What makes The Wolf by Mumford & Sons notable?

The Wolf received critical acclaim for its bold departure from the band’s earlier sound, demonstrating a willingness to embrace new styles while maintaining their core essence. It was well-received in charts worldwide and contributed to the band's continued relevance in the folk rock genre during a time when many were questioning the future of acoustic-based music. Released as part of Mumford & Sons' third studio album, The Wolf marked a significant shift in their sound following the commercial success of Babel in 2012. This album signified their move towards a more electric and experimental approach, reflecting the band's evolving musical identity after lineup changes.

How many songs are on The Wolf?

The Wolf has 1 track, running approximately 3 minutes.

The Wolf

Mumford & Sons · 2015

3 min · 1 track · country music

A rhythmic exploration of inner turmoil, blending folk rock with a pulsating energy that drives the narrative forward.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
The Wolf — This title track encapsulates the album's themes of struggle and transformation, featuring an infectious beat that contrasts with its introspective lyrics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The Wolf showcases a rhythmic intensity and vocal layering that reflects Mumford & Sons' shift towards a more electric sound.

What we noticed

The track features a driving rhythm with a steady pulse that underpins the instrumentation, creating a sense of urgency.
Vocals are layered with harmonies that build intensity throughout the song, particularly in the chorus.
The arrangement incorporates electric instrumentation alongside traditional folk elements, marking a clear shift from their earlier acoustic sound.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Represents a significant departure from earlier sound, exploring new styles.
Themes: inner turmoil· electric transformation· rhythmic struggle
Career context: Released as part of Mumford & Sons' third studio album, The Wolf marked a significant shift in their sound following the commercial success of Babel in 2012. This album signified their move towards a more electric and experimental approach, reflecting the band's evolving musical identity after lineup changes.
Stylistic neighbors: The Lumineers· Of Monsters and Men· Fleet Foxes

New to Mumford & Sons? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

The Wolf

The narrator confronts their fears directly and acknowledges their internal conflicts.

This direct confrontation within the narrative serves as a pivotal shift, allowing vulnerability to surface amidst the driving rhythm.