Like many girls our age, I am a huge fan of music. ESPECIALLY the Lumineers. On Feb. 14th, they released their album, “Automatic.” I was stoked to be getting new music — it was the best Valentine’s gift of all (besides flowers, of course).
Here’s a review of all of their songs, in track order.
Same Old Song
This song of struggling artist and depression is displayed in a way unlike others. It is more upbeat, yet the lyrics are a little devastating. It’s another song added to my roadtrip playlist just because of the beat of the song. It’s a classic Lumineers song — beautiful yet sad all in one.
Asshole
This is a very reflective piece, and makes me think of a post-break up reflection period. Whether being the one broken up with or the one to break up with them, most people have a solid time of reflection, asking if they were the asshole in the relationship. Even I did the same thing. This song reminds me of the confession that comes with this self-reflection, admitting to the wrong you did in the relationship.
StringS
This is the first of two instrumental pieces and I am a sucker for instrumental pieces. I wish it was longer, but it flowers into “Automatic,” so beautifully.
Automatic
The lyrics in the pre-chorus saying “Oh lover, is it ever going to be enough,” is the repeated question in a broken relationship. This song of heartbreak and emotion shares so much in just 2 minutes and 58 seconds.
You’re All I Got
This song is representative of the moment in the relationship where you realize you do not have much else. It is the moment you depend on them so deeply, you know you won’t be able to function without them.
Plasticine
The definition of plasticine is a soft modeling material, relating to the lyrics, “I can bend me into anything you need.” This is the song for people pleasers, the ones who always bend to everyone else’s needs. This hit me hard because growing up and even now, I try to make everyone happy and I try to please them. This is a sad favorite of mine on the album.
Ativan
Ativan — a pill for anxiety. Your only source for happiness. This song has such a deeper meaning regarding mental health, saying “if I can’t make you happy, then nobody can,” showing how your happiness is dependent on this medicine. Nothing else, no matter what, will make you happy while on this drug. This is one of my favorites off of this album.
Keys on the Table
I have not heard a new song with such deep, raw emotion as this one in a few years. Relating to the song, “You’re All I Got,” further goes into the theme of dependency. This is overall my favorite on the album.
Better Day
This is a more subtle, yet strong political song. I love when artists get inspired by the current political state to make a statement through song.
Sunflowers
My favorite flower is a sunflower, so I was ecstatic when I saw the song on the track list. This instrumental piece is BEAUTIFUL and I may be biased because of my love for sunflowers.
So Long
This song is an easy tie with “Keys on the Table”. It’s beautifully done, especially knowing how the version that made it on the record was on their second take. It’s interpreted as being ready for change after being stuck. It reminds me of a point in my life where I didn’t know what to do with anything, but I knew that needed to be fixed. If only I had this song then, but now I can listen to this song and be reminded of all the change I’ve done since then.