Few bands in today’s folk-rock world connect as deeply as The Lumineers. Their music feels like sitting around a campfire, listening to stories that make you laugh, cry, and think about life a little differently. With their stripped-down melodies and heartfelt lyrics, The Lumineers have created something timeless, yet fresh enough to keep us coming back for more.

The Lumineers formed in a small New Jersey town with Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites. The two started making music together as a way to cope with the loss of Fraites’ brother, who was also Schultz’s best friend. This shared grief turned into a bond that shaped their music—raw, emotional, and full of heart.

Looking for a change, the duo moved to Denver, Colorado. There, they met Neyla Pekarek, whose cello added a new layer to their sound. In 2012, their debut album, The Lumineers, hit the scene, and suddenly everyone was singing along to “Ho Hey.” It was the kind of breakout moment that felt like an overnight success, though years of hard work had paved the way.

What makes The Lumineers stand out is their ability to say so much with so little. Their music isn’t about flashy production or complicated arrangements. Instead, they focus on acoustic guitars, pianos, tambourines, and harmonies that feel like home. Songs like “Ophelia” and “Cleopatra” are catchy but never shallow, telling stories that stick with you long after the music stops.

The Lumineers didn’t stop evolving after their first big hit. Their second album, Cleopatra (2016), dove into themes of identity and loss, inspired by people they’d met and stories they’d heard. Their second studio album, III was released in 2019. The album tackled the heavy topic of addiction through the lens of a fictional family. In 2022, their fourth studio album, Brightside, was released. The Lumineers recently released the first single, “Same Old Love,” from their upcoming album Automatic that releases on February 14.

At a time when music can feel overly polished or distant, The Lumineers bring something real. Their songs remind us of our own stories—of love found, love lost, and the messy, beautiful journey in between. Whether they’re playing to a packed arena or a tiny room, their music feels personal, like they’re singing just for you.

The Lumineers are a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things—honest lyrics, heartfelt melodies, and a good story—are all we really need. Whatever comes next for them, we know it’ll be worth the wait.