Lukas Graham broke out into the mainstream this year with a unique voice and sound. Their self titled album, Lukas Graham, hit stores and the internet last week and is already following critical acclaim. The Danish band released the single “7 Years” in late 2015 and it quickly hit the top of the charts, currently sitting at number 1. Lukas Graham made waves in Europe in the early 2010’s with their pop-soul sound, eventually to be signed by Warner Bros. Records in 2013. The lead singer, Lukas Graham Forchhammer, formed the band and began marketing on YouTube, which turned into a strong presence in Denmark and then Europe and now the world.
The first song on the album, “7 Years,” is a story in a song. It tells the tale of a child recalling memories and then transforming to later in life, where he basks in his life experiences. It’s a slow ballad with a thick beat, only being even more intriguing when Lukas’s voice is added. He has a certain soul in his voice that makes him unique among his peers. “Take the World by Storm” is the exact opposite of it’s predecessor. It’s an upbeat, motivational tune with a heavy back-chorus, chanting the song’s title. “Mama Said” is another popular song off of the album. Its chorus is reminiscent of “Hard Knock Life” from the show Annie, and it also shares the story-telling quality that we heard in “7 Years.” It talks about being a troubled child and dealing with bullies and other hardships and how his mother was so important in getting through that time. It’s evident through this album that Lukas Graham has a unique ability to tell a story through song. Their greatest skill is in their ability to create a narrative through lyrics and that has been a crucial factor in their popularity. “Happy Home” takes a more electronic route, again highlighting a story of childhood memories, which seems to be a common topic for Lukas. “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout Me” brings out the soul in the band’s sound. The song talks about ending up feeling fine after a hard time in someone’s life. The song is similar to an Allen Stone song or a soul song from the Motown era. “You’re Not There” is a typical soft rock/pop heartbreak track. It breaks away from the childhood theme of the album and focuses on a past love. It’s a great song and really makes you feel with Lukas.
The best thing about this album is the versatility in the writing style of Lukas Graham. The lead singer’s voice really fits into several genres while still remaining unique and different. Lukas Graham is a fairly new band, but has definitely broke into the scene with a unique voice. It’ll really be something to watch as this group progresses.
