27. Mumford and Sons, 'Babel'

The English rockers' sophomore effort proved to be laced with as much bluegrass mythology as their first album. While the Steinbeck, Homer and Plato references throughout Sigh No More appeal to hipster intellect everywhere, Babel shows a clear religious influence. Like any sermon, though, there's a message deep below the surface. Maybe it's Marcus Mumford's evangelical childhood, but the lyrics throughout Babel are a humbling confession of the singer's weaknesses, rendering the album both powerful and relatable. -- Maggie Malach