Brightside cover

Brightside

The Lumineers · 2022

30 min · 9 tracks · folk rock

Folk-rock melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a warm, inviting soundscape that captures both nostalgia and hope.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    BRIGHTSIDE — The title track encapsulates the album's core themes of optimism and resilience with its anthemic chorus and reflective verses.
  • →
    A.M. RADIO — This track blends nostalgia with a catchy melody, evoking memories of simpler times through vivid storytelling and emotional resonance.
  • →
    BIRTHDAY — With its upbeat tempo and celebratory lyrics, this song stands out as a moment of joy that contrasts with the album's more introspective tracks.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100
Treeline
Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and cohesive themes but doesn't significantly innovate within its genre.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks maintain a steady mid-tempo pace, while the fourth introduces a more upbeat rhythm that contrasts with the preceding songs.
  • Each song features layered instrumentation, often building to a fuller sound in the chorus before tapering back during verses.
  • The lyrics frequently employ personal storytelling, with recurring themes of connection and introspection that tie the tracks together.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo reflective moments
  • uplifting themes of hopefulness
  • for morning routines
  • vibrant melodies for sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced music
  • seek experimental soundscapes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2022, Brightside is The Lumineers' fourth studio album, following the commercially successful III (2019). At this stage in their career, the band sought to refine their sound while exploring themes of vulnerability and connection amidst a changing musical landscape.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • WHERE WE ARE

    The verse shifts from personal reflection to a broader commentary on shared experiences within relationships.

    This transition not only deepens the emotional impact but also invites listeners to engage with their own narratives.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 BRIGHTSIDE 3:51
  • 2 A.M. RADIO 3:57
  • 3 WHERE WE ARE 2:53
  • 4 BIRTHDAY 4:14
  • 5 BIG SHOT 3:01
  • 6 NEVER REALLY MINE 3:02
  • 7 ROLLERCOASTER 3:49
  • 8 REMINGTON 1:52
  • 9 REPRISE 3:30

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata