Released in August 2008, Peaceful, The World Lays Me Down was like a breath of fresh air with its optimistic-yet-realistic worldview and, as The Guardian was to note, its "twinkling acoustic songs, bursting with brass, keyboards and fiddle" were "economic and brimming with sure-footed confidence." Its 11 songs include the group's debut single and signature track, 5 Years Time, which was to become their first UK Top 10 hit.