Year in Rock 2012 Nominee: Mumford & Sons

MUMFORD & SONS

Hopeless Wanderer

From: Babel

Released: September 25

If it feels like Mumford & Sons reached critical mass before the promotional cycle for their debut album was over, it's because they very much did. Expectations for a follow-up were high, and it was unclear whether or not the band could maintain the roll they were on. Babel saw a few haters emerge (especially the ones who claim because members have higher education they're poseurs and have no business playing folk music), but for the most part they're still rolling. The album doesn't quite match the fiery intensity or aching sadness of Sigh No More, but makes up for it in execution. The album's standout is Hopeless Wanderer, a beautiful and blistering tune that burrows into your head and won't leave willingly.

APOLOGY: The video I had previously embedded was removed. Here's a live version from last year's Glastonbury:

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