Album Review: The Lumineers Return To Hypnotize Listeners In “Cleopatra”
The Lumineers’ Cleopatra has managed to completely avoid the sophomore slump that strikes follow-up albums. Their self-titled debut was such a massive hit that it’s amazing to see them accomplish a better second album. They have taken everything that made their first album an endearing journey and turned it into a mature, spiritual odyssey.
It is hard to describe what makes you know that they have grown as musicians. Although they have their same humble, heartwarming sound, that has made them famous, their music now carries a heftier weight of wisdom and vulnerability. If their first album was about observing the details of life, this one is about living through them. Themes of resilience, love, and the search for spiritual clarity are rampant on the album, which makes it one to hear for an insightful listener. In addition, the profundity of the lyrics will elate any admirer of words’ power.
My readers know that I admire the potency of words. There is something magnificent about stringing a few words together to build a poesy so beautiful it sums up the vastness of life in one sentence. There are several instances like that on Cleopatra, where you hear a lyric that has, somehow, captured a sentiment or an experience you could not put in your own words. Those types of experiences are what all music-lovers live for, and what any person trying to feel apart of this world desires. Each song could make anyone feel less lonely because they are touching tales of the basic highs and lows of life. Then, you add Wesley Schultz’s magnetic voice and you, literally, cannot avoid being enthralled by this album.
The Lumineers – CleopatraFavorite Tracks:
Ophelia: There is a reason this song is The Lumineers first single off the album. Its hook is a prime example of the power of repetition this band has. You can listen to it a billion times, and it still manages to feel fresh and reveal a new layer to its story.
Sleep On The Floor: the drum is the hero of this song because it drives its perseverant theme: Move on, Move forward. Schultz and Fraites pump up this eagerness to go get your dreams through vocals and percussions that aim straight for idealistic ambition.
My Eyes: Schultz resonates the spirit of Jeff Buckley as his voice epitomizes the feeling of loneliness. There is not much to say about the bittersweet radiance to this song. It’s Schultz and a guitar pondering on solitude.
Long Way From Home: listening to this tale of love, spiritual growth, and human woes make it come off like a modern folk legend, One word sums it up: lovely.
In The Light: Its beat promotes a quiet joy. It is that odd, soft song that makes you want to get up and run while sounding so tranquil. Fraites makes the piano feel casually sweet to your ears as it strings through the song to give it an “everyday- feel” of optimism.
To Learn More About The Lumineers and Buy Cleopatra on April 8, 2016- Official Website.
