“I belong with you / you belong with me / you’re my sweetheart” went ‘Ho Hey’ by indie folk duo The Lumineers in what was one of the most infectious pop songs of the last decade. The only possible reason for having not heard it would be that you’ve been living in a cave in some remote mountain range since 2012, completely cut off from civilization. But even then, I’d have my doubts. 

It was a remarkable debut release that enjoyed chart success around the world. To date, it’s racked up over three quarters of a billion(!) streams on Spotify, featured in advertising campaigns and promos for the likes of E.On Energy and the Academy Award winning film ‘Silver Linings Playbook’. It was a phenomenon, the kind of record most bands can only dream about crafting once in their careers, nevermind as their debut single.

It’s hard not to imagine that The Lumineers might have been tempted to walk away after their self-titled debut album, financial future secured, no pressure to top it. But they didn’t, they kept on working, kept on creating, and though nothing has quite reached the level of success of ‘Ho Hey’, they’ve garnered a big fanbase and a well-earned reputation for cheery, playful indie folk of the highest order.

And that’s exactly where Brightside, their fourth studio album, finds them. Title track ‘Brightside’ kicks things off with a rasp of electric guitar and slow drums, with Wesley Schultz’s trademark vocals instantly recognisable. ‘Where We Are’ is a sweet cascading affair (“Where we are / I don’t know where are / But it’ll be OK”.) while ‘Big Shot’ builds from it’s gentle piano intro to its whirling crescendo. 

Brightside, as its name suggests, is a record imbued with a positivity, an optimism, a sort of sunshine feel of the sort The Lumineers do so well, from ‘Hey Ho’ right up to the closing embers of final track ‘Reprise’. 

Brightside tracklist:

1. Brightside
2. A.M. Radio
3. Where We Are
4. Birthday
5. Big Shot
6. Never Really Mine
7. Rollercoaster
8. Remington
9. Reprise

Watch the official video for ‘Where We Are’ below.

Author: Joe Sharratt

Joe Sharratt is a writer and journalist based in the UK covering music, literature, sport, and travel.