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
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  1. ioseph
    Nov 2, 2011
    10
    It is the best album of the 2011, and she is clearly a brilliant with the lyrics and the vocals no doubt, I just can't get enough, so excited about the charts, I see more than one Grammy in the future.
  2. Osaki_7
    Dec 16, 2011
    10
    Undoubtedly ceremonials that Florence was a gift bestowed on us in 2011.
    Florence sings with much more confidence, strength and softness, their vocals are divinely impeccable, making anyone listen to eventually become one of the legion of lovers of the art of Florence Welch and her band.
    The band gained more prominence brightness. Special mention to Shake It Out, a song that every time I    Undoubtedly ceremonials that Florence was a gift bestowed on us in 2011.
    Florence sings with much more confidence, strength and softness, their vocals are divinely impeccable, making anyone listen to eventually become one of the legion of lovers of the art of Florence Welch and her band.
    The band gained more prominence brightness.
    Special mention to Shake It Out, a song that every time I hear it I feel my heart beat faster and radiates a joy in my face.
    A great and beautiful work    … Expand
  3. InvisibleM
    Jul 22, 2012
    8
    Ceremonials is really baroque and haunting and one of the best album released in 2011. Thanks to songs like What The Water Gave Me (a masterpiece!), Shake it Out, Leave My Body, Never Let Me Go and Spectrum this album won't leave your head & while listening to it you'll have the feeling of participating in some kind of old ceremony or ritual to get rid of the devil inside of you (orCeremonials is really baroque and haunting and one of the best album released in 2011. Thanks to songs like What The Water Gave Me (a masterpiece!), Shake it Out, Leave My Body, Never Let Me Go and Spectrum this album won't leave your head & while listening to it you'll have the feeling of participating in some kind of old ceremony or ritual to get rid of the devil inside of you (or whatever, it doesn't really matter at all).… Expand
  4. 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
  5. Haldy
    Nov 3, 2011
    10
    Florence has always been one of those beautiful acts that are always there on your iPod should you need something powerful to play in your ears, for me. This album, however, has made her so much more.

    It's powerful, a power that exceeds even the near flawless 'Lungs'. It carries with it the haunting edge 'Lungs' also held, but plays on it in far more straight-forward ways, a hurricane    Florence has always been one of those beautiful acts that are always there on your iPod should you need something powerful to play in your ears, for me. This album, however, has made her so much more.

    It's powerful, a power that exceeds even the near flawless 'Lungs'. It carries with it the haunting edge 'Lungs' also held, but plays on it in far more straight-forward ways, a hurricane in musical production and voice, though she equally explores softer melodies, wind instruments and sweeter singing, reminiscent to my 'Lungs' highlight, 'Blinding'.

    This is not to mention the fact that Florence Welch is one of the best songwriters in recent memory, let alone singers. She's truly crafted herself a niche in music and still manages to feel like a breath of empowering, fresh air on every listen. It's thus far, for me, the quintessential album of 2011.    … Expand
  6. DanceVera
    Dec 12, 2011
    8
    While Lungs was more eclectic (and appropriately body focused), Ceremonials dives into exploring the sometimes more elusive sacred aspects of experience, and ends up settling into a more cohesive sounding album. Listening to this album feels as serious and mysterious as the best of ceremonies, yet never as boring thanks to the percussive and epic anthems that call for us to sing aloud.While Lungs was more eclectic (and appropriately body focused), Ceremonials dives into exploring the sometimes more elusive sacred aspects of experience, and ends up settling into a more cohesive sounding album. Listening to this album feels as serious and mysterious as the best of ceremonies, yet never as boring thanks to the percussive and epic anthems that call for us to sing aloud. "Thin Space" is a Celtic phrase used to describe places where the two worlds of spiritual and natural meet. Ceremonials is a thin space for me. Highlights are all the first 7 tracks together, and the last 2.… Expand
  7. FlorenceWong
    Jan 29, 2012
    10
    It's dark and grandiose, two things "Lungs" wasn't. It's a great improvement on the unstructured album that was "Lungs." Where "Lungs" found greatness in its imperfections, "Ceremonials" chooses to strive for perfection. It's a lofty goal, and "Ceremonials" is not perfect, but it is as close as possible. There is no moment as bright as 'Dog Days Are Over,' but "Ceremonials" makes up forIt's dark and grandiose, two things "Lungs" wasn't. It's a great improvement on the unstructured album that was "Lungs." Where "Lungs" found greatness in its imperfections, "Ceremonials" chooses to strive for perfection. It's a lofty goal, and "Ceremonials" is not perfect, but it is as close as possible. There is no moment as bright as 'Dog Days Are Over,' but "Ceremonials" makes up for this in the beauty of the anthem, 'Shake It Out.' Though heavy and sometimes overbearingly dark, it is an artistic and beautiful album, and possibly the best album of 2011.… Expand
  8. martinmiggs
    Mar 12, 2012
    10
    Right, so Ceremonials... The first three songs are just insanely good. Instantly accessible Flo at it's best. BUT. If you actually give this album the chance it deserves then you may find that the rest is about as far from filler as it's possible to be. In particular No Light, No Light, Leave My Body, and Heartlines are unsung heroes here. This is very easily my album of 2011, andRight, so Ceremonials... The first three songs are just insanely good. Instantly accessible Flo at it's best. BUT. If you actually give this album the chance it deserves then you may find that the rest is about as far from filler as it's possible to be. In particular No Light, No Light, Leave My Body, and Heartlines are unsung heroes here. This is very easily my album of 2011, and unbelievably better than Lungs. See her live if you haven't already.… Expand
  9. CBRN10
    Mar 25, 2012
    9
    amazing album!!! made me buy her other album and fall in love with this band from the beginning. shake it out is pure genius. that song speaks volumes.
  10. Romulomsn
    Dec 31, 2012
    9
    Amazing album. Florence's powerful vocals alone would make it worth hearing, but it's much more than that, the instrumentals and choir give much deeper experience than the already great Lungs. The songs lost a little of the dancing feel of it's predecessor, it's more dark and complex without losing power. A really unique experience, when you think the best has passed, the last 4 songs showAmazing album. Florence's powerful vocals alone would make it worth hearing, but it's much more than that, the instrumentals and choir give much deeper experience than the already great Lungs. The songs lost a little of the dancing feel of it's predecessor, it's more dark and complex without losing power. A really unique experience, when you think the best has passed, the last 4 songs show you were very wrong.… Expand
  11. drobinson35
    Dec 1, 2013
    10
    This album is perfect. Florence's ethereal voice is back, and draped in melodic perfection throughout the 12 tracks on this standard disc. 'Spectrum' and 'Shake it Out', 'Never Let Me Go' and 'Leave My Body' are all standouts.

    Deluxe Edition packs an extra 8 acoustic tracks..... worth the extra buck if you've got it!
  12. 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.
  13. Copenhagun
    Nov 26, 2011
    9
    I was watching SNL the other night, when Florence and the Machine came on. Now normally, I fast forward my DVR past these segments, because honestly, the sound makes almost everyone sound horrible and 7 out of 10 bands or acts, I just can't stand. I was pleasantly surprised by Florence and The Machine. They remind me of a Female led Coldplay.. but better. I thoroughly enjoy at least halfI was watching SNL the other night, when Florence and the Machine came on. Now normally, I fast forward my DVR past these segments, because honestly, the sound makes almost everyone sound horrible and 7 out of 10 bands or acts, I just can't stand. I was pleasantly surprised by Florence and The Machine. They remind me of a Female led Coldplay.. but better. I thoroughly enjoy at least half of this album, and that being said, is an accomplishment for any band these days.… Expand
  14. SmokyEyes
    May 20, 2012
    9
    Ceremonials represents a musical evolution from the previously released album "Lungs". It has more a dark sound to it (if you think of tracks like "Seven Devils" and "Only If For A Night"). The lyrics, as always are mystical and astonishing, indeed pure poetry. Many themes are spoken about in this album as spirituality, life and love. Florence has an unique voice that makes her stand outCeremonials represents a musical evolution from the previously released album "Lungs". It has more a dark sound to it (if you think of tracks like "Seven Devils" and "Only If For A Night"). The lyrics, as always are mystical and astonishing, indeed pure poetry. Many themes are spoken about in this album as spirituality, life and love. Florence has an unique voice that makes her stand out from the choir, you can hear in her singing influences by Stevie Nicks. She adds up a lot of drama to her singing which is, in my opinion, a great quality, since it intensifies the meaning of her lyrics. We definitely need more artists like Florence and the Machine.… Expand
  15. MusicForever
    Dec 23, 2012
    10
    Perfect In Every Way..
  16. raviopatra
    Nov 19, 2013
    10
    This album changes nothing of my opinions about the band other than that now, the band is just as important as Welch's vocals. It offers an eclectic set of sounds with great musicality. "Only If for a Night" opens the album promisingly to join "Never Let Me Go", "Spectrum", and "Seven Devils" being the tracks that stand out the most.
  17. iamanicon
    Nov 12, 2011
    8
    Just as dark and haunting as it's predecessor - though it doesn't always live up to the standard of lungs, It still remains one of the greatest albums of the year, and far better than anything Adele has done.
  18. Craterdome
    Nov 3, 2011
    10
    I had high expectations for this album coming in and I'm glad to see they've been more than met. I have to agree with a lot of people that this is likely to be my favorite album of the year. It's the only reason I'd bother to write a gushing review of it. If you loved or even liked Lungs you will love this. It is bigger, badder, longer, darker and just all around greater. I canI had high expectations for this album coming in and I'm glad to see they've been more than met. I have to agree with a lot of people that this is likely to be my favorite album of the year. It's the only reason I'd bother to write a gushing review of it. If you loved or even liked Lungs you will love this. It is bigger, badder, longer, darker and just all around greater. I can understand how this music isn't for everyone, but I think almost any fan of great singing can find some songs to like from this band. There's a great variety of sounds, but if you like heavy drums or harps especially you'll love this. Strangeness and Charm is my favorite song, but they are all quite stellar. Also, the deluxe edition has 20 songs and is an hour and a half long. That's a lot of great music. Enough said, at the very least give it a try.… Expand
  19. paulwilsonlogic
    Jul 27, 2012
    10
    It's not easy as my scores get the highest, but flatly "Ceremonials" deserves a majestic acclamation. It's not just a mixture of different styles, but all these are just one body. No doubt folk influences forge a straight, clean and welcoming path. Miss Florence does not miss any details. There is no empty space in this album. Very continuous, filler and captivating. "Ceremonials"It's not easy as my scores get the highest, but flatly "Ceremonials" deserves a majestic acclamation. It's not just a mixture of different styles, but all these are just one body. No doubt folk influences forge a straight, clean and welcoming path. Miss Florence does not miss any details. There is no empty space in this album. Very continuous, filler and captivating. "Ceremonials" graduates with honours.… Expand
  20. Allthatjazz
    Nov 6, 2011
    10
    This may not be the absolute best album of 2011 but it definitely deserves to be a contender for that title. After such a strong debut album it looked like Florence Welch and her band wouldn't be able to beat it, but with Ceremonials they did. It is more consistent sounding then Lungs and even more outrageously beautiful and well orchestrated. This album is darker than Lungs for sure, butThis may not be the absolute best album of 2011 but it definitely deserves to be a contender for that title. After such a strong debut album it looked like Florence Welch and her band wouldn't be able to beat it, but with Ceremonials they did. It is more consistent sounding then Lungs and even more outrageously beautiful and well orchestrated. This album is darker than Lungs for sure, but also more artistic and beautifully expressive. 10 out of 10!… Expand
  21. LuizCC
    Nov 13, 2011
    10
    She got it again! With astonishing lyrics, and a calmer voice, Welch brings up again the power of Kate Bush in the 80s, and manages to do with brilliant musics. With the hit of this year, 'Shake It Out', and the tracks 'Never Let me Go', 'Heartlines' and 'Spectrum', we get from her a new person, a new concept, a new beatiful album!
  22. UknoKris10
    Nov 1, 2011
    10
    I love every bit of this album. I don't even know where to begin. Florence's voice, the mind blowing lyrics, and the perfect music. Chris's drumming and Tom's harp has never been better. It's just perfect.
  23. FormerDominator
    Nov 9, 2011
    10
    By the 6,573rd time I'd heard "Dog Days Are Over", I was just about done with Florence + the Machine. But THIS-this is something entirely different. With "Ceremonials", Florence + the Machine successfully-VERY successfully-sheds their feel-good-just-for-fun indie-pop image and trades it for an epic, stadium-anthemic sound that's hard to put into words. There's so much winning on this albumBy the 6,573rd time I'd heard "Dog Days Are Over", I was just about done with Florence + the Machine. But THIS-this is something entirely different. With "Ceremonials", Florence + the Machine successfully-VERY successfully-sheds their feel-good-just-for-fun indie-pop image and trades it for an epic, stadium-anthemic sound that's hard to put into words. There's so much winning on this album it's not even funny. The only bad thing here is that the best song on the album ("Only if for the Night") is done away with on the first track. Album of the year? Quite possibly.… Expand
  24. Djvic
    Nov 12, 2011
    10
    Best album of the 2011. Why Adele, Amy, Beyonce, etc.. Florence Welch is the queen of the 21st century. Songs: "What the water gave me", "Breaking down", "No lights, no lights", " Lover to lover", "Spectrum", "Leave my body".
  25. melmaz3303
    Nov 22, 2011
    9
    I'm obsessed with this cd. SO many great songs on here. I can't give it a 10 because there are two that I don't care for. Breaking Down and All this and Heaven Too just don't do it for me. Bedroom Hymns, Seven Devils and Only if for a Night...I'm in love!!!
  26. turtledean
    Apr 30, 2012
    10
    Fantastic vocal this is a great band, Florence and the Machine is a complete band experience, best album of 2011, different from Lungs, more romantic and gothic as Lungs was punky and sharp. Watch for the third one, it could be a chart buster.
  27. sebou
    May 30, 2012
    9
    A very solid second album. The whole record has more darker tones than the first one. The songwriting is constant in quality and there are less fillers than the 1st album. Producer Paul Epsworth has done a tremendous job here! . Florence is definitely here to last, like it or not.
  28. Dumitru
    Oct 3, 2012
    8
    I see lots of "smart" reviews, as if we, the users, are real critics in the music industry. It's true, the album is great, compared to these days music, which is absolutely rubbish. But perfection these days is a must, and unfortunately the album needed a little bit of mastering. Still, the album is fun, has clever lyrics, and Florence's voice is different from other female musicians.
  29. Jackdasplat
    Apr 12, 2013
    10
    My favourite album of all time.

    I challenge anyone to find a single flaw in Florence's masterful lyrics, incredible & coherent production as well as overall theme of the album.
  30. LanaDelRey
    Mar 24, 2013
    10
    This Album Is Just The Best Damn Thing I've Ever Heard!
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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 »