Complete List Of The Lumineers Songs From A to Z

Feature Photo: David Lee, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

There’s something undeniably human about The Lumineers—something that lives in the aching pauses, the cracks in the voice, and the simplicity of a foot stomp in an empty room. That feeling was born in Ramsey, New Jersey, where Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites began writing music together in the shadow of loss. In 2005, the two started collaborating in the wake of the death of Fraites’ brother, Joshua. Over the next few years, their songwriting became a shared language of grief and recovery, eventually turning into something much larger than the sum of their experiences. That early bond became the foundation of the band.

In 2009, Schultz and Fraites moved to Denver, Colorado, in search of a more affordable and creatively open environment. The relocation proved critical. They immersed themselves in the local scene, performing at open mics and quietly refining what would become their signature stripped-down style. After placing a Craigslist ad, they connected with cellist Neyla Pekarek, who joined the group in 2010 and brought a new dimension to their sound. The name “The Lumineers” wasn’t planned—it came from a mistaken introduction at a club, but they kept it. It fit the mystery of what they were building.

They gained early momentum through homemade YouTube videos and self-released EPs, which eventually caught the attention of Dualtone Records. The band released their self-titled debut album, The Lumineers, on April 3, 2012. Propelled by the breakout single “Ho Hey,” the record peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 and was certified triple platinum in the United States and Canada. “Ho Hey” itself reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100. Their minimalist folk sound, complete with handclaps, group vocals, and rustic storytelling, offered something fresh at a time dominated by heavily produced pop.

Following a relentless touring schedule and a growing fan base, they returned in 2016 with their second studio album, Cleopatra. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, the UK Albums Chart, and the Canadian Albums Chart. Singles like “Ophelia,” “Angela,” and the title track helped the album go platinum in the U.S. It showcased an evolution in their songwriting—retaining the emotional core while stretching out musically and thematically. It was also their first project to benefit from the worldwide platform their debut had earned them.

In 2019, the band released their third studio album, III, a conceptual record structured in three chapters, each focusing on a different member of a fictional family struggling with addiction and trauma. It was an ambitious narrative shift that deepened their commitment to storytelling. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and featured the singles “Gloria” and “Life in the City.” Critics praised its cinematic structure and darker tone, noting how far the band had come since their early sing-alongs. This would also mark the first full-length project completed without Pekarek, who departed in 2018 to pursue a solo career.

They returned with their fourth album, Brightside, on January 14, 2022. The record featured a looser, more electric-driven sound that still leaned into the band’s folk roots. The title track “Brightside,” along with “A.M. Radio” and “Big Shot,” signaled a willingness to experiment. The album was recorded in just two weeks and presented the most spontaneous version of The Lumineers to date. Though it didn’t chart as high as its predecessors, the album reinforced their place as an evolving, dynamic force in the Americana and folk-rock space.

In 2024, they released Live from Wrigley Field, a document of their Chicago performance from the Brightside tour. It captured the energy of their live show and the communal nature of their performances, where fans routinely sing back every lyric. The live album was a reminder that this band has always been as much about connection as craft—songs that sound like campfire conversations turned into arena anthems.

The Lumineers followed with their fifth studio album, A.M. Radio, released on February 14, 2025. The lead single, “Same Old Song,” previewed a return to some of the textures of their debut while continuing to explore themes of longing and reflection. The album kept the focus on core members Schultz and Fraites and demonstrated the consistency of their partnership nearly two decades after it began.

Over the course of their career, The Lumineers have released five studio albums, one live album, and a host of singles that have become modern folk standards. They’ve been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards and have topped charts across North America and Europe. Their influence has extended well beyond music charts, with their songs featured in television, film, and advertisements around the world.

What sets The Lumineers apart is the unshakable emotional core of their music. From “Ho Hey” to “Gloria” to “Brightside,” every release feels handcrafted, personal, and sincere. They’ve built a catalog defined not by excess, but by restraint. In an era often overwhelmed by digital production, their commitment to organic instrumentation and lyrical storytelling continues to resonate.

Outside of the studio, Schultz and Fraites have used their platform to address important issues, including mental health, addiction, and the opioid epidemic. Their music often draws from real-life struggles, making their songs feel as much like public service as entertainment. Their commitment to honest storytelling has earned them a loyal following and critical respect.

The Lumineers’ ability to evolve while staying emotionally grounded has defined their longevity. Their sound has grown more textured, their arrangements more daring, but their message has always been the same—honor the story, don’t hide the scars, and connect with the listener on a human level.

What began in a quiet New Jersey basement as an attempt to cope with tragedy has grown into an internationally respected career built on empathy, craftsmanship, and authenticity. The Lumineers have never chased trends—they’ve carved out their own lane, and they continue to walk it with purpose and clarity.