Prizefighter

Gracie Abrams’s light graze of a croon skates elegantly over the sweet, piano-driven “Badlands”. Guest-free highlights include the delicately plucked “Alleycat”, resonant “Stay” and “Conversations with My Son”, which skips along its gorgeous acoustic guitar solo while Mumford’s lyrics pledge enduring love and support.

The solemnness of the title track reverberates throughout most of the other tracks on the ‘Prizefighter’ album. It easily wins the ‘prize’ as the best song on an especially spectacular album.

Confirm Mumford & Sons are back in business. [Apr 2026, p.85]

The hardy, hearty Mums’ mix of good intentions and the well-chosen cast of A-list hired hands, makes for a record that’s steady, sturdy and vulnerable.

Prizefighter is the definition of inoffensive. It is unlikely to catch ears of those for whom Mumford & Sons’ sound faded into the background 10 years ago, but it was one of the most anticipated albums of 2026 for fans who welcomed their return from extended absence with 2025’s Rushmere. With their spirited new record, Mumford & Sons have kept that momentum alive.

Prizefighter is marginally better than its predecessor, dispelling some of the awkwardness of a long hiatus and reinforcing Mumford & Sons' reputation as purveyors of quality comfort food. It's hopeful, reflective, safe, and deeply rooted in the folk and country traditions the band knows intimately.

These are assured, solid songs by very good musicians, albeit lacking a killer punch or any wild, barrier-pushing inspiration. [Feb 2025, p.102]