With 11 songs and a run time of just over 32 minutes, The Lumineers’ fifth studio album “Automatic” tells the story of the modern world through haunting lyrics and melancholic melodies.
The bright and punchy beat of the opening track “Same Old Song” contrasts with dark albeit, realistic lyrics of the never-ending struggles of life. The stark switch to the second track “A--hole” slightly slows things down and signals to listeners this album is going to be quite the journey.
The instrumental track “Strings” offers a brief reprieve from the thought-provoking lyrics infiltrating this album before it transitions seamlessly to the title track “Automatic.”
“Automatic” is a remarkable heartbreak anthem over life itself instead of a romance. The lyrics, “Shooting stars / Driving your electric cars / Eating at the salad bars / Prayin’ for the rain” place listeners in the familiar setting of trying one’s best before questioning if it will ever be enough. “Automatic” is essentially the album’s thesis.
“You’re All I Got,” lifts things slightly in mood following “Automatic.” However, the fifth track continues with devastating lyrics about life’s biggest blows and the feeling of relying on someone.
The sixth track “Plasticine” sounds like a classic Lumineers song, but fits well in an album so different in sound from The Lumineers’ previous work. Like much of the album, “Plasticine” disguises disheartening lyrics under a fun, catchy beat.
“Ativan” is a big switch up from the tune of “Plasticine,” but the repeatingsentiment of “If I can’t make you happy, then nobody can,” is something tough to chew on.
“Keys on the Table” echoes the feeling of having someone to rely on in “You’re All I Got,” serving as a unique sister song to the earlier track. “Keys on the Table” explores the heaviness of loving someone in an unpredictable world with twists and turns at every corner.
“Better Day,” provides timely commentary on the world’s current state with lyrics such as “Teenagers lead the crusade / Senators, insider trades / Blue lights keep red eyes awake / Teenagers lead the parade.” The promise of better days is not certain, but everyone can hope for something.
“Sunflower,” another instrumental track, is necessary to bring the album to a close. Slightly longer than the earlier instrumental track “Strings,” “Sunflowers” offers a quick breather before “So Long,” the final song of the album.
Like the title suggests, “So Long” feels like a goodbye. This track could serve as the final song in a coming-of-age film or could soundtrack a montage of a main character’s memories. The lyrics rival the overall feel of the song, and explain the never-ending conflict of finding who one is supposed to be.
The Lumineers are turning over a new leaf with “Automatic,” experimenting with sound and lyrics sure to leave a lasting effect on listeners.
