Though “BRIGHTSIDE” features only nine songs and 30 minutes of music, this short album feels more like a cup of tea rather than a shot of espresso.
The new work doesn’t measure up to The Lumineers’ previous hit albums, such as “Cleopatra” and “III” – but it was never meant to outshine them.
The Lumineers’ are not concerned with trending tracks and topping charts. Instead, they’ve given their audience music curated just for them.
Throughout all their discography, The Lumineers’ remains raw, clear, and intentional. Each song on “BRIGHTSIDE” is crafted with precise lyrics, soft sounds, and deliberate vocals.
Though some may argue that “BRIGHTSIDE” isn’t as immersive as their 13-track “III,” it’s immersive in an entirely different way. “BRIGHTSIDE” sounds as if we’re sitting in a living room with Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites, the founding members of the band.
“A.M. RADIO,” the second track on the album, almost feels like a live cover – but that’s just what The Lumineers’ do. They’re storytellers, singing for us and with us. These songs aren’t intended to be one-hit wonders.
In “BIG SHOT,” The Lumineers’ confirm this. Schultz sings out “And you wanna be a big shot / You wanna be the big man.” Apparently he doesn’t want to be the big shot, he just wants to keep singing.
What truly stands out in “BRIGHTSIDE” is The Lumineers’ presence in each song – namely, that their personality and voice isn’t lost in the lyrics or rock beats.
“ROLLERCOASTER” opens with a smooth piano melody. As Schultz sings out “Sittin’ on a rollercoaster / Holdin’ on for dear life,” his gentle presence forms a sense of irony. Though he’s holding on for dear life, the gentle putz of the piano, slow guitar strums, and clear vocals keep the listener grounded.
“REMINGTON” is arguably the only song that strays away from their style, with an opening rock beat and synthesizer. Still, the echoey vocals take us back to the days of “Cleopatra” and “Ophelia.”
Though this stripped down folk-rock band didn’t try to make a “big shot” album, what matters is that they’re staying true to what they know.
