I'm just going to come right out and say it, once and for all. Mumford and Sons new album, Babel is not nearly as good as their first album, Sigh No More. I was in denial about it until last night, when a song from Sigh No More came up on a mix I was playing. It was then that I realized the severe disappointment I have in Babel. I've listened to it several times, telling myself that I love them and that they make fantastic music but for some reason, I just couldn't get into this album like I did with the other.
It's not bad music. It's still good. But I think because their first album was somewhat mind-blowing, this one is much more disappointing. It's like Vampire Weekend. Their first album was one of those albums you can't choose a favorite song from. Then their second album Contra was good, had a couple hits but, in comparison, there was no comparison.
I never know what to do when this happens to bands. I feel bad for them almost. Did they just get lucky with their first album? Was it a fluke? Are they really not as talented as we thought? Or did they just get intimidated by what they created first and panicked with the next? Like people who are bad test takers? They study and know everything but once the pressure is on, they fail? I don't know. I guess only time will tell. I'll keep an eye on Mumford and Sons. I'm curious to see what happens next.