III (The Lumineers album)

The Lumineers - III

III is the third studio album by American folk rock band The Lumineers. It was released on September 13, 2019, through Dualtone Records. The album is a concept album that explores the struggles of addiction and its impact on a family.

Background

The album is divided into three chapters, each focusing on a different member of the fictional Sparks family. The narrative delves into the themes of addiction, trauma, and the cyclical nature of these issues within families. The band has stated that the album was inspired by personal experiences and stories they have encountered.

Chapters

Chapter I: Gloria Sparks

The first chapter centers on Gloria Sparks, a character who struggles with alcoholism. The songs in this chapter depict her descent into addiction and the impact it has on her life and relationships.

Chapter II: Junior Sparks

The second chapter follows Junior Sparks, Gloria's grandson. This chapter explores Junior's life and the effects of his grandmother's addiction on his upbringing and personal development.

Chapter III: Jimmy Sparks

The final chapter focuses on Jimmy Sparks, Gloria's son and Junior's father. This chapter delves into Jimmy's own struggles with addiction and the ways in which he tries to cope with his family's troubled history.

Track Listing

1. "Donna" – 3:04
2. "Life in the City" – 3:50
3. "Gloria" – 3:36
4. "It Wasn't Easy to Be Happy for You" – 3:34
5. "Leader of the Landslide" – 5:54
6. "Left for Denver" – 3:37
7. "My Cell" – 3:16
8. "Jimmy Sparks" – 5:56
9. "April" – 0:57
10. "Salt and the Sea" – 4:30
11. "Democracy" (Bonus Track) – 6:32
12. "Old Lady" (Bonus Track) – 2:28
13. "Soundtrack Song" (Bonus Track) – 3:05

Personnel

• Wesley Schultz – vocals, guitar
• Jeremiah Fraites – drums, piano
• Byron Isaacs – bass, backing vocals
• Lauren Jacobson – violin, backing vocals
• Stelth Ulvang – piano, accordion, backing vocals
• Brandon Miller – guitar, backing vocals

Reception

The album received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its storytelling and emotional depth. The singles "Gloria" and "Life in the City" were particularly well-received and helped to further establish The Lumineers' reputation in the folk rock genre.

Charts

The album performed well commercially, charting in several countries and reaching the top ten in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

See Also

• The Lumineers
• Cleopatra (The Lumineers album)
• Dualtone Records
• Folk rock
• Americana (music)