As an indie/folk music lover and long-time fan of The Lumineers, I’ve been eagerly awaiting “Automatic” for a while. The anticipation always builds, especially when you’ve followed a band since your angsty pre-teen years. Their music has accompanied me through so many emotional milestones, so when a new album drops, it’s a big deal. I was nervous, though, wondering if it could live up to the expectations I’d placed on it. I even waited nearly two weeks before listening, knowing I was in an emotionally vulnerable state and that their heartbreakingly beautiful tunes might be a little too much at that moment.

But when I finally played “Automatic”, I was immediately hooked. The first track, “Same Old Song,” sets the tone perfectly. The beat is infectious and the lyricism sharp yet sincere. It strikes a balance between feeling modern and timeless, a trait that The Lumineers have perfected over the years. It’s the kind of song that feels like it was written specifically for the moment you’re listening to it.

Then comes “Asshole,” which has quickly become one of my favorites on the album. The sincerity in this track is so raw. There’s this sense of longing and regret that draws you in. The emotional weight of meeting someone you were once so intertwined with, only to realize things have changed, is beautifully captured in this song. It’s a stark tone shift from Same Old Song, but it works perfectly and fits within The Lumineers’ established style. It’s as if they’ve turned a page, yet still remained true to what makes their music so compelling.

Next is “Strings,” a 34-second instrumental piece that adds a cinematic touch to the album. It feels like a brief interlude, a transition between songs or perhaps a snippet of something that didn’t quite make the final cut. But its beauty is undeniable. Even in its short runtime, it provides a moment of quiet contemplation, and I couldn’t help but admire how it fits into the larger narrative of the album.

The title track, “Automatic,” feels like an extension of “Asshole,” carrying that same sense of longing. With lyrics like “Oh, my lover, is it ever gonna be enough?“ and “Take your victory lap, running on an empty track,” it captures the sweet sadness of unrequited love and self-doubt. The slow, reflective pace of this song pairs perfectly with the album’s overarching themes of heartbreak and emotional vulnerability.

Then, there’s “You’re All I Got,” which might be one of my favorites after “Asshole.” The transition from “Automatic” to this track is seamless, and it spotlights everything I love about The Lumineers: the incredible lyricism, the perfect balance of introspection, and the emotional depth. The vocals and chords blend so effortlessly, and even though I can’t quite hit those high notes, I find myself singing along with every chance I get. This song, like so many on “Automatic,” feels both personal and universal. It captures that bittersweet, longing feeling of holding onto something, even when you’re unsure of its future.

Now, “Plasticine” is one I’ve had a harder time connecting with. It’s a bit of an outlier on the album. The tone feels more muted compared to the other tracks, and its more experimental style takes a little more time to unpack. While it doesn’t have the same emotional punch as some of the others, its quieter, more melancholic tone gives the album a moment of introspection. It’s a track I’ve listened to the least, but I appreciate it for what it brings to the overall flow of the album.

“Ativan” is a more classic feeling, sad song that fits right in with what I love about The Lumineers. The song is about depression and the feeling of inadequacy in trying to make your partner happy. The title refers to the drug Ativan, a depressant, and the lyrics “if I can’t make you happy, then nobody can” really hit home. It’s simple yet profound, and it captures that deep frustration of not being able to fix what feels broken.

“Keys on the Table” carries a similar vibe to “Ativan,” with its reflective tone and deep sense of longing. The repeated lyrics from “You’re All I Got” add a layer of continuity to the album, linking the tracks in a way that feels intentional. This song’s emotional pull is undeniable, and like much of the album, it’s about recognizing the fragility of relationships and the desire to hold onto them, even when you’re not sure what’s left.

“Better Day” was one of my go-to tracks when I was going through some tough times. While it has a more upbeat tempo, the lyrics tell a different story. The song is about longing for better days, specifically better times in a relationship or simply a better point in life. It’s a reminder of past happiness and the bittersweet desire to return to those moments. When I first heard it, it really resonated with me, especially in moments of minor inconvenience or when I was feeling down.

“Sunflowers” brings a joyful, whimsical feeling to the album. The beginning feels light and full of hope, but as the song progresses, darker notes subtly weave in, creating a sense of uncertainty. Without any lyrics, it tells a story purely through its music. It’s cinematic, and its ability to evoke emotion without words is a testament to the band’s ability to convey feeling through sound alone.

Finally, “So Long” closes out the album with a song that initially had me thinking I was listening to a country tune. It’s a track I’ve listened to a lot, and it feels like a perfect summary of everything the album touches on: heartbreak, longing, and the bittersweet feeling of closure. It’s a narrative-driven song, one that reflects on love, loss, and the passage of time. It’s the perfect way to end the album.“Automatic” as an album is a beautiful evolution for The Lumineers. It blends new sounds with their signature style of emotionally charged storytelling. It’s a piece that doesn’t shy away from difficult emotions, but it also offers glimpses of hope and growth. Each track brings something different to the table, and while some may hit harder than others, the album as a whole feels cohesive and deeply personal.