A Sonic Canvas of Emotion: Florence & The Machine’s ‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’
Upon its release in 2015, ‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’ marked a pivotal moment in Florence & The Machine’s discography. The album, their third studio release, saw the band transitioning from their signature baroque pop sound towards a more organic, stripped-down approach.
Frontwoman Florence Welch’s extraordinary voice has always been the centerpiece of the band’s sound, and this album is no exception. Her vocal performance throughout ‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’ is both powerful and emotive, perfectly complementing the album’s rich sonic palette.
The album opens with ‘Ship to Wreck’, a track filled with vibrant guitars and pulsating drums that form a backdrop to Welch’s introspective lyrics. Her powerful delivery mirrors the song’s turbulent themes of self-destruction and regret, setting the emotional tone for the rest of the album.
The title track ‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’ is a testament to the band’s musical evolution. The song unfolds slowly, building on a foundation of brass instruments, soft percussion, and Welch’s enchanting vocals. It’s a beautiful, ethereal piece that highlights the band’s ability to create intricate, layered soundscapes.
‘What Kind of Man’, the album’s lead single, stands as one of its strongest tracks. Its explosive choruses, underpinned by driving guitars and forceful percussion, provide the perfect counterpoint to the softer, more introspective moments in the song. Welch’s vocal performance is particularly impressive here, effortlessly shifting between delicate verses and powerful, passionate choruses.
Another standout track is ‘Queen of Peace’. It’s an ambitious, cinematic piece, complete with soaring vocals, lush orchestration, and an irresistibly catchy chorus. The song’s narrative, which speaks of turbulent relationships, showcases Welch’s talent as a storyteller.
At its core, ‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’ is an exploration of introspection and personal growth. The lyrics delve into themes of love, loss, and redemption, often with a raw honesty that resonates deeply. Welch’s songwriting has never been more compelling or more personal, making for an album that is as emotionally rich as it is musically.
From a production standpoint, ‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’ benefits greatly from the involvement of Markus Dravs, known for his work with Arcade Fire and Björk. His influence can be heard in the album’s more grounded, organic sound. The production never overpowers the songs but rather complements them, allowing the band’s musicianship and Welch’s vocals to shine.
Upon its release, ‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’ was met with critical acclaim and commercial success, debuting at number one on the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200. It was praised for its musical depth, introspective lyrics, and Welch’s powerful vocal performances. The album also earned the band five Grammy Award nominations, including Best Pop Vocal Album.
But the impact of ‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’ extends beyond its initial success. It marked a turning point in Florence & The Machine’s career, showcasing their musical maturation and their willingness to evolve their sound. The album’s richly textured songs, imbued with emotion and honesty, made a lasting impression on fans and critics alike, cementing the band’s status as one of the most distinctive acts in modern pop music.
‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’ is a triumphant embodiment of Florence & The Machine’s artistic evolution. It’s an album that wears its heart on its sleeve, delving into the depths of human emotion with grace and intensity. It’s a journey of self-discovery and reflection, set against a backdrop of orchestral grandeur and rock-infused energy.
Each song, like a brushstroke on a canvas, contributes to the album’s broad emotional landscape, creating a coherent and immersive listening experience. From the powerful ‘What Kind of Man’ to the sublime title track ‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’, each track stands as a testament to the band’s ability to articulate complex emotions through music.
Perhaps one of the album’s greatest strengths is its honesty. Welch’s songwriting is deeply personal, exploring her own struggles and triumphs in a way that feels universally relatable. Her lyrics, combined with her extraordinary vocal performances, have a unique ability to resonate with listeners, evoking a sense of empathy and understanding.
Another strength lies in the band’s musicianship. The instrumental arrangements are intricate and textured, seamlessly blending a variety of styles and influences. The result is a unique sound that is both familiar and innovative, honoring the band’s musical roots while also pushing their boundaries.
‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’ is an album of growth and transformation. It marks a significant milestone in Florence & The Machine’s journey, encapsulating a period of personal and artistic evolution. The album showcases the band at their most vulnerable and most powerful, resulting in a piece of work that is as emotionally resonant as it is musically impressive.
In the years since its release, ‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’ has continued to captivate listeners, its impact undiminished by time. It stands as a poignant reminder of the power of music to connect, to heal, and to inspire. With ‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’, Florence & The Machine have crafted an enduring piece of art, one that will continue to resonate for years to come.
