A band’s second album following a breakthrough of a first always comes with a mix of skepticism and excitement: Fans can’t wait for more, critics can’t wait to tear it apart, and the artist never wants to disappoint. 

Mumford & Sons' sophomore album certainly does not disappoint. Mumford was spot on with their sound right away on debut "Sigh No More," which is apparent by the five million copies sold and the two Grammy nominations.

It put them on the forefront of the rapidly growing folk-rock scene in a short period of time.

"Babel" isn’t anything remarkable in terms of innovation, but serves as more of an extension, an improvement on what was already great; a more developed and mature version.

It’s no secret that they have been on the road for the better part of the past two years, and it is clear that their experiences are reflected in "Babel’s" songwriting.

They gave their fans more of what we loved, and there’s nothing wrong with that. 

The mood of the album is set right away, as Marcus Mumford opens with powerful, fast moving title track “Babel,” his unmistakable voice and ground-stomping beats right along side it.

The album continues with all the energy of one of their live shows, several tracks prone to crowd sing-a-longs (single “I Will Wait”, “Lover of the Light”). The banjo becomes a welcome and embraced sound, no longer taking on the feeling of a hokey country tune, but instead transforming into a magnetic and robust instrument. 

It is vital that you listen to the album in order, which was masterfully chosen. The progression really shows the level of thought that went into the production of the entire thing.

Its energy flows, just like an excellent concert should, with an upbeat start, a gentle settling down into the heart of the album where the deeper lyrics lie, and then back up again. 

At the end "Babel" showcases the band’s depth of talent: their choice to cover a Simon & Garfunkel song is their hat tip to an era of songwriting, where every song had a deeper meaning. 

“Where Are You Now,” the last track on the album, displays their romantic side, without sliding down into a "Notebook" level of sappy. It clearly speaks of an unknown ex-girlfriend with its message of moving on, while still reaching everyone who has ever loved.

This album is not to be taken in during one casual sit down listening session. "Sigh No More" and "Babel" both have a certain learner's curve – they require that you actually spend time to get to know them.

The lyrics are earnest, emotional, and mostly poetic, and are not to be taken too literally. With the proper amount of time to appreciate them, every song starts to become the favorite.

(Side note: Look out for their incredible collaboration with Emmylou Harris on CMT Crossroads, airing this Thursday, September 27th).

Reach Staff Reporter Chelsea Stessel here.