Music critics describe Delta by Mumford & Sons as a boring album that is full of “ponderous balladry” (The Guardian) that “falls into the trap of confusing seriousness with grimness,” (Rolling Stone) eventually “landing squarely in the realm of mediocrity” (Pitchfork).
On the surface, Delta does not offer the vigorous energy of earlier Mumford & Sons albums, but it does give the listener something more subtle and much richer. It offers empathy for those who may be suffering or grieving and we know that: “’God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted’ (Matthew 5:4, NLT).” When asked to explain the theme of this album for a Rolling Stone Magazine review, Mumford & Sons explain that it mainly deals with “the four D’s: death, divorce, drugs and depression.” An honest look at these hard realities of humanity may not be the feel-good music that fans and critics are looking for, as it doesn’t offer an escape from present sorrow and hardship. However, this album has the potential to be incredibly healing for listeners by providing songs with care and perspective on their current life situations.
Mumford & Sons use a wide spectrum of musical instruments, sounds, and even genres to create the space for the processing of emotions. At times, the arrangements wander into orchestral territory before signature Mumford & Sons harmonies and instrumentation reappears. Long instrumentals are included on many songs to give space for contemplation by the listener.
Aptly named 42, the first track is full of questions and longing, similar to Psalm 42. No time is lost to ask the tough questions as the first words are: “Where do I turn to when there’s no choice to make? And how do I presume when there’s so much at stake?” And like Psalm 42, through these moments of deep longing, glimpses of light appear. 42 ends with the admission that “I need some guiding light.” It is impossible to find the answers by oneself. The second track called Guiding Light digs deeper into this need.
Each song is carefully placed on the album so that earlier songs provide context for what is to come. Times of deep sorrow and heart-felt questions are juxtaposed with moments of healing and hope. Woman wonders about the wonderful mystery of intimate relationship, followed by Beloved which explores the helplessness of watching someone walk away from that relationship. Picture You flows seamlessly into Darkness Visible which ends in a frenetic climax.
The album closes with the title track Delta, a six-minute linear experience that ends with a few final questions: “Does your love prefer the other? Or does my love just make me feel good?” As the album closes, Mumford & Sons helps bring the listener out of a time of introspection, slowly building Delta into an inspiring anthem. No trite attempts to neatly solve all the questions asked occur but the listener is left with the renewed resolve to continue on.
Delta is a courageous album by a band facing extremely high expectations to deliver a type of music they no longer are passionate to share. They have found a new way to affect people in meaningful ways and if the listener is willing to go there, Mumford & Sons would like to sit with them in the muck of life.