Spring has almost sprung, and with it comes the perfect new soundtrack for romping through wildflower-covered hills. The Lumineers released their fifth studio album, “Automatic,” this past Valentine’s Day. The album seamlessly blends the trials and tribulations of love with the classic folk-rock vibe the band has become famous for. With a runtime of just under 33 minutes, it dives deep into the complexities of love, heartbreak and unworkable relationships, telling a moving story seamlessly interwoven throughout each song.
It begins with the upbeat tune of “Same Old Song,” a lively hit with a catchy drum-centric melody primed for radio contention. The easily screamable chorus is full of heartbreak, depicting the deterioration of a relationship on the rocks and sets the stage beautifully for the rest of the album’s narrative.
Following such a lively song, “Asshole” turns to the slower side, tapping into a more traditional Lumineers sound with piano melodies and soft-building drums. It depicts the happier moments of first meeting, falling in love and finding a lasting connection with someone. It carries a bit of a self-deprecating tune, alluding to the future tribulations of songs later in the album, but overall, it is surely sweet and very relatable.
Rounding out the first act of the album is a transitional and short instrumental build, setting the scene for the impending downslide of relationship turmoil. “Automatic” (my personal favorite) and the titular song bring an edgier tone, depicting the little delights of life and asking, “Is it ever going to be enough?” It branches out from The Lumineers’ traditional sound but successfully shows that the band is capable of mastery beyond just the folk genre.
Following this slower turn, songs including “You’re All I Got,” “Plasticine” and “Ativan” serve as a reckoning to a relationship crumbling to pieces — the self-questioning lyricism and melodic guitar mirror two lovers drifting further apart. Eventually, this story builds to an emotional ballad, “Keys on the Table,” where the lovers realize that their relationship has nothing left. The heartbreaking line, “If you’ve lost the faith, leave your keys on the table,” expresses the finality of leaving behind everything that was once loved. It is simple yet tragic, making it a very emotional listening experience.
Finally, another instrumental piece, “Sunflowers,” rounds out this devastating emotional journey. These heartfelt ballads are broken up by the reconciliation and freeing nature of the final song on the album, “So Long.” This lively, upbeat tune encompasses the freedom of moving on and growing from a toxic relationship. It offers a happy end to such a tragic love story and gives listeners hope for the future of both love and life.
Overall, this album departs from The Lumineers’ usual indie-folk sound, dipping into an edgier, more alternative vibe while illustrating the band’s versatility. It is sure to appeal to both new and long-standing listeners and continues to display the fantastic talent of this Colorado based band. If you’re looking for songs to add to your hiking playlists this summer, I highly recommend checking out this album!
