The world recognizes her as the soulful siren behind “Dog Days Are Over” – Florence Welch.
With her powerful voice, she has led Florence and the Machine to incredible heights.
The start, the band stepped into the music scene with their debut album ‘Lungs’ in 2009.
Grooving somewhere between indie rock, art pop, and neo soul, among others.
Thus, it’s a fascinating dive as we pick out the best Florence and the Machine albums.
Secure your headphones as we rank Florence and the Machine albums and guide your playlist picks.
Florence and the Machine Albums Ranked
Lungs (2009)
Securing the number one spot in the rank, is their first album ‘Lungs’.
‘Lungs’ is known for a mix of indie rock and pop outlined with Florence’s compelling vocal range.
Producers are well-known figures like James Ford and Paul Epworth.
“Dog Days Are Over”, the opening track of the album, features lively harp strings and strong vocals. It breathes an air of positivity.
The band’s infectious cover of “You’ve Got the Love”, originally by The Source in 1986, is another gem.
The album was as an impressive start to the successful journey of ‘Florence and the Machine’.
Ceremonials (2011)
Following closely behind ‘Lungs’ in the rundown is their sophomore effort, ‘Ceremonials’ (2011).
This was the band’s transition from indie talent to worldwide pop hitmakers.
Bigger and bolder sounds reflects the band’s growing confidence and ambition.
One of the standout tracks, “Shake It Out”, is an anthemic song about freeing oneself from regret.
The song shows the bolder air of ‘Ceremonials’.
“Never Let Me Go” is another fan favorite. Yearning and surrender, set against a haunting piano melody and intense drumming.
‘Ceremonials’ proved that Florence and the Machine weren’t just a one-album wonder.
High as Hope (2018)
Taking the third place in the listing is ‘High as Hope’.
Journeying into more personal territory, ‘High as Hope’ is a reflection of moments of loss, desire, and self-discovery.
The album also illustrates a more mature and sophisticated sound.
The track ‘Hunger’ stands out, capturing the universal longing for fulfillment and love.
And ‘Big God’, is a haunting exploration of emotional voids and the lengths one goes to fill them.
Overall, this shows Florence and the Machine’s evolving emotional storytelling through music.
How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful (2015)
Fourth spot is for Florence and the Machine’s their third studio album, ‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’.
This record is the stepping-stone between the theatrical ‘Ceremonials’ and the deeply personal ‘High as Hope’. Released in May 2015.
The album was produced by Markus Dravs, known for his work with artists such as Coldplay.
‘Ship to Wreck’ is a high-energy track.
An exploration of self-destruction metaphorically depicted as a shipwreck.
‘What Kind of Man’ brought a different side of Florence and the Machine to the fore.
It signaled the band’s shift towards a rock-oriented sound.
In the end, ‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’ reflects the band’s strive for emotional openness.
Dance Fever (2022)
Rounding off the list of Florence and the Machine’s ranking is their latest release, ‘Dance Fever’.
Made public in May 2022, It may arguably be too early to assess the album’s full maturity and impact.
But ‘Dance Fever’ definitely adds a vibrant new avenue to the band’s musical exploration.
Venturing into a more progressive-pop influenced sound. Heavily influenced by Iggy Pop.
For now, we’ll give it a safe fifth place still. But we may come back to this.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Florence and the Machine continue to bring something new to the table.
Ranging from the raw authenticity of their earliest work ‘Lungs’ to their latest foray into progressive pop sounds in ‘Dance Fever’.
As we wait to see where their musical journey takes them next… one thing remains clear: Florence and the Machine’s discography is a unafraid exploration.