Sigh No More

The latest offering of the dim-lit pubs of the London urban folk scene to get mainstream recognition, and I think deservedly so. Unlike the general snobbery, elitism and repetition of the traditional stagnant folk scene, these guys bring something new to the table, something which is both beautifully poetic and radio-friendly easy to listen to.

The whole album is incredible, I originally bought it quite a while ago off the back off their first (and much less succesful) single "Little Lion Man" which to my surprise, ended up being one of the weakest tracks on the album (which is saying something because it's not at all a weak song!!) Every single track is consistenly brilliant, the harmonies, and arrangements the lilting lyrics. Unlike (in my humble opinion) the horrendously repetitive, cliched traditional folk, this album is able to actually keep your interest throughout. There are constant changes in mood, volume and pace, not just from track to track but actually within the… more »

The latest offering of the dim-lit pubs of the London urban folk scene to get mainstream recognition, and I think deservedly so. Unlike the general snobbery, elitism and repetition of the traditional stagnant folk scene, these guys bring something new to the table, something which is both beautifully poetic and radio-friendly easy to listen to.

The whole album is incredible, I originally bought it quite a while ago off the back off their first (and much less succesful) single "Little Lion Man" which to my surprise, ended up being one of the weakest tracks on the album (which is saying something because it's not at all a weak song!!) Every single track is consistenly brilliant, the harmonies, and arrangements the lilting lyrics. Unlike (in my humble opinion) the horrendously repetitive, cliched traditional folk, this album is able to actually keep your interest throughout. There are constant changes in mood, volume and pace, not just from track to track but actually within the songs themselves.

It is these changes which give the album that wonderful lilting narrative feel to it, a concept , which admitedly not unique within the folk genre itself, that certaintly elevates Mumford & Sons way above their chart contempories. Marcus Mumford's distinctive rough vocals are marvelously versatile - equally capable of singing those songs of joy and frivolity (e.g. The Cave, Roll Away Your Stone) as he is singing about angst and anger and heart break (e.g. White Blank Page, I Gave You All) right down to the delicate lullabies of "Timshell" and "Awake My Soul". It is extremely difficult to pick a favourite out of this fabulous line up but when pushed I would answer "After the Storm" - a truly touching closing track, that never manages to leave me feeling somehow...peaceful.

For me, this album conjures up images of Britain, which even with all it's oddities, all it's quirks, all it's imperfections; is still a dazzlingly beautiful place. I think, especially in light of recent political events, everyone shouting about how Britain is "broken", it's easy to forget. Britain was never "broken" it is a brilliant, wonderful, diverse, multicultural, tollerant haven in a world of mistrust and fear and it is THIS image of Britain which this album conjures and celebrates so well I think.

But aaaaanyway, coming back off my semi-political tangent...I really do urge everyone and anyone to buy this album. It has no "target audience" no age limit, it's just good music, plain and simple. If you've enjoyed the stuff they've released so far, then prepare to be blown away!

Flawless 5/5.

I have been buying rock music for over fifty years and this is definitely amongst my top five albums of all time. Could even be the best.Very hard to believe it is a first album! The music seems to be a fusion of rock,folk,and bluegrass and has echoes of the early Strawbs album,[[ASIN:B00000B96Q From The Witchwood] I loved the light and shade of tone, the changes of rhythm and pace,and the passionate, spiritual lyrics with their encouragement to identify with what it is like to be fully human in a flawed, but God made world. I can give no greater compliment to Marcus Mumford other than to say that if John Donne and the other metaphysical poets were alive today, they would be writing lyrics like these.Marcus is clearly very mature and talented and has gathered a tight and gifted band around him whose performance is enhanced by a superb production.They deserve to have success "rain down" on them, yet when I saw them interviewed on YouTube,] they seemed to be refreshingly modest and… more »

I have been buying rock music for over fifty years and this is definitely amongst my top five albums of all time. Could even be the best.Very hard to believe it is a first album! The music seems to be a fusion of rock,folk,and bluegrass and has echoes of the early Strawbs album,[[ASIN:B00000B96Q From The Witchwood] I loved the light and shade of tone, the changes of rhythm and pace,and the passionate, spiritual lyrics with their encouragement to identify with what it is like to be fully human in a flawed, but God made world. I can give no greater compliment to Marcus Mumford other than to say that if John Donne and the other metaphysical poets were alive today, they would be writing lyrics like these.Marcus is clearly very mature and talented and has gathered a tight and gifted band around him whose performance is enhanced by a superb production.They deserve to have success "rain down" on them, yet when I saw them interviewed on YouTube,] they seemed to be refreshingly modest and content to let the music speak eloquently for them. And it really does! I can't wait to see a gig of theirs. Go out and buy this. You won't regret it. You might even "Sigh no More".