After an unfortunately long hiatus, Florence + The Machine returns with their third LP, How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful. What does the mainstream's most promising act give us this time? Take a look (and a listen).
Ship To Wreck - A fantastic start to the album, straight from Lungs. The pace and energy make for the realization that Florence + The Machine, one of the must talented and original groups of the century, is back. 9.5/10
What Kind of Man - The lead single and Ceremonials-esque track starts out with a haunting harmony before kicking into an electric guitar swing. Florence sounds as confident as ever, creating an unbelievably catchy chorus. 9/10
How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful - It starts off tame, much like its preceding track, but it soon blossoms to fully represent the vast sky with soaring imperial trumpets. Another appreciated euphoric track. 9/10
Queen of Peace - Florence gains a full-hearted accusatory tone for the first time this album. However, it doesn't have the same gusto and the first three tracks, and feels strangely like filler. 7.5/10
Various Storms and Saints - Calm, haunting and carefully crafted. The back harmonies perfectly match storms and saints, however that may be possible. A fascinating combination of imagery that Florence manages to execute flawlessly. 9/10
Delilah - "I'm dancing with Delilah and the vision is mine," Florence croons over a fast 4/4 beat before a breakdown cuts in the energy into 2/4. This track is constantly breaking and accelerating, making it all the more exhilarating. 9.5/10
Long and Lost - This solemn funeral procession is well placed, though it does feel more like an interlude at points. This whole album so far has played like a movie, Beyoncé and Florence should get together to talk about a visual album for HBHBHB. 8/10
Caught - The middle of the album has slowed down, there's no trumpets, no massive drums, it's all very... Quaint. 7.5/10
Third Eye - Florence delivers sermon-like lyrics here, over hand claps, background doo-wops and pulsing drums, almost as a little brother to Ceremonials' "Heartlines." "I am the same / I'm trying to change," is the most potent refrain so far. 9/10
St. Jude - The flow of St. Jude with it's hollow production led by a lonely synth and oboe is the eye of the hurricane for this album. It's okay,good even, but it doesn't bring anything new to the table. At the same time however, "St. Jude" is subtly charming. 7/10
Mother - Florence abandons all of her signature instruments for a guitar and maraca driven rock track. She's begging for her mother at the end of an emotional night, but without its length, Mother would be another non-event for the album. 7/10
Hiding - Though an upbeat track, Hiding feels slightly creepy, an under appreciated version of Florence (see Seven Devils or Howl). This commanding track deserves the attention that it receives. 8/10
Make Up Your Mind - An interesting choice for an album closer. Most of her contemporaries would opt for a ballad or somber track to end on, but Florence fits this song neatly between the chaos and peace of the album. The end is somewhat abrupt, but the message is clear, make up your ****ing mind. 8.5/10
Where How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful should stumble, it merely wobbles. It's an album filled with rock solid production and lyrics, and safe vocal performances from Welch. A strong contender for album of the year halfway in.
St. Jude - The flow of St. Jude with it's hollow production led by a lonely synth and oboe is the eye of the hurricane for this album. It's okay,good even, but it doesn't bring anything new to the table. At the same time however, "St. Jude" is subtly charming. 7/10
Mother - Florence abandons all of her signature instruments for a guitar and maraca driven rock track. She's begging for her mother at the end of an emotional night, but without its length, Mother would be another non-event for the album. 7/10
Hiding - Though an upbeat track, Hiding feels slightly creepy, an under appreciated version of Florence (see Seven Devils or Howl). This commanding track deserves the attention that it receives. 8/10
Make Up Your Mind - An interesting choice for an album closer. Most of her contemporaries would opt for a ballad or somber track to end on, but Florence fits this song neatly between the chaos and peace of the album. The end is somewhat abrupt, but the message is clear, make up your ****ing mind. 8.5/10
Where How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful should stumble, it merely wobbles. It's an album filled with rock solid production and lyrics, and safe vocal performances from Welch. A strong contender for album of the year halfway in.
