Mumford & Sons - Babel

What we thought:

Marcus Mumford's under-his-breath growl is so lovely. It’s like Mariah Carey's runs or Adele's dreamy low notes – completely unique. Coupled with that voracious banjoing, one would be hard-pressed to mistake this band for any other.

There's so much emotion, power and gusto in each and every song, yet in the same breath I'd have to say it feels tempered and tailored compared to their fiery first album. And that’s not a bad thing.

The first single, "I Will Wait", develops incredibly from the first verse to the choruses, growing in sound and passion with each bar, as if to mimic the angst and tension of trying to fix yourself while the expectation of another weighs heavily on your shoulders.

If you loved the first album, Sigh No More, you're sure to fall hard for this one too.

Best track:

"Lover of The Light". There are many theories as to the meaning of this song, but I never pay much attention to those things. It's how you read it for yourself, isn't it? I think it’s an honest song about the opposing joy and pain love can bring.  Mumford & Sons songs have always painted the pretty along with the ugly truth and it's awfully evocative.

Worst track:

No. I can't. They’re all great. Sure, some better than others, but categorising a song like this is like picking a favourite child – just cruel.

Sounds like:

Modern day Foster & Allen? Just kidding. Listening to this album feels like sipping whisky by the fire listening to drunken tales of nights gone by; taking stock of life. For best results, imbibe at maximum volume.

Listen to tracks from the album here.