Mumford and Sons - Babel

I've been entranced with the boys from Mumford and Sons since their inauguration to the indie music scene with "Sigh No More".  Many were weary at first with their folk like sound and melodramatic melodies, but with Marcus Mumford's charming personality, backed with a group of multi-talented musicians, Mumford and Sons took the hearts of millions around the world in the span of one year.

My girlfriend and I had the privilege to watch these four fellows take the stage at a sold out Air Canada Centre. I couldn't help but be proud of a band who exemplified the prowess of hard work and determination.  I also couldn't help but be proud of my city whom excepted and acknowledged the music these men have created.  Sigh No More was a classic, how they faired on their sophomore album is about to be determined.
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To my surprise, every critic review I read upon the release of Babel were all negative.  They ranked the album subpar or merely decent compared to their predecessor.  But here's the thing, none of these reviews took into consideration when, where, and why this album was created.  

Mumford and sons were a traveling folk band playing in venues such as The Horseshoe Tavern, now they have the #1 album in the world...in the WORLD!  Sticking together as a band and keeping a humble heart with so much success in such a short period of time is quite impressive in itself.  Now keep that in mind and realize that they recorded the entire album while on tour.  If that's not enough, you don't think Mumford understands the pressure they are under after Sigh No More?  They put this upon themselves, but as an aspiring artist, it's a problem I would love to have.

Ok, enough of my two cents, here is a review of a few tracks from Babel

"I Will Wait" - Their first single, and by far their best song on the album.  With its thumping bass drum and banjo plucking we've all come to love, "I Will Wait" grasps you with its first strum till its final kick drum.  Its first chorus slows down the melody dramatically, but it mimics the lyrics of having to wait for whats yet to come, and believe me it's worth the wait. 

"Lovers of the Lights" - Lucky for me they played this track during their performance at the ACC back in October.  Listen to the melody when Marcus Mumford sings "watch me stumble, over and over".  This little melody comes up periodically and I can't help but think of Dave Matthews Band when I hear it.  It must be the drum kit in the background that allude to Carter Beauford.

"Below My Feet" -  The lyrics "keep my eyes to serve, my hands to learn" still haunt me today.  A play on words that Marcus Mumford is quite known for, his lyrical talent has driven and will continue to drive this band to even greater heights.  This song is the one I am most excited and looking forward to witnessing live.  Might I remind you that Marcus sings, plays guitar, kicks the bass drum and tambourine all at once?  I Know....Mind Blown!

Rating: 4 / 5

Recommended songs:

I Will Wait

Lovers of the Light

Below My feet

Lover's eyes

Broken Crown