[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]As a longtime listener of Mumford and Sons, I had high hopes for their new album. I wasn’t disappointed, but I was taken a bit by surprise. “Wilder Mind” is radically different from their previous two albums. Mumford and Sons has relinquished the calm, folksy vibe that fans have grown accustomed to hearing and replaced it with a brighter and more upbeat indie sound.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]In the album’s opening song, “Tompkins Square Park,” listeners are immediately drawn in by lead singer Marcus Mumford’s pleading lyrics. Throughout this song, as well as the rest of the album, Mumford skillfully conveys what is best described as almost tangible feelings of longing and desperation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]With Marcus on lead vocals, there was very little chance of the album sounding bad. Even without actually listening to the lyrics, it would be tough not to get swept away by Mumford’s soulful voice. If one does listen to the words he’s singing, it is almost guaranteed that they will find something to relate to. The band makes the type of music you listen to when you need to feel something. Each song is so full of desire, and the extreme vagueness of the lyrics does little to keep listeners from forming an emotional connection with the music.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]If the raw, emotionally-charged lyrics and passionate lead vocals weren’t enough to make you love this album, then the incredible instrumentals are sure to spark the romance. Each piece of the album included a beautifully harmonious mixture of instruments. The instruments used on “Wilder Mind” are a slight change from the band’s usual ones. Although banjos and Mumford and Sons are practically synonymous, they did not feature one on this album. Many other instruments were changed out as well. This can likely be credited to the band’s working with new musicians, and their desire to experiment with a new sound.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Overall, the album was enjoyable, but an unwelcome change from their older, folk rock feel. It’s great that the band is working to find what sound they like best, but this isn’t for everyone.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][image_with_animation image_url=”3521″ animation=”Fade In” img_link_target=”_self”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][tabbed_section][tab title=”Pros”][vc_column_text]

• emotional lyrics
• nice blend of instruments
• good lead vocals

[/vc_column_text][/tab][tab title=”Cons”][vc_column_text]

• more upbeat than necessary
• not “folk” enough

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