On October 31, 2011, Florence Welch of Florence and Machine released her long awaited follow-up album “Ceremonials.” The build-up of anticipation for this album was palpable, and for good reason. “Ceremonials” does what many follow-up albums cannot do: Surpass the brilliance of its predecessor. Here is a look at why “Ceremonials” exceeds expectations and sets the new benchmark for the music industry.
Florence Welch Does the Impossible
Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine has done the impossible. Her follow-up album “Ceremonials” has improved upon her existing catalog of songs from “Lungs.” When I heard that Florence was recording a new album, I was worried at first. You never know what a follow-up album is going to be like, after a stellar debut album. Florence and the Machine’s debut album “Lungs” was nothing short of incredible. I knew her follow-up album would be great, but I was worried that “Ceremonials” wouldn’t be able to top “Lungs.” Well, if you haven’t heard, let me be the first to tell you. “Ceremonials not only bests “Lungs,” it takes Florence into new territory. “Ceremonials” is stunning and captivating, much like Florence herself.
Stand-Out Tracks
There is not a single mediocre song on the album. Every song on “Ceremonials” is a brilliant display of Florence Welch’s talent and power. Excellent examples of Florence’s work on “Ceremonials” include “Only If For a Night,” “Never Let Me Go” and “No Light, No Light, along with her released singles from her album “Shake It Up” and “What the Water Gave Me.” Rarely am I able to listen to an album from beginning to end without hitting the skip button once; “Ceremonials” is enjoyable from beginning to end.
Hope for the Future of Music
When Florence and the Machine released “Lungs” in 2009, my faith in the music industry was restored, tenfold. Now she has done it again with “Ceremonials,” only with a more soulful edge. Florence and the Machine is good news for the music industry, and while there may be many copy cats, there is only one Florence Welch.
Patiently Waiting for Her to Go Back on Tour
I was one of the lucky ones to see Florence and the Machine perform live on June 20, 2011 at Festival Pier in Philadelphia where she performed her hits from “Lungs” and she treated fans to a preview of “What the Water Gave Me.” If she is brilliant in the recording studio, she is mind-blowing live. Now I patiently wait for tour details and pray that she decides to visit Philadelphia again!
If you haven’t purchased your copy of Florence and the Machine’s new album “Ceremonials” yet, what are you waiting for?
More from this Contributor:
“Ceremonials”: What Does Florence and the Machine’s New Album Have in Store for Fans?
Florence and the Machine Thrills Fans at Festival Pier in Philadelphia
In the Studio: Florence and the Machine to Finish Follow-up Album in July 2011