Over the past decade, Colorado's The Lumineers have well proven that they are much more than the twee novelty of their hit "Ho Hey." Though they were originally lumped in with bands like Mumford and Sons, their brand of Americana folk is a more stark, incredibly intimate affair. Sometimes that can translate into an echo of Springsteen, like on the majestic title track—buzzing guitar, pomp drums, jangling tambourine—with its evocative lyrics: "I could see it in the air/ Every word was like smoke from a cigarette." At other times, there is a loose feel of Tom Petty circa Wallflowers, as on the sweet and low piano ballad "Big Shot." Produced by Simone Felice of the Felice Brothers, Brightside mostly opts for subtlety (barely plucked guitar, a wisp of piano on "A.M. Radio") that invites you to lean in and really listen. Vocalist Wesley Schultz has learned how to play his delightfully ragged voice over the years, too. To deliver the poignancy of the lyrics "Find a love, I was leveled at the sight of you/ You were wrong, what I needed was a little clue" on the great "Never Really Mine," he pushes it to a higher register—the song conveying swagger and a desperation all at once. On the daydreamy "Rollercoaster," floating lightly on piano and organ, Schultz punches unexpected words, making you think about what he really means: "I wish we could start it over, have another child." It's not so much traditional poetry as someone plainly sharing real human emotion. The Nilsson-esque "Birthday" is a bittersweet head-bob, and "Where We Are" is ready-made for a TV commercial: sentimental, folksy, warm-hearted, reassuring ("I don't know where we are/ But it will be OK," Schultz sings, with just a slight catch in his delivery). Closer "Reprise" is a treat: Starting off with a driving determination, the sub bass is lifted joyously by piano from Jeremiah Fraites. "I'm headed for the lights/ I'm headed for the bright side, baby, tonight," Schultz promises, the backing vocals rising and falling as if at sea. © Shelly Ridenour/Qobuz