Denver-based band The Lumineers have become a figurehead for the 2010s happy folk music scene, and their singles such as “Ho Hey” and “Ophelia” are popular choices for wedding receptions or grocery store aisles, which highlights their versatility and universal appeal. “Automatic,” their fifth studio album, takes a sharp left turn from upbeat vibes to deeper and melancholic lyrics. Their 11-song album only lasts 33 minutes. Though The Lumineers released the album on Feb. 14, it is hardly fitting for Valentine’s Day festivities. Content of the song ranges from overconsumption, political unrest and unhealthy relationships to technology, showing their shift from palatable music to social commentary.
The first track, “Same Old Song,” is one of the most upbeat songs in the album in terms of tempo, but not content. From the beginning, listeners are introduced to the thought-provoking and pessimistic themes that drive the rest of the songs. “Hey Mama, would you pay my rent, would you let me crash in your basement? / ‘Cause any one of us could make it big or end up dead on the pavement.” The chorus doubles down on hopelessness, repeating that “We sing the same old song.” This juxtaposition of moody lyrics with stomp-and-holler energy initially catches the listener off guard but then provokes deeper thinking about the music and message. However, the title of the song foreshadows the rest of the album, as many of the tracks sound unoriginal and similar to each other.
True to The Lumineers’ typical fashion, “Automatic” includes a slower ballad that addresses the complicated feelings around love and relationships. Crudely named “Asshole,” the song talks about mutual mess-ups on both sides of a relationship, and the toll that disappointment and unmet expectations can have over time. The lyrics recognize the failures of both people in the relationship.
The strong lyrics are met with weak instrumentation, and the quiet and subtle piano and guitar do not support such heavy-hitting words. This is a common theme throughout the album, and it leaves a gap between the deeper themes of the album with the shallow music choices.
One of the instrumental tracks, “Sunflowers,” breaks up the melancholy lyrics with a simple piano melody that sounds incredibly similar to one of their previous songs off the “Ophelia” album, “Patience.” Its triplet octave melody seems to be a reference to an earlier album, whether intentional or not. This adds to the trend of unoriginal instrumentation, as listeners may recognize and become bored with previous musical ideas. “Automatic” also includes another instrumental song towards the beginning of the lineup, “Strings,” which is a short and forgettable song that gives the listener time to reflect between songs but does little to add to the appeal of the album.
A song that embodies the social commentary aspect of the album is “Better Days,” which addresses current societal problems and the desire for a return to peace and normalcy. The chorus simply states, “Dreamin’ of a better day / Rubber bullets, pepper spray.” The song also focuses on teenagers being one of the leading voices in the current climate and emphasizes the role they play in creating change. With each new release, the band members age further away from the generation they make music for. This may cause some disconnect between the band and their fans, hence the emphasis on the next generation. The song has a simple chorus and verse structure, which allows for the message and lyrics to take center stage.
A signature aspect of The Lumineers’ music is the interesting and nuanced voice of the lead singer Wesley Schultz. Many listeners appreciate his unique tone but have noted in the new album, his tone drifts from unique to pitchy depending on the song. The lackluster vocals combined with unoriginal musical choices leave listeners wanting more. Overall, the album shows a new side of The Lumineers’ lyricism and a move towards more socially-critical and conscious themes. Fans of their acoustic sound and piano melodies might be disappointed by the lack of new material and sparse instrumentation. If this album sets a precedent for future Lumineers endeavors, hopefully the band keeps the intentional lyricism but develops the backing tracks and musical choices that are more interesting and engaging.
