Babel
by Mumford & Sons
User Score
6.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 189 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 130 out of 189
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 189
  3. Negative: 38 out of 189
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  1. RikDergis
    Sep 29, 2012
    10
    This album is definitely more polished than the first. Babel stands up well to Sigh No More with no less than 8 great tracks. "Lovers' Eyes" and "Hopeless Wanderer" being good enough to rival "The Cave" and "Little Lion Man". Pick up this album and you won't be disappointed!
  2. Havok
    Sep 25, 2012
    10
    They've taken what made them unique and good before, and polished it to such a fine sheen that you can hear your own soul in their music. This is the best thing that's happened to the modern music scene in quite a while. I wasn't a fan of their earlier music, even though I liked it somewhat, but I just can't get over this album. Lyrically profound, dynamically perfect and played with suchThey've taken what made them unique and good before, and polished it to such a fine sheen that you can hear your own soul in their music. This is the best thing that's happened to the modern music scene in quite a while. I wasn't a fan of their earlier music, even though I liked it somewhat, but I just can't get over this album. Lyrically profound, dynamically perfect and played with such energy and conviction you just can't help wanting to sing along.

    Best taken with long drives in the countryside, sitting at the seaside or looking out on nature.    … Expand
  3. vmd1020
    Sep 26, 2012
    9
    I'm surprised that this isn't getting better ratings by both critics and users...overall, the album plays MUCH better than "Sigh No More." I understand it doesn't have tracks like "Sign No More", "The Cave" or "Little Lion Man," but it also doesn't have songs that are skip worthy (such as "Dustbowl Dance"). On top of that, "Below My Feet" may be one of their best tracks yet. Yeah, it allI'm surprised that this isn't getting better ratings by both critics and users...overall, the album plays MUCH better than "Sigh No More." I understand it doesn't have tracks like "Sign No More", "The Cave" or "Little Lion Man," but it also doesn't have songs that are skip worthy (such as "Dustbowl Dance"). On top of that, "Below My Feet" may be one of their best tracks yet. Yeah, it all kind of sounds the same but that's the Mumford we've come to know and love, there are a few new elements to make this a great album.… Expand
  4. Hooky586
    Sep 25, 2012
    10
    Mumford & Sons are back and better than ever! This is an excellent sophomore album from this wonderful back band from England. It is better than Sigh No More? Probably not better, but just as good. I am currently on my 5th listen and I absolutely love it.
  5. Apart
    Sep 25, 2012
    0
    I will just quote musicOMH.com: "It truly is awful."!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  6. Ronky
    Oct 10, 2012
    10
    Excellent album! Thought it would be hard to top their breakout album Sigh No More but this one comes real close. Amazing sophmore release. I haven't stopped listening to it since I received it two weeks ago. Solid from beginning to end. Noteworthy tracks include "I Will Wait," "Holland Road," "Hopeless Wanderer," "Broken Crown," and For Those Below." If you enjoyed Sigh No More goExcellent album! Thought it would be hard to top their breakout album Sigh No More but this one comes real close. Amazing sophmore release. I haven't stopped listening to it since I received it two weeks ago. Solid from beginning to end. Noteworthy tracks include "I Will Wait," "Holland Road," "Hopeless Wanderer," "Broken Crown," and For Those Below." If you enjoyed Sigh No More go get this album!… Expand
  7. RoosterJuice
    Sep 25, 2012
    10
    Screw the critics. Just like last time, they are wrong about Mumford and Sons, this album is amazing. It's unapologetically hipsterific, and I love it. If you don't like Pabst Blue Label, or don't have horn rimmed glasses, this album is not for you.
  8. DaGuruDette
    Sep 26, 2012
    1
    I know dat fool da shrimp be loving this album........but imo they are very fake as a band and their lyrics are at an elementary school's intro to poetry class level. Many people becuase of when they both rose in popularity compare these guys to The Avett Brothers. That to me is a joke. Avetts are better in about every way but lets just start with more complex lyrics with true meaningI know dat fool da shrimp be loving this album........but imo they are very fake as a band and their lyrics are at an elementary school's intro to poetry class level. Many people becuase of when they both rose in popularity compare these guys to The Avett Brothers. That to me is a joke. Avetts are better in about every way but lets just start with more complex lyrics with true meaning and understanding. M&S are no different to Americana Folk music as Coldplay is to top 40. Both are fakes who are not near as original or talented as the zombie like media following both have would lead you to believe. Word.… Collapse
  9. Alex1986
    Sep 26, 2012
    8
    Babel is, unfortunately, worse than Sigh no More. But that doesn´t make it bad in any way. It´s, from a critical standpoint, a solid album. Its BIG difference from Sigh No More is that Babel is really forgettable (in the sense that it isn´t really catchy as its predecessor) and can very oftenly get boring. Songs are kinda same sounding and don´t seem as diverse inBabel is, unfortunately, worse than Sigh no More. But that doesn´t make it bad in any way. It´s, from a critical standpoint, a solid album. Its BIG difference from Sigh No More is that Babel is really forgettable (in the sense that it isn´t really catchy as its predecessor) and can very oftenly get boring. Songs are kinda same sounding and don´t seem as diverse in melody as the first album. In this regard, the album is bordering poor.

    However, the positives outshine the negatives in Babel. Lyrically, it´s a 10 out of 10. As always the band puts together amazing poetry to the songs. The first one depended heavily on influence by Shakespear´s writing, as well as quoting from the bible a couple of times. Babel improves on this, shaking off the dependence and making great lyrics from scratch. Song structure is also improved, changing up the verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus structure which was EVERYWHERE in Sigh No More. Babel is much more varied in that sense. Production is also a bit "cleaner" than in Sigh No More. If this is positive or negative depends on the listener.

    All in all, while I´d give Sigh No More a 9.1, Babel is more of a 7.7 (8 here in Metacritic, I guess). But while Sigh No More could be listened several times, Babel I doubt I personally will hear much more. It is critically good, but isn´t really memorable. Maybe it´ll grow on me later, but for now, it´s kind of a disappointment.    … Expand
  10. Ricko
    Aug 30, 2018
    7
    It's very much a case of more of the same as Mumford & Sons follow up their very decent debut with "Babel". While the album isn't bad, the biggest complaint is that it doesn't build on what has gone before in any way, dishing up a very similar formula to the one which proved so successful on their debut. If this was their debut, I reckon people would be admiring it to some extent but it'sIt's very much a case of more of the same as Mumford & Sons follow up their very decent debut with "Babel". While the album isn't bad, the biggest complaint is that it doesn't build on what has gone before in any way, dishing up a very similar formula to the one which proved so successful on their debut. If this was their debut, I reckon people would be admiring it to some extent but it's not as good as "Sigh No More" and it's not their debut either. The saying "If it aint broke don't fix it" isn't really applicable when it comes to music and art in general. It's one thing to stick to what your good at but another to sit on your laurels and recycle. I wouldn't go as far as to say the band knocked this album out for the money but I can equally understand why people level that critisicm at them. The records best moments come along early and offers little after the first third of the record. Could have done better really, but all said and done not a bad listen in isolation.… Expand
  11. deekan
    Sep 25, 2012
    9
    Is it anything new? Not really. But did they perfect the old? Hell yes! It is everything I have come to love from Mumford and Sons, and maybe a little more. One day they will need to change it up, but not today.
  12. BeaarSpark
    Nov 5, 2012
    10
    DaGuruDette knows little about the sheer brilliance of music. The songs a catchy with heartfelt feeling and the lyrics sublime. This is /Mumford & Sons at their very best. Sigh No More was the intro. This is the main story.
  13. Mab_987
    Nov 24, 2012
    6
    I absolutely LOVE their debut Sigh No More. One of my favorite popular albums of 2009. Despite this however, I detected some hints of redundancy structurally on it, which I hoped they'd fix on their sophomore album. Spoiler alert: THEY DIDN'T! Now you'd think I, as a Mumford & Sons fan, would be thrilled that they'd release an album that sounds exactly like their debut. But that's notI absolutely LOVE their debut Sigh No More. One of my favorite popular albums of 2009. Despite this however, I detected some hints of redundancy structurally on it, which I hoped they'd fix on their sophomore album. Spoiler alert: THEY DIDN'T! Now you'd think I, as a Mumford & Sons fan, would be thrilled that they'd release an album that sounds exactly like their debut. But that's not how I listen to music. I want bands to develop. I want bands to evolve. I want bands to experiment stylistically. Or if they don't, they should at least keep their sound interesting. Sadly, none of this happens. Instead we get a watered-down, boring, predictable & rehashed version of their debut without nearly as many memorable melodies & lyrics. Even when they did this repetitive formula on Sigh No More, they at least either gave songs different emotional vibes or (to some extent) different musical styles, or at least made them catchy enough that I wouldn't mind. Here, it's nearly all the same, but this time with a slight hint of overproduction that makes a lot of the instruments just bleed together a lot of the time. There's only a few songs here where something actually sticks in your head or makes any real impact. The rest of the time it's somewhat poetic yet predictable lyrics with themes we've already heard over & over on previous Mumford & Sons songs (HE SAYS THE WORD "HEART" IN 9/12 OF THE SONGS ON THE STANDARD EDITION!) combined with forgettable instrumentation & melodies that rarely even try to be catchy, but when they do it's not nearly enough to save it from mediocrity. And even sometimes when the melodies themselves are good, they don't get good until the structure they've confined themselves in will allow it to be good. Sometimes it doesn't get good until the loud part, or sometimes it stops being good at the loud part. Heck, Reminder is the only song here that stays in one mode, and it's absolutely gorgeous! The bonus tracks For Those Below & Where Are You Now also deviate a little, and they'd be very refreshing to hear on the standard edition. And holy crap, can Winston please play more than one banjo picking pattern?! It's the same one on every song! Now if there's one thing I can say is a constant positive throughout Babel, it's that Marcus' vocals most of the time have a lot of passion & sincerity, which makes it even more sad that he insists on using them on these bland tracks There were even times when I wished I could've been there at the recording sessions to tell him to sing a particular melody in a slightly different way to make it better. Bottom line: okay album but it's very fair to say they've stagnated big-time with this one. Please, Mumford & Sons, try something different next time. Doesn't have to be a complete stylistic transformation but still, do something more interesting than this. The "dramatic buildup" gimmick is getting old. Favorite tracks (in order): I Will Wait, Reminder, Babel, Hopeless Wanderer, Lover of the Light, For Those Below (bonus track), Broken Crown, Holland Road. Least favorite tracks: All the other ones. None are really "bad" though. Just boring, even if they're notable lyrically (i.e. Ghosts That We Knew & Not With Haste). Overall score: 62/100… Expand
  14. axelkoch
    Nov 11, 2012
    5
    I really liked their debut, but this is just a boring instauration from 'Sigh No More'. Instead of rememberable rhythms and interesting lyrics, almost every song on 'Babel' sounds the same. You have to have really low expectations to be not disappointed with this release. Their single "I Will Wait" is the only really good song in here, the rest is pretty poor. But I'll give an extra pointI really liked their debut, but this is just a boring instauration from 'Sigh No More'. Instead of rememberable rhythms and interesting lyrics, almost every song on 'Babel' sounds the same. You have to have really low expectations to be not disappointed with this release. Their single "I Will Wait" is the only really good song in here, the rest is pretty poor. But I'll give an extra point because of their style, which is nice. I like them but this album is nothing. It's really boring and so are the lyrics. They don't tell anything! However, it's not that bad, but you won't miss anything if you don't listen to 'Babel'.… Expand
  15. AnalyDewa
    Oct 6, 2012
    8
    Yes, they made a great album and i'm glad that the public recognize it and the perfect first week sales are reflecting the hard work to make this album named "Babel". Favourite tracks: Babel, Hopeless Wanderer, The Boxer and Lover's Eyes. Buy this on iTunes, worth so much !
  16. PseudoMcCoy
    Sep 25, 2012
    8
    Mumford and Sons shot to fame after their first album
  17. crankyoldguy
    Sep 25, 2012
    9
    As an almost 60-year old dad of 5 very music-centric kids, and a former musician and producer myself, I hear tons of
  18. GHMeyers
    Sep 27, 2012
    10
    From end to end this album is filled with emotion and nonstop thrills. I fined the criticism that Mumford repeats the same sound over and over as completely ridiculous. From the first track, Babel, to the last, Not with Haste, the sounds evolve, change, and end with a completely satisfied idea. The variation really shows the maturation of this band and the flawless execution of this albumFrom end to end this album is filled with emotion and nonstop thrills. I fined the criticism that Mumford repeats the same sound over and over as completely ridiculous. From the first track, Babel, to the last, Not with Haste, the sounds evolve, change, and end with a completely satisfied idea. The variation really shows the maturation of this band and the flawless execution of this album should leave everyone excited for not only the things to come, but the fact that we a witnessing a very special band.… Expand
  19. Tea_Pot
    Sep 27, 2012
    7
    Mumford & Sons have continued from their previous album Sigh No More with deep hitting emotional lyrics and strong acoustic backing with the guitar and banjo. For lovers of their first hit album Bable will continue to impress, yet it feels like the boys of Mumford and Sons haven
  20. HarryGoLocky
    Sep 27, 2012
    9
    This is such a refreshing album! After hearing some of the complaints of this album it's like people didn't know what to expect from this band! They are a folk-rock band, why are people surprised that they released an album that has drawn so much reference and style from other folk bands! It is a mixture of powerful and heavy set songs that make you want to just move, and some amazinglyThis is such a refreshing album! After hearing some of the complaints of this album it's like people didn't know what to expect from this band! They are a folk-rock band, why are people surprised that they released an album that has drawn so much reference and style from other folk bands! It is a mixture of powerful and heavy set songs that make you want to just move, and some amazingly heartfelt ballads. It is not quite the perfect album that "Sigh No More" was but it I would happily listen to this over the mediocrity of modern music, the senseless and endless drones that you hear on the radio (Guetta, Skrillex, Rita Ora et al)

    Each song has a different meaning to the last and as a complete album the deluxe version is simply beautiful!    … Expand
  21. mr-november
    Oct 10, 2012
    1
    Didn't they just release this same album three years ago? Do you have anything new to say Mr. Mumford? It sure doesn't sound like it. Even then, it was mediocre at best, now it's just laughable. This is not "hipster." This is drivel. One point for effort.
  22. MrPelkey2be
    Oct 26, 2012
    9
    Huge mumford and sons fan! I give it a nine, I would give it a ten but it seems to be lacking in some songs. Lyrics are great because they actually mean something. Those that judge it based on lyrics because they like rappers and other, in my mind, music with no meaning just talking about smoking and drinking should probably not even review a band like mumford and sons because it is aHuge mumford and sons fan! I give it a nine, I would give it a ten but it seems to be lacking in some songs. Lyrics are great because they actually mean something. Those that judge it based on lyrics because they like rappers and other, in my mind, music with no meaning just talking about smoking and drinking should probably not even review a band like mumford and sons because it is a totally different form of musical quality and meaning. Not upset at all with this album but I can see why some people are, maybe mumford and sons isn't for you. But to me its relaxing and refreshing and has a powerful lyrics, don't expect anything different from a full hearted band like mumford and sons. One word, Amazing!… Expand
  23. IAmJacksBrain
    Nov 4, 2012
    7
    It's a very "if it aint broke, don't fix it album". Mumford sticks to the strengths that made them an international success with Sigh No More. Babel has an "arena-folk" type feel to it with a few very catchy tunes. The songs range from darker biblical inspired themes to catchy and fun stomp-your-feet-to-the-beat tunes. If your a fan of Mumford and Sons this is a good buy. If your not aIt's a very "if it aint broke, don't fix it album". Mumford sticks to the strengths that made them an international success with Sigh No More. Babel has an "arena-folk" type feel to it with a few very catchy tunes. The songs range from darker biblical inspired themes to catchy and fun stomp-your-feet-to-the-beat tunes. If your a fan of Mumford and Sons this is a good buy. If your not a fan of Mumford and Sons well that is your right and no judgement is passed on you by me.… Expand
  24. BENNEB
    Feb 20, 2013
    3
    Mumford Sons. Sons of b*tches. C'mon, expected at least something better from them. So sad. Can't believed they won the Grammy over Frank Ocean. I call it, wasted effort.
  25. FreakGogo
    Nov 29, 2012
    9
    It's kind of British country music, and the band made it so popular. The instruments and the rugged voice goes in harmony, it cheers me up, just love it.
  26. leafar0997
    Mar 22, 2013
    6
    Mumford & Sons are one of the best folk bands on earth and this album is interesting and good to listen. However I noticed that some songs have almost the same instrumental performance.
    I think that they should be more original with the instrumental aspect because with the voice the band has no problems. I really like Marcus Mumford's voice! The instrumental part is essential in every    Mumford & Sons are one of the best folk bands on earth and this album is interesting and good to listen. However I noticed that some songs have almost the same instrumental performance.
    I think that they should be more original with the instrumental aspect because with the voice the band has no problems. I really like Marcus Mumford's voice! The instrumental part is essential in every song and if they start to be uninteresting about it some new folk artists that are appearing now in the industry can become better and most succeeded    … Expand
  27. NSL14
    Dec 15, 2012
    8
    This album was wonderful! Surprising, happy, sad, large-scale, sometimes all in the same song! The melodies from the vocals and the instruments and the harmonies are a definite plus in this album. The songwriting was wonderful, every song was a joy to listen to...from a music standpoint. My only problem here are the lyrics. Especially in the title track the lyrics were repetitive andThis album was wonderful! Surprising, happy, sad, large-scale, sometimes all in the same song! The melodies from the vocals and the instruments and the harmonies are a definite plus in this album. The songwriting was wonderful, every song was a joy to listen to...from a music standpoint. My only problem here are the lyrics. Especially in the title track the lyrics were repetitive and un-entertaining. Other than that, the album was a fun and exhilarating ride. This was a very worthy follow up to the wonderful "Sigh No More" which was also great fun. Great stuff, thanks to Mumford & Sons! 8/10.… Expand
  28. gbbm
    Dec 18, 2012
    6
    First, I have to say that this is not a bad album, at all. In fact, the lyrics are great, the rythms catchy and the vocals are amazing. That being said, I'm a tad disappointed in this record. I knew the band would not change their style (and I would not want that by any means), but my opinion is that there is such a redundancy in the songs, that not only do I feel like almost all theFirst, I have to say that this is not a bad album, at all. In fact, the lyrics are great, the rythms catchy and the vocals are amazing. That being said, I'm a tad disappointed in this record. I knew the band would not change their style (and I would not want that by any means), but my opinion is that there is such a redundancy in the songs, that not only do I feel like almost all the tracks sound the same, it also feels like it could be "Sigh no more - part 2". I LOVED Sigh no more, so that's not the issue, but I wish they'd have explored, or innovate their potential. In fact, I feel as if after their success with their first album, they were aiming more radio-time, more exposure (I can't criticize them for that, though), which lead to somewhat catchy, less original songs... less M&S, to be short. I do think the songs, individually, are good. The issue is when you listen to the whole album, it feels repetitive. After listening to the record, I only felt like putting "Sigh no more" back on my turntable... Sadly, I expected more of their second album, especially since I loved their first one so much. All in all, this is a good album, great songs, great vocals and intrumental bits, BUT it feels like an arena-based album, less original, more catchy, more encline to meet everyone's tastes. I love this band, so I really wish they don't become another not-so original indie band losing their originality to fit the radio mold. Still, I'm not disappointed I bought the vinyl: good album, just not up to expectations!… Expand
  29. SumairB
    Feb 3, 2014
    7
    I loved "Sigh No More". It was a great album with some great music. That's why I was looking forward to listen to their next studio effort, "Babel". Honestly, it sounds just like their previous album. It's just that this one has more songs. There just isn't much difference in the instrumentals. (That obviously means that they're consistent with their music, which is very good.) If I hadI loved "Sigh No More". It was a great album with some great music. That's why I was looking forward to listen to their next studio effort, "Babel". Honestly, it sounds just like their previous album. It's just that this one has more songs. There just isn't much difference in the instrumentals. (That obviously means that they're consistent with their music, which is very good.) If I had heard of Mumford & Sons for the first time because of THIS album, I would have definitely liked it more. The fact is, I've heard all this before, on their debut, "Sigh No More".
    The reason I'm giving this a 7 is because I like this genre of music, and it's a good album on its own.
    Congratulations on winning "Album of the Year" for this, M&S!    … Expand
  30. SimpleMethod
    Jul 5, 2013
    6
    The Sophomore Slump. Mumford and Sons have produced an album that sounds truly lazy compared to their debut, Sigh No More. Better luck next time, I suppose.
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Awards & Rankings

32
#32 Most Discussed Album of 2012
47
#47 Most Shared Album of 2012

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 32
  3. Negative: 3 out of 32
  1. Magnet
    Oct 17, 2012
    65
    Babel is the more subtle and accomplished album. [No. 92, p.56]
  2. Prefix Magazine
    Oct 10, 2012
    40
    For those who never liked That Guy Who Plays Acoustic Guitar At The Party, Babel's gonna sound like the dentist's drill. For others, this still may be the point at which you put down your makeshift tambourine, get up from the half-circle and find a better room in the party house.
    Read full review
  3. Under The Radar
    Oct 4, 2012
    65
    It's certainly not a departure from the band's debut, but rather a continuation.
    Read full review
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