The fan base of the Americana-indie folk band The Lumineers waited for a second album like soccer fans waiting for the world cup, four years. After four years of the successful self-titled first album, “The Lumineers,” it is no surprise that fans were desperate for more art. Hits like “Ho Hey,” “Stubborn Love” and “Submarines” excited fans for more work.

The very loveable thing about songwriters Wesley Shultz and Jeremiah Fraites is that their purpose in music is to write stories through lyrics and have them published. They don’t aim for the big rock star life with a humungous radio hit. “Ho Hey” was that big hit but The Lumineers aimed for the indie-type of work that made the band happy and eventually the fans were also content with the idea.

“Cleopatra” began recording a year after the release of their first album and concluded in 2015. Working on an album for three years only means high expectations. The album sadly did not meet its high expectations and did not reach much popularity like “Ho Hey” did. The songs closest to the success of “Ho Hey” are “Angela,” “Cleopatra” and “Ophelia.” Although they aren’t up to par with the band’s No.1 hit, they are the favorites of most listeners.

“Angela” is the most popular song off the new album and receives the highest praise. It gives a beautiful sound and it’s a sweet, sad song. “Cleopatra,” also the title of the album, contains references to the Egyptian queen. Notable lyrics are, “I was Cleopatra/ I was young and an actress/ when you knelt by my mattress/ and asked for my hand.”

“Ophelia,” the last of the top three songs, was the first single to be released. It gave the fan base a preview of what was to come for The Lumineers and it is widely loved for its brilliant composing, lyrics and piano keys. “Heaven help the fool on the floor” are meaningful lyrics to the song.

“Gun Song” can be considered the most underrated song of the track list for its up-tempo and upbringing mood to the album. Shultz singing “lalalala” is naturally good; it feels like only he can sing something like that.

Just like “The Lumineers,” listening to “Cleopatra” repetitive times will make you think about the lyrics and the music will grow on you. “Ho Hey” from the first album was a song that made you hope that the radio station will play it often. It is the same thing this time around but with “Ophelia” for “Cleopatra.”

The best thing about The Lumineers is that their songs tell a story and are heartwarming; the indie folk band tries their best to stay consistent to that. A smooth sound is heard through the two albums and it is perfect to listen to in the morning, evening or even in the nighttime before going to sleep.

Although not as good as their first album, you have to give The Lumineers credit for the dark beauty in lyrics and aim in indie, spiritual and craftsmanship success. The Colorado trio did not want to be known as a one-hit wonder, so they made an effort to redeem themselves after failing to give the fans what they wanted within four years.

Four years is a lot of time without an album release. If only “Falling” was on this album, it’s my personal favorite and third band member Neyla Pekarek sings a lot more in this tune than usual.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5