Mumford and Sons - Sigh No More album reviews

NME style review

They formed in December 2007, and since then the members of Mumford & Sons have shared a common purpose: to make music that matters. They create a bold, old-time sound that marries the magic of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young with the might of Kings of Leon. Their incredible energy draws us in quickly to their songs, to the warmth of their stories, and to the passion behind every word sung and every chord strummed. With Sigh No More being the band’s first album, the expectation would be that they’re still trying to find their sound, but this is definitely not the case. The band sounds like they have been playing together for many years. They most definitely took a risk on this album, their unusual country sound and collaboration of weird instruments such as banjos and mandolins is one which is either going to be loved or hated. Mumford and Son’s melodies are soothing, and the intensity of their lyrics and vocals contrast so well. The highlights of this album are the tracks Winter Winds and Little Lion Man, but all tracks on this album are pretty much faultless. Each track tells a different story, but sticks to the complex, emotional, romantic theme of the album. Marcus Mumford’s voice has the power to give you chills. There isn’t much about this album that I could fault, and would recommend it to anybody who has an open mind.

Smash Hits style review

I just wanna start off by saying that I have a totally open mind when it comes to music. Cheryl Cole, Pixie Lott, Katy Perry, I love them all. This however, was probably the most stupid thing I’ve ever listened to in my life. I really don’t understand why you’d want to sound so old fashioned – its 2010! Music’s changed. Is it country? Is it folk? Or is it just some twisted version of pop music? A few tracks in, I was left feeling depressed and was just about ready to top myself off. Mumford and Sons make Sigh No More sound pretty much like they just turned up on the day of recording, strummed some weird instruments, screamed some moody lyrics, and called it a day. I don’t know what else to say really, other than avoid this album at all costs.