Upbeat, fresh and uncommon, Mumford & Sons’ latest single “There Will be Time” featuring Baaba Maal may be their best yet. While the song is strikingly different from their former work, this new direction is a blessing for the band as the vibes and rhythm of this soon-to-be hit will leave fans craving more.
Perhaps the best part of “There Will be Time” is its consistently unique sound. The song opens with a series of incomprehensible but hauntingly superb chants in a call-and-response style that builds up to the chorus, sung by lead singer Marcus Mumford. In the song, Mumford croons, “In the cold light, I live to love and adore you / It's all that I am, it's all that I have.”
Not only do the lyrics make the ode to a loved one touching and moving, but the sincerity and rawness of Mumford’s singing leaves a lasting impression as well. Like Maal’s chanting, the echo of Mumford’s voice has a nostalgic quality to it that will resonate with listeners.
As the song progresses into the third verse, Maal’s chants become even more dramatic and frequent as the bridge and final chorus approach. This portion of the song is the most memorable as the mix of guitar and African drums culminates in a perfect and steady harmony. The gradual build up of rhythm and beat to Maal’s final verse is simply thrilling.
While it seems the song will stay at the same tempo, at the end of the second chorus, it immediately barrages listeners with the sounds of bells and drums, which makes a thrilling listening experience. Nevertheless, the song reaches a point where the cacophony of sounds becomes overwhelming and a little tiring.
Overall, the selling factor for this song will be its individuality — there are very few current songs that resemble its sound. With the combination of its unique and diverse elements, “There Will be Time” has major promise as a top hit for Mumford & Sons.