BABEL

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.

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

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. :)

I have listened to Mumford & Sons first album, Sigh No More, over 200 times. It's simply amazing. Of course, I couldn't help but compare Babel to their initial claim to fame. The first listen was OK. But I kept listening. I'm on my third play and I love it already. Yes, they chose to go with their tried and true sound. Things are repetative, chords are familier, song dynamics are fairly predictable, but this is truly a Mumford & Sons album. They really put out something nice here. I am tempted to say it's great, but not yet. Maybe after a few dozen listens. About the vinyl release: Nice gatefold cover. LP slip has lyrics printed out, which I am thankful for. Includes download of 320kbps needledrop from test pressing. This sounds comprable to iTunes release, ie., no where near as good as vinyl. The record itself is quite thick and substantial, measuring about 1/4" wider than most LPs. Dynamic range is spectacular. It sounds very good. EDIT-- On MP3 quality: I've listened to the MP3s about 6 or 7 times. There are about 5 pops, audio dropouts, sound errors, whatever. I decided to listen to the iTunes Deluxe album today and am very happy I have the 320MP3s. The iTunes mix is terrible! If you're planning on getting a digital download, I would recommend you just go ahead and order the vinyl. Even if you can't play the record, you will have the best mixed MP3s available and a really nice gatefold album to display.

Like the other glowing reviews, I believe this is a worthy and remarkable second effort by the Brit folk band that blew my mind with their first album, Sigh No More. I purchased the deluxe version and am glad I did, the bonus tracks Where are you now and For those below are great, even The boxer cover was a pleasure. There are rousing anthems with the wall of acoustic guitar sound with Marcus Mumford's relentless strumming, as on SNM, (Babel and I will wait, Not with haste, Whispers in the Dark) and the swelling of the harmonies of the band's voices together still come across in many songs, incl. Hopeless Wanderer and Where are you now. There isn't a bad let-down or filler song among these. The difference I notice is that there are more contemplative tracks, with even simpler instrumentation. They are less anthemic and more personal with very evocative lyrics (Below my feet, For those below, Ghosts that we knew, Holland Road). I will say the tempo of these songs feel leisurely, but never slow or dull. I'm glad the band is evolving. Artists need to stretch. I appreciate the change in mood and the greater intimacy of these songs. I can appreciate Mumford's voice and their harmonies all the more. The songs still offer fresh lyrics, few cliches and some breathtaking word pictures/stories.

I 'steal' all music at first. I like to listen to an album all the way through to see what songs from the artists are worth listening to. I usually find one or two songs on an album that make the cut and then I purchase those and scrap the rest. The first time I heard this album I didn't think much of it because I wasn't paying too much attention to it, but the first time I really listened to this album I started to really like it. The more I listened, the more I liked it. Then I realized that I don't just like this album, I frickin' love it. All of it, every last song. I can put the album on and not once feel compelled to press skip. I went ahead and gladly purchased two copies without having to feel like I was being robbed. I've listened to this band everyday for over a month now and I've yet to get tired of them. These guys are sincere, genuine, and talented. The songs and lyrics are beautiful and every one is worth listening to. Buy the album, it will satisfy. P.S. Their version of The Boxer is better than Simon and Garfunkel's.

Wow. I downloaded this off of Amazon this morning, and have been totally pumped all day. I am fired up to work out to this tomorrow morning, it's all queued up in the iPod. I've listed to "Babel" through about 3 times already, and appreciate it more with each listen. It is stacked chock-a-block with harmonies, a shredding banjo, interesting lyrics, and Mumford soul. Personally, I find the album in its whole even more engaging and consistent than Sigh No More -- no mean feat. Each song makes me want to sing out and conquer the world. I felt so human and alive walking under a beautiful clear fall blue sky today, with Lover of the Light turned up to 11 on my headphones! To have spent so much time between albums, and to face the sophomore pressure after their first smash, and to answer it all with this tremendous second studio effort has cemented Mumford and Sons as a musical force here to stay. I am looking forward to listening to this one much more in the future, and their future efforts! Go Mumford and Sons!