Mumford & Sons + Pharrell Williams, Good People | Song Review 🎵

The unexpected collaboration between Mumford & Sons and Pharrell Williams yields a unique single, “Good People” where ‘the sun is rising.’

“The sun is rising / It’s coming, it’s on its way / So nothing, tonight is / Getting in the way.” That’s encouraging news! Addressing the elephant in the room, did you ever think that Mumford & Sons and Pharrell Williams would collaborate? I’ll answer for all of us – NO! Anyways, the unexpected collaboration comes to fruition on the single, “Good People”.  “Good People” marks the first new Mumford & Sons single since 2020 – it’s been awhile.  Notably, the song was both composed and produced by the band and Williams.  The results are a bit quirky, but, not nearly as quirky or unusual as they could be.

Does Williams get his signature four count in? Yes, following some rhythmic acoustic guitar work, that beat drops.  Even with a Pharrell beat/groove, the producer extraordinaire keeps it within the context of alternative folk… for the most part. No spacey drums, not to mention progressive synths.  The foot stomping, percussive beat provides oomph – packs a punch, particularly when it’s the primary accompaniment in the verses. The background vocals supporting Marcus Mumford’s lead have Pharrell written all over them, with ear-catching results – a dash of urban flavor. Williams’ backing vocals provide a nice response to Marcus’ call (“Welcome to the revelation”).  As for Marcus, he’s true to self, delivering alluring, powerful lead vocals that embrace folk.  The chorus is catchy.  Expectedly, that’s where these ‘good people’ come into the mix:

“Good people been down for so long

And now it’s like the sun is rising

Good people been downing for so long

And now I see the sun is rising.”

While totally unexpected, and a departure from Mumford & Sons of the past, dare I say, “Good People” has a charm about it.  It’s interesting – sort of an earworm.  The vibe, well, it ‘hits different!’

🎙 Mumford & Sons + Pharrell Williams • 🎵 “Good People” • 🏷 Mumford & Sons / Glassnote Entertainment Group • 🗓 1.16.24

[📷: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; Mumford & Sons / Glassnote Entertainment Group; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Królestwo Nauki, OpenClipart-Vectors, Pete Linforth, Tumisu from Pixabay]