Album Review: Mumford & Sons - Babel

If it ain't broke... To say that fans are awaiting Babel with bated breath is probably a huge understatement, but hang in there because Mumford & Sons' latest studio album is definitely worth the wait. Marcus Mumford and co. deliver exactly what we all hoped for and more; Babel is a prime example of what can happen when a group work together in such beautiful harmony.

The opener and title track is an explosion of emotion. It's effortlessly robust, setting the tone for the album as a whole, the perfect teaser for what's to come – banjo and brawn. Following tracks, Whispers In The Dark and I Will Wait, continue to exceed expectations, the banjo-riff champions, and Mumford's voice is all-consuming as he hollers “I will wait, I will wait for you”. Lover Of The Light is classic Mumford & Sons ‑ if that's what it sounds like in a studio, one can only imagine how breathtaking it must be live.

Ghosts That We Knew and Broken Crown take on a more sombre feel, as Mumford cries out “give me hope in the darkness so I can see the light”. The emotion in his voice is almost overwhelming; you feel the yearning and the anger as if it were your own. Nothing is held back, and there's a sadness and vulnerability here that's captivating.

It's pretty much impossible to pick a standout track from this album because each one is so goddamn good. Mumford & Sons prove their worth again and again, and the only unfortunate thing about this album is that it has to come to an end.