Mumford & Sons

Mumford & Sons’ new album, “Babel,” is not a stylistic departure for the band. I am so relieved.

Their core sound remains largely the same. After all, “Babel” is only its second album, following the 2009 debut “Sigh No More.” The day for experimentation will come when fans tire of the core Mumford & Sons sound.

That is not this day.

“Babel” is a strong album from start to finish. It has the mark of a truly great album, in that I have a new favorite song every few days as a new track grows me.

Discussing individual tracks would be almost pointless but worth noting is the cover of Paul Simon’s “The Boxer,” a beautiful rendition and a pitch perfect match for the band’s sound.

The band stays right in its wheelhouse, showing off the explosive folk rock, thoughtful songwriting and melodic genius that made their debut album so successful.

“Babel” reflects Mumford & Sons’ wise choice to not fix what isn’t broken.

By Corin Chellberg