites then, and it still is. The tempo seems to be in the middle of the tempos that Mumford and Sons tend to favor. The layering of sound on this one is excellent and provides for a very rich listening experience. Not With Haste: 4.5/5 - The final song of the regular version of the album, "Not With Haste" is slower and isn't quite as layered as other songs. It's a fitting, although maybe a little lacking, closing track to the album. Bonus Tracks: For Those Below: 4.5/5 - This is one of the first songs I've heard that doesn't have Marcus Mumford as the lead singer. This song also has some electric guitar in the background, which is surprising. It seems to work, however. The Boxer: 5/5 - The harmonies in this song are some of the best on the whole album. It also seems to have a little more of a country "twang" to it than other songs, although it is quite minimal. Where Are You Now: 4.5/5 - This song is a tad repetitious, but is still a great song that leaves you satisfied. While some people might say Mumford and Sons' songs sound the same, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. They've found a sound that's adored by many and is a great contrast to some of the other genres of popular music. With this second album, Mumford and Sons should continue to ascend to new heights and grab more listeners than before. Final rating: 5/5

Mumford and Sons are the greatest quartet of the past decade. Although this album does not match "Sigh No More", it delivers a multitude of emotions served up alongside a dream to learn to play the banjo. To say that 'Babel' is 'another step in the right direction' for the band would be an insult to the band, because Mumford and Sons is simply, already there. Babel - 9.3 Mumford and co. truly start off with an inspirational, introductory piece that testaments the band's smooth mixture of preachy, dramatic lyrics (I cry Babel! Babel! Look at me now then the walls of my town they come crumbling down.), banjo chord repetition, and vocals that fluctuate in girth. It's a rather predictable song from this band. It is not a song to emotionally uplift you, but regardless, it is a fantastic, aesthetically pleasing ballad. Whispers in the Dark - 8.1 Whispers starts off with an over-abundance of strings which seem to take over the lyrics. A repeated banjo progression with backing guitars and a vague hymn that many listeners may find annoying. The lyrics are rather inconsistent, and rhymes seem forced at times (a very rare thing for a band of this caliber). However, this song is a treat for string lovers, and the band utilizes a comfortable beat throughout. Many various instruments take control at various times, in sync with changing vocals, creating a separation, of sorts, between the harmonies. I Will Wait - 7.7 There are parts of `I Will Wait' that really left me skeptical. Vocals were occasionally flat and rather monotone, and the lyrics will have a very tough time breaking into the emotions of any listener: (So I'll be bold, as well as strong, and use my head alongside my heart.) Eeeep. These lyrics are not equal to the potential this band has previously shown. The emotion here is somewhat dull, and it does not feel genuine in the rare parts it is presented. The final minute of the song, where the horns are busted out, rescue the title and give it a great reason for listening, and add much more emotion to the somber piece. Holland Road - 8.6 Holland Road is a great musical piece. The music has modesty, but serves its far share of intensity when it is needed. It does not overtake the vocals, which are superior to most of the other songs. The song has several moments where small crescendos peek out, but are not fully unleashed. It's a very teasing tactic, but I believe it works in harmony with the lyrics. It's probably the best presentation of the relationship between music and lyrics in the album. Ghosts That We Knew - 8.6 The first slow song on Babel. A somber, consistent banjo melody in the background is the perfect compliment to the masculine, bass tones of the vocals and it is something that should be on your goodnight playlist. `Ghosts' does pick up a bit towards the end, and I feel it is a bit out of place, but I still found it extremely comforting. The lyrics were also outstanding: (But the ghosts that we knew will flicker from you, and we'll live a long life.) Lover of the Light - 9.3 For the first time, I actually felt like the music was completely unheard and original. In most tracks on this album, there are so many musical similarities that it can be difficult to tell them apart. But not "Lover of the Light." It was quirky, and fun, and ecstatic, unapologetic, out there, confident. The sounds emerging from this track came from a place of pure joy, in the deepest realms of the heart of a music lover. You will not be able to listen to this emotionless. Lover's Eyes - 8.3 There are often moments in Mumford's songs where the music will tend to show you a glimpse of intensity, only to be taken away, then given back later on in full bloom. And this technique typically works. In `Eyes', I think they may be strutting the line a bit too closely. There was a moment or two in the song where the mood was just killed. In order to make this work, the immediate somber session needs to be something special in order to effectively build back up to the true crescendo. However, that is one sole fault in an otherwise beautiful piece. There was a great horn and string relationship in this piece. Reminder - 8.0 A simple, brief song with an obvious focus on lyrics. They are complemented by a lovely guitar, but could have used at least one more instrument to carry the lyrics. Great words in here though. Hopeless Wanderer - 9.0 Some brilliant guitar work here. The band truly takes a musical turn that beckons raw, fearless emotion. If people ever feared that Mumford would not flourish if they altered some of their music, this should answer their questions about it. Probably the most surprising song on the album. It's good, scary good. Broken Crown - 8.8 A very desolate piece, kind of heartbreaking. The band uses their intimidating vocals, which were such a success in their previous album. The song sounds very threatening. And any band that can make a song like that work with a banjo progression has gotta be doing something right. This is a very deep piece that you will not experience any joy from, but you will be moved. This is testimonial to the vast skillset that Mumford and Sons has at changing the mood of their music at their very whim. Below My Feet - 8.7 It seems like the band actually pulls out an electrical guitar for the piece. Odd. But it's musically delicious, especially in the final minute. Nothing to get extraordinary ecstatic over though. Great percussion here as well, they pulled out all the stops musically. Same ole steady, slowly rising voice throughout. There is a brief moment of godly delivery at about 3:40 that you need to hear to believe. Not With Haste - 8.6 A great farewell to a fantastic album. Lyrics are admirable. (Do not let my fickle flesh go to waste.) It's almost as if he's speaking directly to the listener, metaphorically awesome. There is a somber tone throughout, but not one of regret. The song seems to bring listener and performer together with unifying lyrics and music. Overall: 8.9 `Babel' follows up `Sigh No More' with the same kind of tender musicality and humanity-driven lyrics. Mumford and Sons takes what they do best and they do it more, and more. If you're looking for a different band then the one that brought you `Sigh No More', you'll need to look closely for instances of change, and appreciate them when they come. This album does not top their debut, but it certainly proves that Mumford and Sons are able to own their exclusive musical genre that only they can conquer. If you are a fan, you will be a fan for life. And I certainly hope you are.

Love their music

This isn't a review of the album, but of the vinyl release. As a record collector, I have had recent vinyl pressings ranging from great to awful, so I will offer my insight to fellow collectors considering this purchase. First of all, the packaging is excellent. The outer sleeve is vibrantly colored with a photo quality matte finish. It is a gate fold, to boot. The inner sleeve contains the liner notes and lyrics, instead of being a generic sleeve, and looks like they actually put some thought into its design. The record itself is heavy, with non-generic center labels. On top of this, it comes with a download code for those times you don't feel like carrying your turntable with you to the gym! Whoever packaged this payed allot of attention to detail. My only complaint is that my copy had some whitish residue on the vinyl itself. It didn't seem to affect the sound, but isn't cosmetically appealing. The actual sound quality of the vinyl is high, for recent pressings. It doesn't sound as muffled and muted as many recent releases I've purchased. I've heard better, but this is by no means bad. If you like the Mumford sound and collect vinyl, this is a good purchase.

I’m super happy with my new Vinyl!

Highlighted by compassionate soul that is showcased with timeless songwriting, superlative production, national pride and plenty of captivating artistry to spare, the band Mumford And Sons scored an award-winning masterpiece in 2012 that would become a blockbuster success. Filled with rock solid camaraderie, pulsating solos, excellence and a compelling tone, Babel is a near-perfect folk-rock album featuring songs about hope and self-determination- abeited by the band’s folk-rock virtuosity performed with crystallized harmony and powerful singing. Starting with the official title track, the embolden track set concludes with other classic songs like Whispers In The Dark, I Will Wait, Holland Road, Ghosts That We Knew, Not With Haste and three bonus tracks, including a take on the 1969 Simon And Garfunkle classic The Boxer (with Paul Simon and Jerry Douglas sitting in) and a couple acoustic original folk tracks which give it the acoustic laden touch that it fully deserve. This is British folk-rock showcased by an English inspirational background as it glisten with bright drama and enthralling merriment, so thanks to Babel, Mumford And Sons had took their music toward bigger heights. A Number One album in both Great Britain and the United States, the album even got lots of critical accolades, thanks in part from it’s phenomenal success, as the band mastered the sonically impeccable virtuosity and punch-to-the-gut power with their towering stroke of genius that is showcased by the benefiting folks sounds bind with their unrestrained characteristics that also made Babel a more subtle accomplished album. Although I may have to seriously recommend the ‘deluxe edition’, which makes it the best edition to date, Babel will permanently live in infinity as well as for countless ages.

We're relatively new fans of Mumford & Sons, and I almost never buy an album (downloaded or CD format) when it's brand new, but I made an exception in this case. A long road trip needs some new tunes, and this was just the ticket. :) We're of Celtic heritage (both my husband and me), and listen to full-on Celtic music regularly. Our son would say "almost constantly, Mom." ;) Regardless, we have found ourselves LOVING the mandolin, banjo, and other instruments in these songs. The Celtic heritage notwithstanding, the melodies are catchy and singable, the lyrics are deep, and many songs are "ear-worm-able," which means I wake up with one running through my noggin on any given morning (today, it's "Hopeless Wanderer"). I especially appreciate the raw honesty in the lyrics of M&S - they convey what I experience, believe, and don't have the musical eloquence to convey on my own. We did remove "Broken Crown" from the playlist b/c of its explicit nature, and b/c I don't want to have that particular conversation with our 10 y/o son. He knows the meaning of the word and that it's vulgar, but for his (still concrete-thinking) brain to wrap itself around the use of that word in lyrics by a group professing faith is more than he can handle and more explanation than I want to engage in at the moment. It will go back in the playlist as he grows, but for now, it's out. M&S is on high-rotation in our home right now - for good reason. If you like real, gritty, and indie-sounding music, you'll love "Babel" as much as we do. :)

Good but not as good as the second one.

Let's be clear, I never really fell out of love with them but I had stopped playing Sigh No More almost continuously while I eagerly awaited Babel's release. So to start with I felt a little disappointed after so much expectation...but with repeated playing this is a real grower, and an excellent follow up album. The title track is an great opener, Marcus sounding as gravelly and intense as ever, I Will Wait is the stand out of the album, Lover of the Light another great track while Hopeless Wanderer is a cracker. Overall Babel has a more mature, produced sound, but that for me is not to its detriment. The version of 'Boxer' is fantastic, they really do it justice. The more I hear Babel the more I like it and surely that is the sign of a great album, when you have to give it time and get to know it slowly. It's sent me back to listen to Sigh No More all over again and to wish for more from one of my very favourite bands. (Update) And now after lots more plays I can only say it's at the top of my list of all time favourites. Fantastic, just gets better and better. More please boys. And as soon as you can.

Great

Fabuleux

本アルバムより全米チャートに６曲ランクインさせ、ビートルズとタイ記録。 ということで、早速動画をチェックして買いました。旬のバンドはライヴが熱いですね。 古いだけでなく新しい。バンジョーが心地良い。正直なところ本作より１枚目の方が好きです。 １枚目がおとなしい曲が多かった分、２枚目には早い曲が多くなっているように感じました。 出尽くし感がありアイデア勝負になった昨今ですが、これはアリではないでしょうか。