I’ve been a relatively avid Mumford and Sons fan for a couple of years now; not crazy, but definitely in love with their music. Because of that, I’d already heard live versions of nearly half of the songs on this album, but again I’m reminded of how incredible Mumford and Sons can be: I barely even recognized these songs. The subtle differences in performance and the quality of a studio recording blew me absolutely away.

To get more to the point: This is an album that will invariably be on my top albums list for 2012. (Coming January, 2013) Mumford and Sons carries such a refreshingly unique style that for once, I don’t find myself all that upset that it’s very similar to their first album. There are differences, sure, but the music at its heart is the same. Maybe it’s because of their popularity, but what strikes me the most about this album is that it feels bigger than Sigh No More; more complex and a little bit more fun. Needless to say, I’m very taken with Babel.

Give this shit a listen if you liked the first one. And if you didn’t, do it anyway.

That is all.