Last week, hit folk rock group The Lumineers dropped “Cleopatra,” the band’s first major release since its self-titled debut album in 2012. While the somber tones and rustic vibes of this 11-track album are reminiscent of the band’s previous work, the lyrical composition of the songs makes this album standout in its genre.
The album kicks off with “Sleep on the Floor,” an ode to a woman from her loved one as he tries to convince her to run away with him. With lines like “Cause if we don't leave this town / we might never make it out / I was not born to drown, baby come on,” the song set the carpe diem theme for the rest of the album’s love songs.
Similar to “Sleep on the Floor,” “Ophelia” and “Cleopatra,” two of the album’s more playful songs, detail the struggles of love and the horror of untimely death.
While individually each song is unique, when played together, their subject matter feels repetitive. Aside from the instrumentals, the lyrical content of each song runs together. Instead of writing about diverse aspects of love, the band seems to be hung up on the idea of unrequited love, a theme especially apparent in the nostalgic ballads on the second half of the album.
“In the Light,” “Long Way From Home” and “Gun Song” are perhaps the best and most memorable songs on the album because of their unique melodies and nostalgic power. Of the three, “Gun Song” seems to have the most meaningful message, as it describes the struggles of growing up and reconciling with the past. The combination of ambient guitar strumming and the line “And one day, I pray, I'll be more than my father's son” make this song both relaxing and empowering as it encourages listeners to look towards the future.
In contrast to the nostalgic theme, the album closes with reminders of the importance of individuality. “Sick in the Head” and “My Eyes” lament the rigid structures of society and embolden listeners to rebel against how they are told to act. While the instrumentals in these two songs are soft, the singer’s voice is much louder, bringing the lyrics to the forefront of the songs.
With the release of “Cleopatra,” The Lumineers not only produced another great folk rock album, but demonstrated a more mature sound. This album is their strongest work yet.
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