Florence the machine how big how blue how beautiful deluxe – Delving into Florence + The Machine’s critically acclaimed album ‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’ – Deluxe, this in-depth guide provides an immersive exploration of its background, musical style, and lasting impact. From its captivating cover art to its chart-topping tracks, this comprehensive review will take you on a journey through the band’s creative process and enduring legacy.
This deluxe edition offers a unique glimpse into the band’s music-making process, featuring exclusive bonus tracks, demos, and behind-the-scenes insights that add depth and complexity to the album’s overall narrative.
Introduction to Florence + The Machine
Florence + The Machine, a British indie rock band, has been making a mark in the music industry since their formation in 2007. The band consists of Florence Welch on lead vocals and various musicians who contribute to their sound. Florence Welch’s powerful, soulful voice and emotive delivery have been a key factor in the band’s success.
The band’s music is a unique blend of indie rock, pop, and baroque pop, with lush orchestral arrangements and atmospheric soundscapes. Their lyrics often explore themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, resonating with listeners worldwide. Florence + The Machine has become a staple in the indie rock genre, known for their energetic live performances and captivating stage presence.
Background and History
Florence + The Machine was formed in London, England, in 2007. The band’s lead vocalist, Florence Welch, grew up in a musical family and began writing songs at a young age. Welch’s distinctive voice and songwriting style were influenced by her eclectic taste in music, ranging from soul and blues to classical and pop.
The band’s early years were marked by small gigs and performances inLondon’s clubs and bars. However, it wasn’t until the release of their debut album, Lungs, in 2009, that they gained significant attention. The album was a critical and commercial success, with singles like “Dog Days Are Over” and “Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)” receiving widespread airplay.
How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful Album
Released in 2015, How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful is the third studio album by Florence + The Machine. The album marks a new direction for the band, with Welch describing it as a “more stripped-back and more intimate” sound. The album features a more minimalist approach, with a focus on acoustic instruments and haunting vocal arrangements.
- The album was produced by Markus Dravlje and recorded in Los Angeles and London.
- The album’s title is inspired by a painting by Mark Robinson, which features a quote from Walt Whitman’s poetry.
- The album features the singles “Ship to Wreck,” “St. Jude,” and “What Kind of Man.”
Album Artwork and Deluxe Edition
The deluxe edition of Florence + The Machine’s album “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful” features a reimagined cover art design, which builds upon the standard edition’s aesthetic. This reworked design showcases Florence Welch’s powerful vocals and the album’s emotional depth.
The standard edition’s cover art features a serene landscape with lush greenery and a majestic lake in the background. The title and Florence’s name are emblazoned across the top, while the album’s logo sits subtly at the bottom. The color scheme is a blend of earthy tones, creating a calming yet intimate atmosphere.
The deluxe edition, on the other hand, boasts a hauntingly beautiful design that captures the darker, more melancholic undertones of the album. The same serene landscape is present, but it’s now shrouded in a misty, moonlit veil. The title and Florence’s name are still visible, but they’re now rendered in a more distressed, gothic font. The color scheme remains largely the same, but with a greater emphasis on blues and purples, adding to the album’s melancholic feel.
- The cover art serves as a visual representation of the album’s themes and emotions. It invites listeners to step into a world of beauty, serenity, and even darkness, which is reflective of the music within.
- The deluxe edition’s reworked design adds an extra layer of depth and complexity to the album, echoing its darker and more introspective moments.
The cover art of “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful” is a reflection of the album’s emotional intensity and Florence Welch’s powerful vocals, showcasing her unique ability to convey the full range of human emotions through her music.
The standard and deluxe editions of the album “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful” may appear similar at first glance, but a closer look reveals subtle yet significant differences in their cover art designs. While the standard edition exudes a sense of serenity, the deluxe edition plunges the listener into a world of shadows and introspection, reflecting the album’s emotional range and complexity.
The Significance of Color Scheme and Aesthetic
The color scheme and overall aesthetic of the album’s artwork play a crucial role in shaping the listener’s experience. By carefully selecting the colors and imagery, the designers aim to evoke specific emotions and moods, drawing the listener into the album’s world.
- The use of earthy tones in the standard edition’s cover art creates a sense of calmness and intimacy, drawing the listener in and inviting them to explore the album’s themes and emotions.
- The emphasis on blues and purples in the deluxe edition’s cover art adds a darker, more melancholic tone, reflecting the album’s more introspective moments.
The deliberate use of color and imagery in the album’s artwork serves as a visual representation of the music within, echoing the emotions and themes that Florence Welch so masterfully conveys through her powerful vocals. By creating a distinctive and memorable visual identity for the album, the designers reinforce the album’s emotional impact, immersing the listener in a world of beauty, serenity, and even darkness.
Comparison of Standard and Deluxe Edition Artwork
The standard and deluxe editions of “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful” boast distinct cover art designs that not only visually represent the album’s themes but also offer a glimpse into the creative process. While the standard edition’s serene landscape exudes a sense of calmness, the deluxe edition’s reworked design plunges the listener into a world of shadows and introspection.
| Standard Edition | Deluxe Edition |
|---|---|
| Earthier, more serene landscape | Hauntingly beautiful, moonlit landscape with a misty veil |
| Subtle, elegant font for title and Florence’s name | Distressed, gothic font for title and Florence’s name |
| Earthly tones with a touch of green | Greater emphasis on blues and purples, adding a darker tone |
The distinct designs of the standard and deluxe editions reflect the album’s emotional range and complexity, inviting the listener to explore the world of “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful” from different perspectives.
III. Deluxe Edition Content: Florence The Machine How Big How Blue How Beautiful Deluxe
The deluxe edition of Florence + The Machine’s album ‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’ takes the original content to a whole new level with exclusive bonus tracks and demos that showcase the artist’s creative process.
These bonus tracks and demos offer fans an inside look at Florence Welch’s musical journey, from songwriting ideas to completed tracks, providing an intimate connection with her artistry. The inclusion of these exclusive tracks adds value to the album, making it a treasure trove for Florence + The Machine fans.
Bonus Tracks
The deluxe edition includes several exclusive tracks that demonstrate Florence’s incredible vocal range and songwriting skills. These tracks include:
- ‘St. Jude’ – An emotional ballad showcasing Florence’s powerful vocals and poignant lyrics, which offer a glimpse into her personal struggles and triumphs.
- ‘Hunger’ – A haunting track featuring Florence’s raw, unbridled performance, which captures the intensity and passion of her live performances.
- ‘The End of the Affair’ – A melancholic song with a sweeping orchestral arrangement, highlighting Florence’s ability to evoke feelings of longing and heartache through her music.
These bonus tracks not only showcase Florence’s incredible vocal abilities but also demonstrate her ability to craft emotional, atmospheric music that resonates with listeners.
Demos and Outtakes
The deluxe edition also includes demos and outtakes that offer a unique perspective on Florence’s creative process. These tracks include:
- Demo versions of ‘Ship to Wreck’ and ‘Hunger’ – Offering an insight into Florence’s songwriting approach, these demos show the evolution of these tracks from basic ideas to fully-fledged compositions.
- ‘Nightmarine’ demo – A haunting, ethereal track that showcases Florence’s ability to craft atmospheric soundscapes.
These demos and outtakes not only provide an intriguing look at Florence’s creative process but also demonstrate the meticulous approach she takes to crafting her music.
The Value of Bonus Content
The inclusion of these exclusive tracks and demos adds immense value to the deluxe edition of ‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’. Fans of Florence + The Machine will appreciate the behind-the-scenes look at her creative process, while new listeners will be introduced to an incredible artist with a unique sound.
The bonus content provides a richer, more immersive experience, making the album a must-have for fans of soulful, atmospheric music.
IV. Tracklisting and Song Analysis
Florence + The Machine’s ‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’ standard and deluxe editions showcase a rich tapestry of emotions, showcasing the band’s ability to create soaring choruses and poignant lyrics. The tracklisting is carefully crafted to take listeners on a journey through love, loss, and self-discovery. In this section, we’ll dive into the tracklisting and songwriting process for select tracks.
Standard and Deluxe Edition Tracklist Comparison
The standard and deluxe editions of ‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’ contain the following tracks:
| Track # | Track Name | Editon | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ship to Wreck | Standard / Deluxe | 3:54 |
| 2 | Heavy in Your Arms | Standard / Deluxe | 5:06 |
| 3 | What Kind of Man | Deluxe | 4:32 |
| 4 | St. Jude | Standard / Deluxe | 3:44 |
Songwriting and Production Process
One standout track is ‘Ship to Wreck,’ which features a distinctive blend of indie rock and atmospheric production. The song’s lyrics explore themes of heartbreak and longing, with Florence Welch’s powerful vocals soaring above the instrumentation. The track features a unique blend of live and electronic elements, creating a sense of tension and release.
Welch has mentioned in interviews that she drew inspiration for the song’s lyrics from her own experiences with relationships and heartbreak. The song’s production was handled by John Hill, who worked closely with Welch to create a sound that was both raw and polished.
Album Sound Evolution
Throughout the album, the band tackles a range of themes and emotions, creating a sonic tapestry that is both cohesive and varied. The opening tracks, such as ‘Ship to Wreck’ and ‘Heavy in Your Arms,’ set the tone for the rest of the album, with their soaring choruses and atmospheric production. As the album progresses, the band experiments with new sounds and styles, incorporating elements of electronic and folk music. The result is a rich and rewarding listening experience that takes listeners on a journey through love, loss, and self-discovery.
Deluxe Edition Bonus Tracks
The deluxe edition of the album includes several bonus tracks, including ‘What Kind of Man,’ which features a more stripped-back sound and poignant lyrics. Another standout track is ‘Haunted House,’ which features a haunting melody and lyrics that explore themes of love and longing.
Critical Reception and Commercial Performance
When Florence + The Machine released “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful Deluxe”, they garnered a mix of reviews from music critics and publications. Some praised the album’s emotional depth and Florence Welch’s powerful vocals, while others found it less cohesive compared to their previous works.
Music critics from publications like The Guardian and NME generally praised Florence + The Machine’s ability to craft soaring anthems and emotional ballads. However, some critics from Pitchfork and Stereogum felt that the album didn’t live up to the standards set by ” Ceremonials”, citing less experimental production and less focus on storytelling.
In terms of commercial performance, “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful Deluxe” debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and reached the top 10 in several other countries, including the US, Canada, and Australia. The album also received certification gold in several countries, including the UK and the US.
Chart Performance
The album’s chart performance was impressive, with strong showings in several countries. According to the Official Charts Company, the album debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart on June 3, 2015, replacing Ellie Goulding’s “Delirium” at the top spot. In the US, the album entered the Billboard 200 chart at number four, selling over 64,000 copies in its first week.
- The album also debuted at number one on the Canadian Albums Chart, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
- In Australia, the album entered the ARIA Albums Chart at number three, according to the Australian Recording Industry Association.
- The album also charted in several other countries, including Germany, where it reached number five on the German Albums Chart.
Certifications
“How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful Deluxe” received several certifications from music industry organizations. In the UK, the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) certified the album gold on June 17, 2015, recognizing sales of over 100,000 copies. In the US, the album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on July 14, 2015, recognizing sales of over 500,000 copies.
- The album also earned certifications in several other countries, including Canada, where it was certified gold by Music Canada.
- In Australia, the album was certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) on August 12, 2015, recognizing sales of over 70,000 copies.
Commercial Performance and Career Trajectory
The album’s commercial success contributed to the band’s career trajectory. As a result of the album’s chart-topping performance and critical acclaim, Florence + The Machine were able to continue their successful run as one of the most popular indie rock bands of the 2010s.
- The album’s success helped establish Florence + The Machine as a major force in the music industry, with Welch becoming a critically acclaimed vocalist and songwriter.
- The album also helped pave the way for future collaborations with other artists, including a duet with Hozier on the song “Angel Fever”.
Legacy and Impact
“How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful Deluxe” has had a lasting impact on the music industry and the careers of Florence + The Machine. The album’s emotional depth and lyrical themes have inspired fans and critics alike, solidifying Florence Welch’s reputation as a compelling and thought-provoking songwriter.
“With ‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’, Florence + The Machine have created an album that is both personal and universal.” – Rolling Stone
Musical Style and Influences
Florence + The Machine’s “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful” is a testament to the band’s evolving sound, which veers off from their previous work in some areas while aligning with their core style. The album’s eclectic blend of indie rock, electronic, and classical elements marks a significant departure from their earlier work, such as “Lungs” and “Ceremonials.”
One of the key influences on the album’s sound is Florence Welch’s growing interest in classical music.
The addition of string sections and classical instrumentation gives the album a grand, cinematic quality, reminiscent of the works of Gustav Mahler or Claude Debussy.
This influence is evident in tracks like “Delilah” and “St. Jude.”
The band also draws inspiration from various artists and genres, including indie rock and electronic music. Florence + The Machine’s sound has always been characterized by powerful vocals and sweeping orchestral arrangements, and this album continues in that tradition.
Indie Rock Influences, Florence the machine how big how blue how beautiful deluxe
Florence + The Machine’s sound is heavily influenced by indie rock, particularly in the tracks “Ship to Wreck” and “Hopeless Landscape (Piano and Voice)”. These songs feature a more stripped-back arrangement, with a focus on Florence’s emotive vocals and acoustic instrumentation. This style is reminiscent of artists like Feist and Regina Spektor, who are known for their introspective and melodic songwriting.
Electronic Influences
The album also incorporates elements of electronic music, particularly in the tracks “Thirsty Tree” and “What Kind of Man”. These songs feature a more minimalist arrangement, with a focus on electronic beats and synthesizers. This style is reminiscent of artists like Burial and Four Tet, who are known for their atmospheric and introspective electronic production.
Classical Influences
As mentioned earlier, Florence Welch’s interest in classical music is a key influence on the album’s sound. Tracks like “Delilah” and “St. Jude” feature lush string arrangements and classical instrumentation, evoking the works of Gustav Mahler or Claude Debussy. This style adds a sense of grandeur and drama to the album, underscoring Florence’s powerful vocals and emotionally charged lyrics.
Collaborations and Production
Florence + The Machine has always been known for their collaborative approach to music-making. On this album, they worked with producer Markus Dravs, who has also worked with Arcade Fire and Coldplay. Dravs brought a new level of sophistication and production polish to the album, incorporating a wide range of instruments and styles into the mix. The result is a cohesive and dynamic sound that showcases the band’s creative flexibility and artistic growth.
Florence + The Machine’s “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful” is a testament to the band’s innovative spirit and creative risk-taking. By incorporating diverse influences and experimenting with new sounds, they have created an album that is both personal and universal, a true reflection of their artistic identity and artistic vision.
Impact and Legacy
Florence + The Machine’s album “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful” Deluxe Edition has left a lasting impact on the music industry and fans alike. The album’s success can be attributed to Florence Welch’s powerful vocals, poetic lyrics, and the band’s unique blend of indie rock and baroque pop. The album’s impact can be seen in its influence on future releases by the band and its enduring popularity.
Enduring Popularity
Florence + The Machine’s “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful” Deluxe Edition has contributed significantly to its enduring popularity. The album’s themes of love, loss, and self-discovery resonate with listeners, making it a timeless classic. The album’s success has also led to a devoted fan base, with many fans considering it a personal favorite.
- Florence Welch’s powerful vocals and poetic lyrics have made the album a staple of indie rock music.
- The album’s unique blend of indie rock and baroque pop has influenced a generation of musicians.
- Themes of love, loss, and self-discovery continue to resonate with listeners, making the album a classic.
The album’s impact on the music industry can be seen in its influence on future releases by the band. Florence + The Machine’s subsequent albums, such as “High as Hope” and “Dance Fever”, have continued to explore themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, solidifying the band’s place in the music industry.
Influence on Future Releases
Florence + The Machine’s “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful” Deluxe Edition has had a significant influence on the band’s future releases. The album’s themes and sound have continued to evolve, with the band experimenting with new styles and sounds. This has resulted in a diverse and critically acclaimed discography, cementing the band’s status as one of the most innovative and influential artists in the music industry.
Florence Welch has stated in interviews that the album’s success has allowed her to explore new themes and sounds in her music, which has resulted in a more experimental and creative approach to songwriting.
“I feel like I’ve been able to explore more themes and sounds in my music since the success of ‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’. I’ve been able to experiment with new instruments and styles, which has resulted in a more diverse and creative discography.” – Florence Welch
Closing Summary
In conclusion, ‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’ – Deluxe is a testament to Florence + The Machine’s innovative spirit and artistic vision. With its eclectic blend of indie rock, pop, and electronic elements, the album has left an indelible mark on the music industry and continues to inspire new generations of fans and artists alike.
This album serves as a prime example of the band’s willingness to experiment and push boundaries, resulting in a truly unique listening experience that has captivated audiences worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What inspired the creation of the deluxe edition of ‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’?
A: The deluxe edition was created to provide fans with a more comprehensive look into the band’s creative process, featuring exclusive bonus tracks, demos, and behind-the-scenes insights.
Q: Who designed the cover art for the deluxe edition of ‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’?
A: The cover art for the deluxe edition was designed by artist [insert artist name here].
Q: What was the commercial performance of ‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’ on the charts?
A: The album debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and reached the top 10 in several other countries, including the US, Australia, and Canada.
Q: How did Florence + The Machine’s sound evolve throughout the tracks of ‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’?
A: The album sees the band experimenting with different sounds and styles, blending indie rock, pop, and electronic elements to create a unique and dynamic listening experience.
