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The Lumineers Image
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 75 Ratings

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  • Record Label: Dualtone Music
  • Genre(s): Country, Folk, Alt-Country, Americana, Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock, Contemporary Folk, Country-Folk, Heartland Rock, Alternative Folk, Folk-Pop
  • More Details and Credits »

Top Track

Ho Hey
Ho!) (Hey!) (Ho!) (Hey!) (Ho!) I've been trying to do it right (Hey!) I've been living a lonely life (Ho!) I've been sleeping here instead (Hey!)... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 9
  2. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Jul 19, 2012
    89
    The general expansiveness of sound on songs like "Ho Hey" make this young group's eponymous debut uniquely American in all the best ways: gritty, determined, soaked in sweat and love and drive. There's nothing precious or affected here, just three dedicated artists opening their hearts.
  2. Jun 29, 2012
    86
    The album is overflowing with upbeat, Americana gems.
  3. Q Magazine
    Dec 11, 2012
    80
    At it's best, it's impeccable. [Jan 2013, p.107]
  4. Jun 29, 2012
    70
    Not everything here clicks together at that level, but each track is inventive, and when the songwriting and arrangements cross paths perfectly, as they do in the above songs, this is a delightful band.
  5. 60
    Their debut album certainly has its moments... But too many of their songs float prettily by without making an impact, gossamer-light and gossamer-memorable.
  6. Jun 29, 2012
    60
    The central concern is present-tense lust and heartache, which this spirited band translates into a fine drunk-clogging soundtrack.
  7. Nov 8, 2012
    40
    The slicing cello of Dead Sea and knife-glint guitar of Slow It Down hint at what this good-natured trio could be if they allowed themselves to be bold; instead these songs succumb to saccharine in a wish to charm.

See all 9 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Negative: 2 out of 17
  1. Jun 8, 2016
    10
    Great album, the use of imagery is extremely impressive. Creative song ideas and clever lyrics separate this album from most other music outGreat album, the use of imagery is extremely impressive. Creative song ideas and clever lyrics separate this album from most other music out there. I have listened to it a thousand times and doesn't get old. Expand
  2. Nov 19, 2016
    10
    Wesley and Jeremiah have a way with words that I have not known or seen in any other band. After a single listen, some of their songs may beWesley and Jeremiah have a way with words that I have not known or seen in any other band. After a single listen, some of their songs may be passed off as "boring," but give it a few more listens, and the depth of imagery and meaning will amaze you. Expand
  3. Oct 29, 2020
    10
    One of my favorite albums ever. I like the melody’s and honestly everything about it.
  4. May 3, 2013
    9
    This album is a great example of how simplicity can transform into a masterpiece. This debut is full of humbling chords and heartfelt rhythms.This album is a great example of how simplicity can transform into a masterpiece. This debut is full of humbling chords and heartfelt rhythms. There are a few songs that stray from common time including "Submarines" and 'Morning Song". They show that regular chord progression and emotional vocals can be enough, one of 2012's best new bands. It will be exciting to see how they choose to approach their next record. Expand
  5. Aug 23, 2013
    8
    It didn't grab my attention the first two times I listened the album, mainly because I was never used to listen folk music, but by the thirdIt didn't grab my attention the first two times I listened the album, mainly because I was never used to listen folk music, but by the third time I was hooked. There's a sense of nostalgia, I can even imagine places that would go perfectly with the songs. It doesn't have heavy production and most of the tracks are catchy in their own way, I just wished some of them were longer ("Flowers in your hair" and "Submarines"). Expand
  6. Jul 15, 2014
    7
    “Ho Hey” will probably automatically reveal why most people know of the Lumineers these days, but have you ever decided to dive deeper and“Ho Hey” will probably automatically reveal why most people know of the Lumineers these days, but have you ever decided to dive deeper and check out their full CD?
    Well, I decided to.
    The self-titled debut album by the Denver, Colorado folk rock group is a quirky adventure and I found myself amused by it. I like to call them the American version of the very popular folk rock band Mumford & Sons, except with a much more “radio-like” taste.
    The album is overall inventive, but almost incomplete. I was fond of the historical-like reference almost every song radiated. I was transported from the WWII-era in one song to the 1920’s jazz age in another. I think many songs (Ho Hey, Stubborn Love, Dead Sea, etc.) are solid tunes that are friendly to listeners’ ears, while others (Slow It Down, Morning Song, etc.) are more drawn out, inventive, and abstract and shy away from the condensed-version most songs on the album seem to be. I think they could’ve definitely done more with their better known songs, but the short and speedy song is becoming more and more popular nowadays. The 38 minute CD is a crash course for anyone who is skeptical about diving into folk rock music. For a debut album, it’s promising. The Lumineers know how to attract listeners with their catchy songs and overall positive vibe. I’d love to see them dive into darker depths and other subjects away from love in a future album. The songwriting is there, and now that their first LP is out and appreciated, they should take some time and mold that potentially legendary talent into more great music.
    Rating: 7.7/10
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  7. Nov 5, 2017
    0
    Emotive content, heartfelt, traditional folk musicality, extremely well spirited. I'find it interesting that the Lumineer's are classed asEmotive content, heartfelt, traditional folk musicality, extremely well spirited. I'find it interesting that the Lumineer's are classed as rock music, there is much rebelliousness in this music, maybe that's why! Expand

See all 17 User Reviews