Hailing from Denver, Colorado, The Lumineers are a folk-rock band that have taken the music world by storm with their catchy and heart-warming tunes. With their distinctive blend of folk, rock, and Americana, The Lumineers have gained a devoted fan base and have even won a Grammy for their hit song “Ho Hey.”
But what are the Top 10 Songs from The Lumineers? Well, I decided to give you my thoughts on the matter, but before we get to that…
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The Lumineers – A Short History
The Lumineers’ self-titled debut album was released in 2012, and it quickly gained traction with its catchy and upbeat sound. The album’s lead single, “Ho Hey,” became a worldwide hit, reaching the top of the charts and earning The Lumineers a Grammy award.
The album’s success solidified The Lumineers as a force to be reckoned with in the music world.
More critical acclaim…
In 2016, The Lumineers released their second album, “Cleopatra,” which was met with widespread critical acclaim. The album’s title track became a hit, and the band embarked on a successful world tour.
After three years of touring, ‘The Lumineers released their third album, “III,” a concept album that tells a story through three generations of a family affected by addiction, with each of the album’s ten songs representing a chapter in the story. The band announced a tour for the album in the same year.
Following this in 2023, the band released a fourth album, “Brightside,” which features hit singles like “Brightside,” “Big Shot,” and “AM Radio,” giving a sneak peek into the album’s direction. The album is a thought-provoking and emotional journey through the band’s storytelling and musicianship.
The band has toured extensively in support of their albums, with appearances at major music festivals such as Coachella, Glastonbury, and Bonnaroo.
Top 10 Songs from The Lumineers
1 “Ho Hey“
This song is an infectious and exuberant anthem that propelled The Lumineers to mainstream success. Its simplistic yet catchy chorus and relatable lyrics helped it to become a ubiquitous presence on radio and in popular culture.
It reached the number one spot on the Billboard Rock and Alternative charts and was certified 5x Platinum in the US; it also reached the top 10 in multiple countries worldwide. It was awarded a 2013 Billboard Music Award for Top Rock Song and was also featured in several TV shows, movies, and commercials, including “Silver Linings Playbook,” “The Walking Dead,” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”.
The song was inspired by a real-life couple the band met in New York City and was included in the band’s self-titled debut album. It was released in 2012 and was listed on several year-end best-of lists.
2 “Stubborn Love“
This powerful and moving ballad showcases the band’s ability to craft evocative music that resonates deeply with listeners. The song’s slow-burning intensity builds to a soaring climax that is both exhilarating and cathartic.
The lyrics are poignant, and the delivery from Wesley Schultz is earnest and heartfelt. The song is built on a foundation of piano and drums, with layers of guitar and harmonies added for texture. The powerful chorus and Schultz’s emotive delivery makes it a standout track.
“Stubborn Love” was not as successful as their previous hit single, but it still managed to reach the top 20 on the rock chart, and the song was praised by critics.
3 “Ophelia“
A hit song that topped the Adult Alternative chart and earned them a Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album. The song’s upbeat tempo, catchy hooks, and relatable lyrics make it a favorite among listeners.
The Lumineers inject a sense of nostalgia and longing into the song’s catchy exterior, making it a standout track on the band’s “Cleopatra” album. The song reached the top 10 in the US and Canada, and was also featured in several TV shows and commercials.
The instrumentation used is a mix of piano, drums, guitar, and saxophone. “Ophelia” was inspired by the band’s experiences on the road and was included in the band’s second album, “Cleopatra,” which was released in 2016.
4 “Cleopatra“
The title track from the band’s second album of the same name, this upbeat and catchy song, showcases the band’s ability to craft uplifting, catchy songs that are guaranteed to put a smile on listeners’ faces. The lyrics are light-hearted, and the delivery is infectious, making it a standout track that perfectly captures the band’s signature sound.
It was not released as a single, but it was included in the band’s setlist on many of their tours. The song is built on a foundation of guitar, drums, and piano, with lyrics that reflect on the band’s experiences of touring and being away from home.
5 “Angela“
This melancholic ballad is a story of love and loss, delivered with raw intensity by Wesley Schultz. The lyrics are powerful, and the delivery is sincere, making it a standout on the band’s “Cleopatra” album.
The sparse instrumentation of the song allows the lyrics and vocals to take center stage, which heightens the impact of the storytelling. Although not released as a single, it was well-received by the critics.
The song was inspired by the death of a close friend; it’s built on a foundation of piano and drums, with Schultz’s vocals taking center stage. The song resonates with people dealing with loss and grief, and its emotional impact has made it a fan favorite. It’s been a regular in the band’s live performances, where it is always among the most emotional songs by The Lumineers.
6 “Submarines“
Next, in my rundown of the Top 10 Songs from The Lumineers, we have a reminiscent song that tells a story of unrequited love and regret. The melody and the delivery of the lyrics by Wesley Schultz makes it a standout on the band’s “Cleopatra” album.
The song paints a vivid picture of a relationship on the brink of collapse, showcasing the band’s ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet powerful lyrics. It was not released as a single, but it was well-received by critics. It is built on a foundation of piano and drums, with guitar and harmonies added for texture. The lyrics and Schultz’s delivery, which is both raw and heartfelt, make it a standout track.
7 “Gloria“
This song is a powerful, anthemic track that showcases The Lumineer’s ability to craft uplifting, catchy songs that resonate deeply with listeners. The lyrics are inspirational, and the delivery is emotional and energetic, making it a standout track on the band’s “III” album.
It is built on a foundation of guitar, drums, and piano with a mix of choir-like vocals that add a sense of unity and communal spirit. The song reached the top 40 on Billboard’s Alternative songs chart and was admired by critics. It was inspired by the band’s experiences on the road and the various people they’ve met and is included in the band’s third album, “III.”
8 “Slow It Down“
A mid-tempo track that tells a story of taking a step back from life and enjoying the moment. It’s a catchy, upbeat tune that’s guaranteed to get audiences dancing and singing along; in fact, it’s one of the catchiest The Lumineers songs ever.
The song’s uplifting nature and relatable lyrics make it a top choice for fans. It was also included in the band’s setlist on many of their tours. With a great mix of guitar, drums, and piano, with the lyrics encourage listeners to slow down and enjoy the moment. Additionally, the lyrics also touch on the theme of being present in the moment and not getting caught up in the fast-paced, busyness of life.
It was included in the band’s “Cleopatra” album, released in 2016, and it received positive reviews from both critics and fans.
9 “Big Parade“
This song is a great anthem for taking a chance and starting anew. With catchy and upbeat melodies and relatable lyrics, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to get people dancing and on their feet during live performances. It was included on the band’s third album, “III,” released in 2019, and has been featured in TV shows and movies such as The Good Place and The Nest.
The inspiration behind the song is the band’s own experience of leaving their home and starting anew, the song is not only a catchy tune, but it also carries a message of hope and resilience that encourages people to chase their dreams.
10 “Brightside“
An uplifting and catchy track that is bound to put a smile on your face. The song’s powerful and anthemic nature, combined with its inspirational lyrics, encourages listeners to find hope, even in difficult times. It was not released as a single, but it was praised by critics, and it was included in the band’s third album, “III,” released in 2019.
It reflects on the idea of persevering and finding hope even in difficult times, making it a standout among other songs.
Looking for More Superb Music?
Well, check out our thoughts on the Best Songs About Rain, the Best Songs About the Weekend, the Best Songs About Life, the Top Songs About Home, the Best Songs About Depression, and the best Songs about School Life for more incredible song selections.
Of course, you’ll need to listen to those quality tunes. So, take a look at our in-depth reviews of the Best Sound Quality Earbuds, the Best Headphones For Rock & Metal Music, the Most Comfortable Headphones, the Best Bass Earbuds, or the Best Headphones for Music you can buy in 2023.
Top 10 Songs from The Lumineers – Final Thoughts
In summary, The Lumineers have created a catalog of memorable and diverse hit songs. Their relatable lyrics, simple instrumentation, and heartfelt delivery make each track a standout. Their songs have become cultural touchstones and continue to be beloved by audiences worldwide. The Lumineers’ music is timeless and continues to resonate with many.
Happy listening!
