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. Gamingking007
    Nov 26, 2011
    10
    A brilliant album!!!! I would say that the song "Never let me go" is one of the best song I've heard in a long time!!! I love Florence!!!The rest of the songs are great too:-)
  2. 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
  3. Vampire25
    Jan 29, 2012
    10
    "Ceremonials" is the complete opposite of Florence & The Machine's debut album "Lungs". The production is bigger, the lyrics are darker, and the sound is much more deeper than "Lungs". Each track delves deeper into your emotions and you can really relate to what Florence Welch is beautifully trying to say. All In All, Ceremonials is a powerful album. A
  4. 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
  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. 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
  7. 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!
  8. Venatis
    Nov 1, 2011
    10
    Ceremonials is the second album released by Florence And The Machine, and I wasn't really sure what to expect after the absolutely amazing album Lungs! But my worries were put aside almost instantly with the 1st song on the album, 'Only If For A Night' I was glad to hear that Florence did not change her style of music. (Not that she had any reason to) The instrumentals are just beautifulCeremonials is the second album released by Florence And The Machine, and I wasn't really sure what to expect after the absolutely amazing album Lungs! But my worries were put aside almost instantly with the 1st song on the album, 'Only If For A Night' I was glad to hear that Florence did not change her style of music. (Not that she had any reason to) The instrumentals are just beautiful on every song! It is seriously all about the drums in Florence World! And Florence isn't like all these other 'auto-tuned, never actually heard of real music' artists out there today. She is one of these rare musical artists today that makes you feel emotionally connected to the music. Ceremonials is the best album iv heard for a while! Beautifully put together, amazing voice, amazing musical instrumentals, and best of all quite haunting!… Expand
  9. ElliotBrett
    Nov 1, 2011
    10
    Above all this album is just so refreshing. It begins with twinkling piano melodies, sucks you right into hell with the brooding Seven Devils and then just when you think you have had enough it releases you. Didn't think it would be possible but i think this has actually beaten Lungs
  10. Dreamcatcher189
    Nov 1, 2011
    10
    I can honestly say that is album is the best album released in 2011. There is no contest. The sound is like nothing you have heard before, the vocals are breathtaking and the production is perfection. As much as I liked "Lungs" it does not compare to "Ceremonials". It is an experience, It cannot be explained! you have to live it to understand.
  11. locknessy
    Nov 1, 2011
    10
    There is so much more to Ceremonials than most albums released in the last few years. The lyrics are so rich and the music is undeniably unique. Florence's unbelievable voice has some how managed to get better. Florence has really stayed true to herself and her Machine. The songs are cohesive, but all so unique. I am spellbound by Ceremonials.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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
  15. 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".
  16. Onotor
    Nov 23, 2011
    10
    Com certeza, o melhor álbum de 2011. Tanto os vocais, quanto as letras e melodias estão perfeitas. O álbum já começa em alto nível, com Only If For The Night, as próximas faixas só mostram mais o conteúdo do mesmo, tanto Shake It Out, quanto What The Water Game Me. NeverCom certeza, o melhor álbum de 2011. Tanto os vocais, quanto as letras e melodias estão perfeitas. O álbum já começa em alto nível, com Only If For The Night, as próximas faixas só mostram mais o conteúdo do mesmo, tanto Shake It Out, quanto What The Water Game Me. Never Let Me Go é um dos destaques do álbum, e, após duas faixas boas de se ouvir, chegamos a uma das melhores musicas do ano, No Light, No Light. A sequência Seven Devils, Heartlines e Spectrum é de perder fôlego. E, após a musica menos boa do álbum, All This And Heaven Too, temos uma das melhores sequências do ano: Leave My Body, Remain Nameless e Starngeness And Cham. Ambas são ricas em vocais poderosos, letras tocantes e intrumentais poderosos. O álbum é encerrado com chave de ouro com Bedroom Hymns. As próximas faixas, versões de demo e acústicas, são agradáveis, porém descartáveis.… Expand
  17. 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
  18. super-adn23
    Jan 16, 2012
    10
    One of the best albums of 2.011. Great vocals, great production, great lyrics, Florence Welch is one of best vocalist from the UK. The best song on the album is Breaking Down eve thouhg I think All This And Heaven Too is such a masterpiece. This kind of albums makes me realize that not everything is lost when it comes to creatition of music and being successful with a different album.
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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.
  22. GagaForGhibli
    Jun 1, 2012
    10
    I Love Every Single Song I Dont Understand Why This Album Has A Lower Score Than Lungs..
    I LOVE Lungs But I Really Love This Album!
    The Best Album Of 2011 (Next To Lady Gaga's Born This Way)
    Her Vocals Are Amazing..
    Take Hear Adele...
  23. 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
  24. 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.
  25. 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.
  26. MusicForever
    Dec 23, 2012
    10
    Perfect In Every Way..
  27. Blubber220
    Feb 21, 2013
    10
    A masterpiece of Florence the Machine. An excellent elaboration of every minute of all the songs and an amazing voice of Florence Welch that simply transports us to unknown worlds of which we won't want to return.
  28. LanaDelRey
    Mar 24, 2013
    10
    This Album Is Just The Best Damn Thing I've Ever Heard!
  29. 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.
  30. 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.
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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 »