After some time as a trio, Lucy have returned as the four-piece they’re meant to be. The group is celebrating with their second full album, which includes new tracks as well as updated versions of songs released over the past few years. Title track All Ages (전체관람가) sums up their appeal nicely.

Opening with Gwang Il’s vocals for the first time in two years, All Ages desposits us firmly in the Lucy universe right from the start. It’s a toe-tapping, feelgood burst, ornamented (as usual) with plenty of violin and adding sprightly keys to the mix. Halfway through, the track grows even bigger with a layered vocal refrain that adds lush texture. I love this moment and crave to hear more of it, as Lucy’s music works best for me the more theatrical it gets. Thankfully, a stirring vocal from frontman Sangyeop ends the song on a highlight, as if we’re lifting off toward adventure.

What’s most refreshing about All Ages is its sense of optimism. If a song can be the aural equivalent of “skipping through a field of flowers,” this is it. In this way, you almost expect to hear the track as part of a drama during a particularly upbeat scene. We can all use that kind of soundtrack in our lives.

Grade: B