Mumford and Sons came a long way. Babel is definite departure from all that is past for these young lads. It has a maturity level that is seen in a very few bands, especially these days. It deals with love and life, for better or worse. But this time, the lyrics deal with more than just a few words to accompany a catchy music, with the "hook" packed somewhere along the way. Still lacks sophistication and ease of the true mature delivery, but that will come with time; these guys do have a potential. I believe that Babel is the sign of the things yet to come. And a good, very good sign.
I will not go into the details, that is left for you. I look at the album as a story that artist wants to tell. This collection of stories is definitely worth your time. It is the best Mumford and Sons did so far.
I wonder what will happen when they venture away into the world and when they finally open up.

Song after song, scene after scene, story after story - Mark Knopfler is better than ever. I have it for more than a month now, and still I spin at least one of the four sides every day. And it does not matter what kind of the music you are fan of; this album is so much more than just a few superbly recorded songs. Like a reading a great collection of short stories which you can't put down: long after the last notes decay, you wonder and think about those stories. That is art.