Sometimes in life we fall in love hard and fast, nearly at that ever lauded “at first sight” pace, or in the case of music, at first listen. Other times, though, we need a bit more time to come around and take that heart-fall. It doesn’t make the love any less real. No. It’s just the kind of love that takes some persistence, and patience, until it finally hits you. Mumford And Sons were one of those grow-to-love bands, and Sigh No More sat unnoticed until I finally gave it a good long spin (and multiple listens), paid close attention, and let myself fall.

And fall I did. Hard.

Mumford And Sons – Sigh No More (2009)
Album Review – February 3, 2011

The title song, “Sigh No More”, is the melodic introduction that lulls you in. It’s dreamy, apologetic, a little bit desperate, and a whole lot genuine. The music builds slowly, the lyrics becoming more certain, the vocal harmonies growing stronger as the song expands. I swear, I feel my heart speed up a beat or two, each time I listen.

“Sigh No More”

“The Cave” follows close behind with its visceral language and street-wise sentiments. It’s impossible not to move, and be moved, by this track.

“The Cave”

Next up is “Little Lion Man”, the first released single from the album. It is a ripped open passionate emotional release that refuses to be ignored. All of that anger and regret bounces around inside a catchy melody that tricks you, slipping in under your skin, and becoming something memorized and ear-wormy. Trust me, you’ll catch yourself singing about “biting your own neck” in the grocery store before you can stop yourself. I know I have.

“Little Lion Man”

There is a melancholic tinge to every song on Sigh No More, but don’t be fooled, this is not an album full of soggy sadness, not at all, instead it is a collection of songs whose lyrics are lit on fire, rough and raw and full of sharp edges. This is not an album for the faint of heart, or those with delicate natures. And, I’m also of the opinion that this is not an album for the naive listener either. These sung-stories seem to be confessions of someone who has lived and loved, succeeded and fucked up, fallen, and risen again. This is a raw kind of songwriting – especially in some of the language used – but at the same time the songs possess a beauty so intense it hurts sometimes to listen to.

Sigh No More will pull you in, if not at first listen, at third or fourth. Give it time. Listen to it a few times, and then a few times more. Like I said at the start, I fell hard for this album and I’m pretty sure it’s the kind of love that isn’t going away any time soon.