The Lumineers have built their career on heartfelt storytelling, raw acoustics and melodies that feel like they belong to another time. With their latest album, “Automatic,” they continue to refine their signature indie-folk sound. The Lumineers have created a very enjoyable album, with the album being filled with poetic lyrics and amazing instrumentation. As a personal fan of the band, I was excited to finally see them release something new and give it all my attention.
Since their breakout self-titled album in 2012, The Lumineers have built a reputation for blending folk, rock and more with emotional depth. This new album continues this tradition but with a subtle change—there’s a deeper sense of reflection, maturity and nostalgia woven throughout the album. “Automatic” seemed familiar, yet so evolved and different, as the band is entering a new era with their music.
The album feels like a late-night drive through old memories—bittersweet yet comforting. Many of the songs explore themes of lost love, personal growth and the tension between past and present. The lyrics are vivid and cinematic, painting stories that feel universal yet also personal. I found myself relating to some lyrics. One song from the album that had a strong message was “Plasticine.” This piece addressed the common influence of technology and societal pressures. The lyrics discuss how important it is to reflect on authenticity in a digitally dominated-world. A lyric I found moving from this song was, “everyone in a world full of silent conversations, can you promise not to fake it for us?” because it speaks to the exhaustion of pretense and the need for authenticity in society these days.
The overall tempo of “Automatic” is steady and relaxed, with moments of energy in tracks that build with the instruments featured in the songs. The Lumineers’ signature piano and acoustic guitar-driven melodies are a highlight. Some of the songs felt like a new style I hadn’t heard from them before because, unlike their earlier work, they seemed more of a meditative vibe. “Ativan” is a great example of this because it has more electronic elements and moves away from that acoustic style towards something more etheral.
One of my favorites on the album was “Same Old Song” because it opened up the album with an upbeat melody and captivating lyrics. The song explored themes such as life’s unpredictability. The lyric, “cause any one of us could make it big or could end up on the pavement” was interesting because it captured the thin line between success and misfortune. Less impactful tracks were “You’re All I Got” and “Keys on the Table” because both songs share the recurring line of “You’re all I Got,” which I found repetitive, distracting from the individuality of each track. They both just blended which made them forgettable.
“Automatic” is perfect for fans of folk and storytelling-driven music. If you enjoy artists such as Noah Kahan, Hozier or The Head and the Heart, this album would be perfect for you. The Lumineers’ mix of acoustic melodies and creative lyrics makes it ideal for anyone who appreciates raw and emotional songwriting. It’s great for those who love music that feels nostalgic. The song gives the perfect vibe of a quiet evening and a road trip.
“Automatic” is a solid addition to The Lumineers discography. While some songs may feel repetitive or less impactful, the album as a whole captures the essence of what makes this band special. Their heartfelt lyrics and powerful instrumentals make it an immediate addition to a playlist. It may not be their most groundbreaking work, but it’s a beautifully crafted collection of songs that I think will resonate with fans and new listeners.
“Automatic:” ★★★★☆
