So far, this year has been spectacular for music. And, considering myself a music nerd, I love to find bands that are both popular and produce legitimately good tunes. Unfortunately, however, too many bands and artists just pump out a few singles and a handful of ‘filler’ tracks and call it an album. This is why I resort to streaming services such as Spotify and Google Play Music as opposed to dropping $50 every month on new CDs. But once in a while, I find an album that is worth my hard earned dough; an album that makes me want to listen to it - over and over again. The latest album to do this is The Lumineers’ "Cleopatra." And by God, if you love good music, listen to this album!
The Lumineers first burst onto the scene 4 years ago with their self-titled album and hit single “Ho, Hey”. Since then, fans have been waiting patiently for a sophomore effort. I, like many people, liked the band and admired their folky tunes. But as this genre gained popularity, there were three bands fighting for the spotlight: The Lumineers, Of Monsters and Men, and Mumford & Sons - the latter two became more popular and more widely known. So The Lumineers' debut album mainly flew under the radar, and the other two bands only got more and more famous (even though Mumford outshone both).
I always admired the folk genre - I hate, nay despise country music, and yet somehow I am incredibly attracted to the acoustic slow tunes of a folk album. There is a storytelling aspect with just enough pop influence to keep my ears happy.
When I first heard The Lumineers' latest single “Ophelia” I was, admittedly, unimpressed.
But then I heard the first song on the album. And the second. And the third. Then I swiftly finished the album and purchased the Deluxe Edition, making it the first physical copy of a CD that I had purchased since Adele’s “25” last Fall.
This is a seriously fantastic album. Probably the best folk album (or neo-folk as its classified on Google’s servers) since Mumford’s 2012 epic "Babel." While the latter is better overall and was by far more influential and revolutionary, "Cleopatra" is still an impressive album.
The Lumineers really must have designed the album with the vinyl resurrection in mind; the first half is upbeat and has the most potential for radio success. “Sleep on the Floor” tells a beautiful story of escape and freedom, sure to inspire a bit on Wanderlust in every listener - “Let your mother know you're safe, and by the time she wakes, we'll have driven through the state, we'll have driven through the night, baby come on”.
“Cleopatra”, the title track, (and, in my opinion, the next to be destined for radio glory) is an unconventional but beautiful song of love and loss; one that is told from the perspective of an untimely taxi driver who missed out on his chance with a beautiful passenger that has consumed his thoughts - “But I was late for this, late for that, late for the love of my life, and when I die alone, when I die alone, when I die I'll be on time”.
The second half of the album evolves into a slow burner, one filled with broad soundscapes and vague lyrics, sure to inspire the imagination of lost loves and melancholy in all its listeners. Most prominently is “My Eyes.” While musically beautiful in its own right, the song tells a story of disappointment and heartache; the changing of the humanly tides, if you will - “What did you do to my eyes, what did you say to my only child, promised your love but you lied”.
"My Eyes" perfectly bleeds into “Patience”, which is a piano ballad that reminds me of an old western, the kind of song you hear as an old film reel flickers and memories begin to come to life, then proceeds fade to black. This lyrical-less track is easily one of the best. It is artistically haunting and heartbreaking.
The three Deluxe Edition tracks are also very, very well done. For the extra few bucks, I say that it is worth it. But I am a firm believer in artists producing one version of an album - instead of this 'Super Deluxe Target Special Edition with 5 Bonus Tracks, 3 Music Videos, and a Signed Used Napkin from the Lead Singer" nonsense. However, if you do feel like picking up the Deluxe Edition, you will not be disappointed.
Now, all the words I can say simply won’t do this album justice. Is it perfect? No. Is it the best folk album I’ve ever heard? Again, no. But is it a beautiful album that deserves to be listened to and appreciated? Hell yes.
Again, if you love good music, you owe it to yourself to listen to the album. This is the kind of music that you listen to on a long drive or on a road-trip with friends. This music makes you think and feel. It truly provides the listener with an experience - much more than just listening to a CD.
It is simply a great folk-ing album. See what I did there?
