Feature Photo: Marie, CC BY-SA 3.0
Florence and the Machine emerged from London’s indie music scene in the late 2000s, blending baroque pop, rock, and soul into a sound that set them apart from their contemporaries. The band was founded by singer-songwriter Florence Welch, whose theatrical vocals and poetic lyrics became their defining elements. Collaborating with keyboardist and producer Isabella Summers, Welch initially performed under the name Florence Robot/Isa Machine before adopting the moniker Florence and the Machine. Their breakthrough came when they signed with Island Records in 2008, setting the stage for their debut album’s release.
Their first album, Lungs (2009), was a commercial and critical triumph, topping the UK Albums Chart and earning multi-platinum status. The album featured hit singles such as “Dog Days Are Over,” “You’ve Got the Love,” and “Cosmic Love,” all of which showcased Welch’s powerful voice and the band’s intricate arrangements. Lungs remained on the UK charts for over a year, solidifying Florence and the Machine as one of the most exciting new acts in alternative music. The success of their debut was followed by extensive touring and festival performances, further establishing their reputation for electrifying live shows.
The band’s second album, Ceremonials (2011), expanded their cinematic sound, incorporating grand orchestral elements and darker lyrical themes. Songs like “Shake It Out” and “Never Let Me Go” resonated with audiences, propelling the album to number one in the UK and into the top 10 of the U.S. Billboard 200. The album’s success led to Grammy nominations and increased their global following, with Welch’s dramatic stage presence and ethereal visuals becoming synonymous with the band’s identity.
Florence and the Machine continued to evolve with How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful (2015), which introduced a more stripped-down, rock-oriented sound. Featuring hit singles like “Ship to Wreck” and “What Kind of Man,” the album debuted at number one in both the UK and the U.S. It was followed by High as Hope (2018), which saw Welch embracing more personal and introspective songwriting, with standout tracks such as “Hunger” and “Sky Full of Song.” Their most recent album, Dance Fever (2022), returned to the grand, mythic storytelling that characterized their early work, receiving widespread acclaim.
The band has received numerous accolades throughout their career, including Brit Awards, Grammy nominations, and an Ivor Novello Award for Welch’s songwriting. Their music has been praised for its emotional depth, genre-blending instrumentation, and Welch’s commanding vocal delivery. With a distinctive sound that defies easy categorization, Florence and the Machine have built a devoted fanbase that appreciates both their intricate studio work and the raw intensity of their live performances.
Outside of music, Welch has been involved in various artistic and humanitarian projects. She has published a book of poetry and lyrics titled Useless Magic, giving fans insight into her creative process. She has also been an advocate for mental health awareness, speaking openly about anxiety and using her platform to promote self-expression and healing through art. Additionally, she has contributed to film soundtracks, including Breath of Life for Snow White and the Huntsman and Call Me Cruella for Cruella (2021).
(#-H)
100 Years – High as Hope (2018)
All This and Heaven Too – Ceremonials (2011)
Back in Town – Dance Fever (2022)
Between Two Lungs – Lungs (2009)
Big God – High as Hope (2018)
Blinding – Lungs (2009)
The Bomb – Dance Fever (2022)
Breaking Down – Ceremonials (2011)
Cassandra – Dance Fever (2022)
Caught – How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful (2015)
Choreomania – Dance Fever (2022)
Cosmic Love – Lungs (2009)
Daffodil – Dance Fever (2022)
Delilah – How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful (2015)
Dog Days Are Over – Lungs (2009)
Dream Girl Evil – Dance Fever (2022)
Drumming Song – Lungs (2009)
The End of Love – High as Hope (2018)
Falling – Lungs
Free – Dance Fever (2022)
Girl with One Eye – Lungs (2009)
Girls Against God – Dance Fever (2022)
Grace – High as Hope (2018)
Heartlines – Ceremonials (2011)
Heaven Is Here – Dance Fever (2022)
How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful – How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful (2015)
Howl – Lungs (2009)
Hunger – High as Hope (2018)
Hurricane Drunk – Lungs (2009)
(I-Q)
I’m Not Calling You a Liar – Lungs (2009)
June – High as Hope (2018)
King – Dance Fever (2022)
Kiss with a Fist – Lungs (2009)
Leave My Body – Ceremonials (2011)
Long & Lost – How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful (2015)
Lover to Lover – Ceremonials (2011)
Morning Elvis – Dance Fever (2022)
Mother – How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful (2015)
My Boy Builds Coffins – Lungs (2009)
My Love – Dance Fever (2022)
Never Let Me Go – Ceremonials (2011)
No Choir – High as Hope (2018)
No Light, No Light – Ceremonials (2011)
Only If for a Night – Ceremonials (2011)
Patricia – High as Hope (2018)
Prayer Factory – Dance Fever (2022)
Queen of Peace – How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful (2015)
(R-Z)
Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up) – Lungs (2009)
Restraint – Dance Fever (2022)
Seven Devils – Ceremonials (2011)
Shake It Out – Ceremonials (2011)
Ship to Wreck – How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful (2015)
Sky Full of Song – High as Hope (2018)
South London Forever – High as Hope (2018)
St. Jude – How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful (2015)
Spectrum – Ceremonials (2011)
Third Eye – How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful (2015)
Various Storms and Saints – How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful (2015)
What Kind of Man – How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful (2015)
What the Water Gave Me – Ceremonials (2011)
You’ve Got the Love – Lungs (2009)
Complete List Of Florence + The Machine Albums And Discography
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