REVIEW: Mumford and Sons – Babel

Artist: Mumford and Sons
Album: Babel
Genre: Folk
Label: Island / Glassnote

If you look at my history of reviews, I listen to a lot of punk and hardcore music. They are my favorite genres, and they always will be. However one of the things that comes with liking that type of music is that people generally think that you only listen to that style of music. While the majority of the time this is very true, there are a lot of other genres that I may not be as knowledgeable about, but affect me in very powerful ways. Mumford and Sons’ album Sigh No More blew me away the first time that I heard it. It was so big, it was so soothing, and I couldn’t get over the way it made me smile while giving me the chills at the same time. I was a little nervous when I was given Babel, because frankly I didn’t think anything could compare to their debut full length. Babel is the perfect follow-up to Sigh No More, and solidifies me as a fan without any doubts in my mind.

The aspect I love the most about Babel is the fact that it works so well as an album. For whatever reason, bands have been putting out albums that consist of only ten songs, and even in that short number of tracks all of the songs don’t necessarily work. Mumford and Sons put together twelve tracks (fifteen if you’re including the bonus tracks) that are all fantastic by themselves, but more beautiful once put together. Babel takes you on an emotional journey of lost love, found love, and finding who you are. It’s honestly one of those records that you truly can get engrossed in. Songs like “I Will Wait” and “Ghosts That We Knew” are both equally gripping despite their tonal differences, and I think that’s one of the best parts about Babel, and Mumford and Sons, in general. The group knows how to draw you in when they are at their quietest, and at their loudest, and it’s that dynamic that keeps you interested throughout the entirety of the record.

Lyrically, Mumford create yet another record that is both relatable and thought provoking. Personally, the song “Hopeless Wanderer” is easily my favorite song on the record. I love the tempo changes, energy, and fire that the band has while providing some lyrics that hit really close to home. There are the weaker spots including the song “Lovers of the Light,” however in comparison to other efforts by other bands, this song is still good.  The way the lyrics tell a story without giving you the message directly is something that I can really appreciate. While I generally err on the side of liking bluntness within lyrics (it’s the punk in me), it’s the metaphors and stories that make me love Babel even more.

Babel is one of those records that will continually get put on late at night and when I’m traveling home after staying up too late at my girlfriend’s place. It’s warm and just feels right, like hot apple cider on a cold October day. Some will complain that this record is Sigh No More Pt. 2, and that may be somewhat accurate. However, Mumford and Sons realize they shouldn’t fix something that isn’t broken, and I thank them for that. All too often bands mistake expanding their sound as changing their sound, and I think that’s harmful to their longevity. Mumford and Sons take all the right steps in the right direction and created an album that will be on heavy rotation this Fall season.

SCORE: 9.5/10

LISTEN TO: “Hopeless Wanderer,” “Lover’s Eyes,” “Broken Crown,” “Ghosts That We Knew”

Written By: Tyler Osborne

Tyler Osborne
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4 Responses to “REVIEW: Mumford and Sons – Babel”

  1. AK says:

    Very well -written and I definitely agree with all your points.
    YES!: “The group knows how to draw you in when they are at their quietest, and at their loudest, and it’s that dynamic that keeps you interested throughout the entirety of the record.”

    And also.. Hopeless Wanderer is my favorite but, the 1-2-3 punch of Babel, Whispers in the Dark, and I Will Wait is worth noting as well. Especially that perfect transition between Babel and Whispers. So great!

  2. I totally agree with you on that, that transition is flawless. Thanks for the kind words and thanks for reading!

  3. Chris Taylor says:

    Awesome review. I think you get it. I have read so many reviews today complaining that Mumford and Sons are not Folk Rock enough. You know what reviewers, Mumford and Sons never claimed to be Folk Rock, you guys said they were. This album is to me a maturation of the band. They seem to be a much better band, as far as song writing, lyrics, and playing go. Some have claimed this is a bad thing. Not sure why, but I sorta get it. Mumford and Sons is meant to be seen live, so some of what they do is hard to get across on a studio album. However they have done a very good job of doing what they do best on this album. Honestly I can’t wait to see what this band does next. Thank you for writing a very well written review that is free of biases based on what you think the band should sound like. Great job!

  4. Eerily, your review reads like something I would write. Hopeless Wanderer, Lover’s Eyes & Ghosts That We Knew are already my favorite songs. I love Hopeless Wanderer!!! Not just the best album of the year, and it’s not close, but one of the best albums of the last 10 years.