Ceremonials
by Florence + the Machine
  • Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Nov 1, 2011
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 585 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 541 out of 585
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 585
  3. Negative: 31 out of 585
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Ithinkiwlddie
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    This album is such a masterpiece, with anthems like "shake it out" which makes you dance and twirl while thinking that everything bad or good is just temporary and everything will fall in it's place
  2. RiLitros
    May 11, 2022
    10
    Sometimes soulful (oh, "Lover to Lover") but almost always "gothic", or slightly dark ("7 devils", "Only if for a night", "No Light, No Light", "Shake it out"), with hints of something like "sad pop" as Never Let Me Go, and stuff reminiscent from their previous album "Lungs": 'heartlines', "All this and a heaven too" or the extra "Landscape". There is much experimentation in multiple waysSometimes soulful (oh, "Lover to Lover") but almost always "gothic", or slightly dark ("7 devils", "Only if for a night", "No Light, No Light", "Shake it out"), with hints of something like "sad pop" as Never Let Me Go, and stuff reminiscent from their previous album "Lungs": 'heartlines', "All this and a heaven too" or the extra "Landscape". There is much experimentation in multiple ways going on here. Even hb3 being my particular "hit on the heart", i can't let it pass: this one is the best album from them!… Expand
  3. Sidneilopez
    Nov 26, 2021
    7
    O álbum tem ótimas músicas,mas tem outras que não deveria estar nele...O álbum é ótimo,mas em algumas parte é entediante
  4. GagaBestActress
    Nov 25, 2021
    10
    This album proves the existence of God, it’s music at its highest quality!!
  5. Andres19882021
    Apr 9, 2021
    10
    It's so good Album, Florence really Is a good Singer, She deserves more protagonism
  6. Lopesito27
    Jan 23, 2021
    8
    It might seem overambitious with the heights it wants to reach, but if there's a voice with the capability of doing so, that's Florence's.
  7. DRTJ
    Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Favorite track: "What the Water Gave Me"
    Least favorite track: "Leave My Body"
    Florence + the Machine could only get better. While "Ceremonials" highlights lead singer Florence Welch's vocals more than her previous album, the orchestral, gothic vibe cannot be ignored when listening to the intricately arranged instrumentals and backing choirs. Each track is deep and immersive, whether    Favorite track: "What the Water Gave Me"
    Least favorite track: "Leave My Body"
    Florence + the Machine could only get better. While "Ceremonials" highlights lead singer Florence Welch's vocals more than her previous album, the orchestral, gothic vibe cannot be ignored when listening to the intricately arranged instrumentals and backing choirs. Each track is deep and immersive, whether it's a dark, brooding revenge ballad like "Seven Devils" or a triumphant celebration of letting go in "Shake It Out." "Ceremonials" is a powerhouse of an album both lyrically and instrumentally.    … Expand
  8. DisconsiderMe
    May 30, 2020
    10
    This is my favorite Florence album and of the favorite abums of my life, in love since the first listen. / Meu álbum favorito da banda e um dos favoritos da minha vida, me apaixonei na primeira vez que ouvi.
    5- Strangeness And Charm
    4- Spectrum
    3- All This And Heaven Too
    2- Shake It Out
    1- No Light, No Light
  9. typoirier
    Apr 22, 2020
    10
    Ceremonials remains my favourite Florence + The Machine album to date. The album is filled with beautiful spirituality both dark and light. I feel the emotion behind every single song.
  10. 0987
    Feb 12, 2020
    10
    It took me a while to completely get into Florence's music, but thanks to ''Spectrum'' I got interest into listening to this album. And I was not dissapointed at all. Along with Spectrum, my favourites were Shake It Out, Only if for a Night and No Light, No Light. Also, I forgot to say that Florence has a magical voice.
  11. SandyCaso
    Sep 1, 2019
    10
    This album will make you feel like you are part of the coven, it evokes magic and peace. Lyrics are like poetry and melodies compliment them in such a magnificent way.
  12. RafaelSeixas
    Aug 11, 2019
    10
    'Ceremonials' é aquele álbum completo em todos os aspectos! as faixas tem peso, tem som, tem letra e tem uma entoação divina da Florence. Ele é dark mas leve, ao mesmo tempo! Tem coros fabulosos e que são capazes de extrair mais emoção ainda... Maravilhoso!!!
  13. RK13
    Jun 21, 2018
    10
    This album is captivating, a huge improvement from Lungs. Shake It Out is simply amazing
  14. RobbyP
    May 4, 2018
    10
    A beautiful, sprawling, atmospheric album that takes me to dark places where I want to wail the lyrics with careless abandon. Okay, maybe that's dramatic, but Florence + the Machine IS drama. And this album is the perfect embodiment of their affinity for gut busting numbers. I love this album, and there are very few tracks on it that I will skip.
  15. darkparadiso
    Sep 15, 2016
    10
    AJEITA CARALOh UMA BIBLIA DESSAS MELHOR ALBUM DA FLROECE VAI TOMAR NO CU VCS SAO FUDIDOS NAO SABEM FAZER CRITICA NAO EXISTE MUSICA MELHOR QUE NEVER LET ME GO VAI SE FUDET
  16. Huwolf
    Aug 29, 2016
    10
    Another masterpiece* just epic and melodic/mysterious sounds.
    Sordic and magical lyrics/voice by Florence*
    An unique album with another references of Alternative.
    Just listen, you won't regret it*
  17. FELIPEFERREIRA
    May 19, 2016
    9
    Florence + The Machine evolui com o lançamento do Ceremonials. Agora, com um conceito mais melancólico, os ouvintes embarcam num álbum com uma extrema qualidade, em que nos prende do começo ao fim. "Shake It Out", "No Light, No Light" e "Seven Devils" são o apogeu do álbum.
  18. andrezapaiva
    Mar 26, 2016
    10
    FLORENCE É UMA ARTISTA INCRIVEL E EU AMO O CEREMONIALS VULGO MELHOR ALBUM DESSA MULHER.EU ADORO FICAR RODANDO COM ESSE ALBUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    TE AMO FLO
  19. primadonnr
    Mar 5, 2016
    10
    ARRUMA ESSA NOTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA NAO ACEITO MENOS DE 80 PRA ESSA OBRA DE ARTE FEITA ESCRITA E CRIADA POR DEUS FLORENCE WELCH arrumem isso......
  20. Mangaeyes
    Feb 27, 2016
    8
    8/10 - "Instead of Lungs' largely charming yet discombobulating diversity, Ceremonials suffers from a repetitiveness that's akin to looking at a skyline filled with 100-story behemoths lined-up one after the other, blocking out everything but their own size" - Pitchfork
  21. vinzlima
    Nov 5, 2015
    10
    It seems that this album did not come from a studio , and so magnificent that I think it came straight from the ocean so enjoyable to listen and dance . This and the best masterpiece of Florence today presented to the public , each song , each song. OMG, Florence and her band once again left many awestruck with capacitade to do something so perfect, beats , voices , backgrounds, strongIt seems that this album did not come from a studio , and so magnificent that I think it came straight from the ocean so enjoyable to listen and dance . This and the best masterpiece of Florence today presented to the public , each song , each song. OMG, Florence and her band once again left many awestruck with capacitade to do something so perfect, beats , voices , backgrounds, strong choruses and plenty of feelings , conceptualism , culture. Well, this is not something to call the album, but a bible of music .… Expand
  22. diegonelli
    Sep 14, 2015
    8
    The first song I listened was ''Shake It Out'' and I was impressed! I listened to all the album and it's stunning! In a good way. All the songs are catchy, although they aren't mainstream.
  23. Evic21
    Sep 13, 2015
    6
    In all honesty, this album is too long and over produced. I understand that she is trying to re-invent her sound album by album, but I think she needs more focus in order for her to really make an album resonate with the listener. In all, the vocals, production and lyrics are just way too much to just listen to straight through.
  24. CharlieGray
    Sep 11, 2015
    10
    Yeah, this album is some good **** Is one of the most dark and at the same time beautiful albums I have ever heard.
    From 'Only If for a Night' all the way to 'Bedroom Hymns'.
  25. johnbobs1
    Jul 6, 2015
    7
    After the grand, loud and inventive debut album Lungs, came the even grander, louder but noteably less inventive Ceremonials...
    But firstly, the album's main strength. If you enjoy an orchestral backing and soaring vocals, then you'll love this. The music is never less than epic, sweeping and screaming in its sound. There are some magnificent highs - as good as anything that Florence    After the grand, loud and inventive debut album Lungs, came the even grander, louder but noteably less inventive Ceremonials...
    But firstly, the album's main strength. If you enjoy an orchestral backing and soaring vocals, then you'll love this. The music is never less than epic, sweeping and screaming in its sound. There are some magnificent highs - as good as anything that Florence included in Lungs. ''Spectrum'' is a real gem - atmospheric strings give way to a galloping beat and Flo's emotional ''Say my name!'' in the chorus.
    ''Seven Devils'' is also an intriguing but extremely loud and well crafted song, and the closing chorus will blow your mind. Another noteable ''loudie'' is ''No light, no light'' - a thumping and unrelenting tribal bash of a song, with soaring vocals.
    However, the album's main strength has also been turned into one of it's biggest weaknesses. The vocals and orchestra are uncomfortably overdone at times, and done help one or two of the tracks. ''Shake it out'' is a noteable but over sung track, which becomes a little bland after a few listens. ''Heartlines'' is also far too grand (and bland) for its own good, and ''Never let me go'' somehow manages to be beautifully over sung and produced for its own good.
    Generally though, the good moments are well worth all the over production. A truly spectacular and gigantic sounding record with a bit of an ego.    … Expand
  26. Ayron_xcx
    Jun 22, 2015
    7
    Bom album! porém é um pouco entediante

    Melhores músicas ''Spectrum'' ''Shake It Out'' ''Never Let Me Go'' ''Take Care ''

    ...........................
  27. Wael
    Jun 2, 2015
    10
    Great solid effort from Florence and the Machine. They have come a long way since their excellent debut 'Lungs', and their electric guitars have metamorphosed into big orchestral bangs with the help of the best british producer that ever was: Paul Epworth. Lyrically deeper than ever, and sonically bigger than anything they have ever done, the orchestral feel goes amazingly with Florence'sGreat solid effort from Florence and the Machine. They have come a long way since their excellent debut 'Lungs', and their electric guitars have metamorphosed into big orchestral bangs with the help of the best british producer that ever was: Paul Epworth. Lyrically deeper than ever, and sonically bigger than anything they have ever done, the orchestral feel goes amazingly with Florence's strong emotional vocal delivery. Standouts include Shake it Off, All This and Heaven Too, Seven Devils, and Only If for a Night. Great timeless unforgettable record. 10/10.… Expand
  28. Muddsjr
    Nov 5, 2014
    8
    It's dark and far heavier than the first album. And for the most part.. its bloody brilliant. The low point for me remains for me however Seven Devils, which plods and feels a little overworked with those keyboards. Other than that, its fairly nice she likes writing songs about drowning.
  29. Panda_moniums
    Jun 17, 2014
    8
    I love this album. It dives more towards art or arena rock with huge ballads, while featuring some genre-bending tracks such as "Lover to Lover" which dives into soul. As a whole, this album delivers an uplifting, deep, spiritual experience, as demonstrated by tracks such as "What the Water Gave Me" "Never Let Me Go" and "Shake It Out". With the beautiful voice of Florence Welch, and theI love this album. It dives more towards art or arena rock with huge ballads, while featuring some genre-bending tracks such as "Lover to Lover" which dives into soul. As a whole, this album delivers an uplifting, deep, spiritual experience, as demonstrated by tracks such as "What the Water Gave Me" "Never Let Me Go" and "Shake It Out". With the beautiful voice of Florence Welch, and the instrumentals that enhance the experience even more, Ceremonials is no sophomore slump. Towards the end, some tracks become a bit diluted by over-production, but don't let that throw you off because the meaning, emotion, and spirituality in them still never disappoint. The only song that is truly disappointing on this album is Seven Devils, which seems a bit overdone and meaningless. Still, it features great tracks, some even written entirely by Florence herself (Breaking Down and Lover to Lover), that all demonstrate the talent and originality that this band has, even with a tad of over-production.… Expand
  30. philosophorse
    Apr 30, 2014
    10
    Should have at least been nominated for Album of the Year, even if it doesn't win. The epicness of this album and the individuality of the songs match the theme of having ceremonials perfectly.
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Most Discussed Album of 2011
12
#12 Most Shared Album of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Oct 9, 2012
    67
    Ceremonials is gorgeous head-to-toe, making grand statements with heavy syntax, but paradoxically, it's light as air.
    Read full review
  2. Delusions of Adequacy
    Mar 22, 2012
    60
    It's this robust fervor and subject matter that fire up and lift up many of the songs on Ceremonials, but the constant exhortation comes at a price. Listener fatigue sets in as the relentless, up-tempo pace and sharply exclamatory vocal tone overwhelms over the course of the album.
    Read full review
  3. Mojo
    Jan 10, 2012
    60
    For all the florid curlicues and crescendos, Welch's second album is light on true beauty, real idiosyncrasy. [Dec. 2011, p.94]
See all critic reviews »