Formed in 2005, American indie folk band The Lumineers released their highly anticipated fifth album, “Automatic,” on Feb. 14, 2025. This drop marks the announcement of their 2025 “Automatic” world tour, a stint that will make its way to Canada, Australia, Europe and North America. Led by Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites, the album expresses more raw and personal emotion than seen before on their previous four releases.
Known for their stomp-and-holler beats, the first song of the album, “Same Old Song,” carries familiar sounds that remind listeners of other popular works by The Lumineers like “Cleopatra” and “Brightside.” When abbreviated, the title becomes S.O.S., indicating a need for help, a message that is emphasized by the lyrics Schultz sings as he conveys his frustration with the lack of change in society and his disassociation with those around him.
“And everyone’s alright / I could not afford to see the light / I don’t know what’s wrong with me / I killed the mood so naturally / The guests begin to make me feel alone / Same old song / We sing the same old song,” Schultz sings.
The second track on the album includes a piano-driven melody with a pointed and witty chorus. With catchy lyrics that are designed to be sung by many, the song is the first introduction of the satire and honesty present within the entire album.
“And every time you tried to let me in / Your nails, they barely broke the skin / I must admit, the taste of it is keeping me awake / And we passed out on the rug / And you left before the sun / First we ever met / You thought I was an (expletive) / Probably correct / But I can see your shadow / Only for the night / Only for the weekend,” Schultz sings.
“Automatic” is the fourth song and truly encapsulates the message of the whole album. It focuses on the artists’ vulnerability within an ever increasing chaotic world.
“Oh, lover, is it ever gonna be enough? / Oh, my lover, is it ever gonna be enough? / Oh, my lover, is it ever gonna be enough? / Automatic / It’s automatic / Automatic / Take your victory lap / Running on an empty track / The circle always brings you back,” Schultz sings.
Following their 2022-2023 world tour, Schultz and Fraites took a break to reset. Both artists became fathers during their resting period, and their increasing need for love and connection is most prominent in the next song “You’re All I Got.” The confessional phrase “You’re all I got” is also present in “Keys On the Table,” a song later in the album. The repetition symbolizes the uncertainty the artists face and their desire for reassurance from someone close to them.
“Let the light come down on me / Let the light come down on me / You’re all I got / You’re all that I got / Business trips, your daddy’s gone away / Will he ever make it back to base? / Frozen handshake, rip the band-aid / Blame yourself for what you didn’t say,” Schultz sings.
The album wraps up with “So Long,” a phrase that acts as a conclusion to multiple facets of the artists’ lives – their previous partners, past selves and their past passions – as they look to move into a new chapter of life. Although one may see this progress as positive, Schultz and Fraites also describe the want to give up and their struggles with substance abuse in their new era.
“Prescribe me your elixir / Need it just a bit more to save me / Songs up in the attic / And moths are eating blankets for babies / And if you lost your way to Heaven / Buy another ladder from Jacob / Needed it to matter / I don’t care if your family hates it,” Schultz sings.
Distinct and emotional, “Automatic” serves as a divergence from the characteristic folk rock music that listeners have come to love. Nonetheless, through humor and canny truthfulness, the songs on the album represent the transitional period the artists are experiencing. As listeners begin to fall in love with the songs, Schultz and Fraites will begin to embark on their world tour as they strive to conquer the challenges of this tumultuous world.