Florence and the Machine - How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful

I really wanted to love this album. Florence Welsh’s earlier work had meant a lot to me as an angsty 13 year old, and so I felt almost obliged to find the same sort of reverent affinity with How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful. On first listen, I wasn’t convinced. The knitting together of folky rock and brass sections felt rather repetitive across the album, as well as slightly crowded at times. However, the second half of the album is, without a doubt, worth sticking around for.  It’s the more stripped back tracks that make up the backbone of How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful. The lack of elaborate instrumentals in St. Jude and Long & Lost throws Florence’s astonishing vocals into sharp relief, illustrating the striking balance between power and vulnerability that her voice commands.  These songs are most indicative of the four-year gap between albums, bringing a newfound maturity to the music. Third Eye is my favorite of all, and comes closest to the majestic, shout-out-loud anthems that Florence is famous for. Album number three definitely has some moments of genius, but unfortunately isn’t quite all I hoped for.