On June 17, 2016 I got to see The Lumineers live in concert, something that has been on my bucket list since I heard them on Pandora for the first time a little over four years ago. It was their folk sounds and deep lyrics that that instantly had me hooked on their first and only album in 2012. I spent years listening and re-listening, dissecting lyrics, and searching for signs of a new single or album coming soon. Earlier this year, I finally found the signs I was looking for and on February 5, 2016, my excitement could barely be contained when they released their album single, Ophelia.
There is no denying the fact that I am a little obsessed with this trio band. I mean, how could I not be when they practically speak to my soul every time I listen. They are my go to when I am driving a long distance by myself or studying for an exam. Their songs have been there for me through good times and bad, high school and college. In fact, I would be lying if I said they were not playing right now in the background as I write this article.
If that is not enough for you to stop reading this and go give them a listen on whatever music streaming app you choose to use, then here are six more reasons why you should listen to The Lumineers:
1. They are wonderful storytellers
The Lumineers manage to poetically tell a complete story in each of their songs. Whereas, every song tells a new story about love, fame, failure, and more. Whether it is a great Pharaoh like Cleopatra, or a flapper girl from the 20s, this band knows how to use pieces of history to write a story that relates to modern life.
My favorite stories told by The Lumineers: "Flapper Girl", "Big Parade", "Cleopatra", and "Gale Song".
2. They write powerful lyrics
Along with the great stories naturally comes strong and powerful lyric lines. The interesting part, however, is that most of The Lumineers' songs do not have a crazy amount of lyrics to them. Instead, they keep it short and simple, repeating the important lines in their chorus. This allows listeners to easily follow the story while also picking out their favorite lines.
Songs with my favorite lyrics: "Flowers in Your Hair", "Morning Song", and "Ophelia".
3. They are perfectionists.
The Lumineers kept loyal fans waiting four whole years without a new album. Their reason: because they wanted it to be perfect for their fans. They put a lot of time and effort into this sophomore album that many people, like myself, were sitting around and waiting for. I don't know about you, bur I give them mad respect for that decision.
4. The soulful folk rock sound
Although often compared to Mumford and Sons, I do not always completely agree with this comparison. (Don't get me wrong, I love Mumford as well, just for different reasons.) This is because The Lumineers have their own unique folk sound that is filled with individual emotion and soul. It is a sound that I always enjoy to hear.
5. Simply beautiful
From the stories and lyrics to the overall sound and instruments used, this trio loves to keep it simple by just using a bassist, violinist, drummer and occasional keyboard. This is how they manage to keep their music simply beautiful through sound and lyrics. In addition, they are just simply beautiful people to look at but that is besides the point.
6. Because why the heck not
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by going and listening to The Lumineers now that this article is finished. Honestly, I don't know why anybody would not want to give them a chance. Who knows, maybe you will find a new favorite band or song. You never know until you try. Let me know what you think.
