The Portland troupe has done it again.  With beautiful transitions and artful lyricism, What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World is another great work from The Decemberists.

Released Jan. 20, 2015, the album creates a folk-rock vibe with a touch of pop. The Decemberists have tended to lean toward a more empowering rock style in the past.  Their 2011 album, Long Live the King, demonstrated this greatly.  Now, four years have passed and there has been a definite style shift, but it is obvious that this is the same band.  Colin Meloy’s wavering, but powerful, voice is a defining feature in the band and has been since the beginning.  He can create a sinister atmosphere or an excited energy.  His versatility is a strong point in the band’s discography.

Although there aren’t as many hits on What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World as there were on Picaresque (2005) or The King is Dead (2011), this album is generally more well-rounded from start to finish. The album opens with “The Singer Addresses His Audience” already adding to the interpersonal relationship that the listener forms with the album.  Meloy describes their artistic evolution and apologizes to their fans.  It starts to pick up at “Philomena” as a more happy vibe forms.  “Make You Better” is the most listened to song on the album according to Spotify.  It is probably because some of the old Decemberists slip in and add a touch of folk nostalgia.

The luminous “Lake Song” is my personal favorite on the album.  The strings and acoustic guitar together are stunning and Meloy’s voice almost rocks you to sleep. “Better Not Wake The Baby” may be the shortest song on the album, but what it lacks in length, it makes up for in power. “Anti-Summersong” comes next with a more folk-feel and exciting use of vocals.  “12/17/12” is the thirteenth song on the album and is about the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.  The song is as dark and harrowing as the subject itself.  It also is home to the album’s namesake: “What a terrible world, what a beautiful world, what a world you would make here.”

The Decemberists have been a long time favorite for me and I believe they will always have a special place in my heart.  I recommend this album wholeheartedly and await the next one with anticipation.