Lumineers’ “Brightside” offers clear simplicity

The Lumineers, an American folk-rock band, released their new album Brightside on Jan. 14.

Brightside is fairly short, consisting of only nine tracks. Admittedly, listening to these nine pieces for the first time, the songs were not appealing. They were repetitive and less impressive than previous albums. The more listens given to the 30-minute collection of songs, the more appealing it became. The initial dislike for the album was mainly due to one thing: nostalgia. Growing up, listening to albums like Cleopatra and The Lumineers on road trips, during chores, and on the way to soccer practice, created a connection that lots of people, including myself, have made with these songs. When you listen to this album with fresh ears, it is a whole different experience.

The album opens with “Brightside.” Although it is not the best song on the album, the opening drumline and heavy, fuzzy electric guitar at the forefront of the album serves as an awesome hook.

The most favored song of the album was “Birthday.” What makes this song so special is the simple storytelling and writing iconic to the Lumineers paired with an organic and inspiring instrumental. “Birthday” is very true to the classic Lumineers style and, overall, a very enjoyable listen.

“Reprise,” while personally not the best song of the album, makes up for it with creativity. “Reprise” instantly catches your attention with entertaining piano. The reference within the lyrics to the other tracks on the album is a solid wrap to the end of the album. Ending the album with a reprise is a very satisfying ode to the rest of the songs.

Overall, if I could describe Brightside in three words they would be “less is more.” The Lumineers comprised storytelling, catchy choruses, and relatively new sounds all within essentially simple songs. To say the least, I am excited to road trip this summer with Brightside as part of my soundtrack.