How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful
by Florence + the Machine
  • Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Jun 2, 2015
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 703 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 626 out of 703
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 703
  3. Negative: 54 out of 703
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  1. ParkerFarron
    Jun 2, 2015
    10
    I loved Lungs and Ceremonials so much. F+TM are one of my favorite bands ever so I was super amped up for How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful with the 4 year wait and boy did Florence and Co. deliver. This album is instantly my favorite of the year so far and maybe one of my favorites all time. They found a perfect balance between Lungs and Ceremonials best parts with new elements added in.I loved Lungs and Ceremonials so much. F+TM are one of my favorite bands ever so I was super amped up for How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful with the 4 year wait and boy did Florence and Co. deliver. This album is instantly my favorite of the year so far and maybe one of my favorites all time. They found a perfect balance between Lungs and Ceremonials best parts with new elements added in. My favorites are Ship To Wreck, What Kind Of Man, How Big How Blue How Beautiful, Queen Of Peace, Various Storms & Saints, Long & Lost, St. Jude, Which Witch, basically the entire album is fantastic.… Expand
  2. michi082704
    Jun 22, 2015
    10
    I think all her albums have had a great progression and this one course has the deep lyrics we come to expect from Florence while still being something new. I'm still listening to the album, I like to really listen, and the ones that have least caught my attention are Storms & Saints, Caught, Long & Lost. But normally I come back to songs after I've really listened to my favorites (onI think all her albums have had a great progression and this one course has the deep lyrics we come to expect from Florence while still being something new. I'm still listening to the album, I like to really listen, and the ones that have least caught my attention are Storms & Saints, Caught, Long & Lost. But normally I come back to songs after I've really listened to my favorites (on repeat lol). I am shocked that people think St. Jude is boring, its a very beautiful song. The line "Maybe I've always been more comfortable in chaos" just grabs you! It reminds me of "Only If For A Night" I really love it. I guess to each their own. There is less cosmic-ness and is somewhat softer, but overall it has a great mix of instrumentals and vocals. I am actually happy its not too much like Ceremonials. For me Cosmic Love, Shake It Out, and now - What Kind of Man are masterpieces but I love so many songs almost just as much, so hard... I think Third Eye is super adorable and Delilah is awesome. I am glad to add this to my collection and hope she has a concert in my area.… Expand
  3. keifeewowo
    Jun 22, 2015
    10
    I have anticipated this album for far too long! First of all, the album cover is beautiful. Simple, geometric and clean. Moving from that, of course the actual review.

    To be fair, when I first heard songs like 'Ship to Wreck' and 'What Kind of Man', it occurred to me that it was very different from Lungs or Ceremonials. I felt sort of weird and unsettled because of this newness that was    I have anticipated this album for far too long! First of all, the album cover is beautiful. Simple, geometric and clean. Moving from that, of course the actual review.

    To be fair, when I first heard songs like 'Ship to Wreck' and 'What Kind of Man', it occurred to me that it was very different from Lungs or Ceremonials. I felt sort of weird and unsettled because of this newness that was presented to me. It is not the kind of album that I love immediately, but it grows on you. I started humming melodies and remember lyrics out of no where.

    Her vocals have obviously toned down relative to Ceremonials and though I prefer the intensity and sheer power her voice delivered in Ceremonials, lyrically it was dark, yet beautiful and personal. To an extent, a story was narrated through their songs and words. I really appreciate this album, the amount of time and effort put into it.

    Once again, bravo Florence + The Machine    … Expand
  4. johnbobs1
    Jul 6, 2015
    8
    After Lungs came Ceremonials, which although very grand in scale with some brilliant high points, had plenty of meandering lows. Thankfully, this is not the case with Florence's new offering.
    It marks an extremely reassured and well implemented change in direction in her sound. The orchestra is still there, but has faded away a little into the background. In it's place are thumping drums,    After Lungs came Ceremonials, which although very grand in scale with some brilliant high points, had plenty of meandering lows. Thankfully, this is not the case with Florence's new offering.
    It marks an extremely reassured and well implemented change in direction in her sound. The orchestra is still there, but has faded away a little into the background. In it's place are thumping drums, rhythmn and a new soul themed sound. The opener ''Ship to Wreck'' is perhaps an example of the old Florence; more of the ceremonials sound, but carried off with confidence. ''What kind of man'' sets the tone for most of the album; a big, clappy, guitary shout of a song. ''Queen of Peace'' is a beautifully constructed song, completed with brass section in the background and drums and electric guitar wailing away in the foreground. The albums slower songs also work remarkably well, and are among the most noteable on the album. Florence seems to have found a new subtlety to her voice, which wails less and seems more rich than before. This is especially in evidence on the beautiful ''Various storms and lovers'' and ''St Jude'', the latter of which seems so good that it has been around in our subconscious for years.
    The album falters a little when Florence tries to hard, noteably closing instrumental section of the title track (which is basically just a bit too arty farty, thank you) and perhaps on the closer, ''Mother''. By and large though, this is impressive stuff carried out with real maturity and confidence.    … Expand
  5. GustoKsmva
    Sep 4, 2015
    10
    esse album é um hinario de deus, como deus é lindo cantando gente, cd maravilhoso cheio de hinos! e a Florence tem uma voz incrivel, hinario que mereceu +100 verde tour
  6. Ayron_xcx
    Jun 14, 2015
    9
    Much better than Ceremonials and Lungs!
    simply Loved...................

    Best songs '' Ship To Wreck '' '' What Kind of a Man '' '' How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful '' and Which Witch
  7. seanmcinally
    Jul 18, 2015
    10
    A stunning, beautifully crafted album which ties together so many themes - life, love, self-destruction, longing, creation, connection to something bigger, transcendence, nature, duality. Her voice has never been more powerful and more free.
    Be sure not to miss out on the glorious deluxe tracks.

    You need to hear this record.
  8. florenceoflife
    Jun 16, 2015
    9
    Oh dear, where to begin? I love her ability to give goosebumps and shed my tears in her sadder songs on this track (absolutely spectacular) and the ability to suddenly make me get up and dance to "What Kind of Man" or "Delilah". And my favorite is either "Delilah" or "Queen of Peace", I can't decide. I love the bonus tracks too! Weakest one..."As Far As I Could Get"
  9. Sani
    Jan 4, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. My favourite band of all time! Wonderfully emotional, with contrasting loud indie rock anthems (What Kind of Man, Delilah) and soft pop/soulful ballads (St. Jude, Various Storms & Saints). Definitely their most commercial album yet with songs like Ship to Wreck, I guess created to appeal to a wider audience. I really cannot fault it.… Expand
  10. Wesley_orphan
    Jan 30, 2016
    10
    How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful tem músicas fortes que te levam ao extremo com What Kind of Man, Queen of Peace, Delilah e Ship To Wreck e serenas que acalmam a alma como Long & Lost, St Jude.
  11. FELIPEFERREIRA
    May 23, 2016
    10
    HB³ é, sem dúvidas, um dos cinco melhores álbuns que eu já escutei. Cada música é única e cada segundo desse álbum é mágico e encantador. Florence encarou vários desafios para fazer esse álbum, desde deixar que não colocassem nenhum efeito em sua voz (que está mais deslumbrante do que nunca) até deixar de beber para terminar a composição das canções. "Which Witch", "Delilah", "Queen OfHB³ é, sem dúvidas, um dos cinco melhores álbuns que eu já escutei. Cada música é única e cada segundo desse álbum é mágico e encantador. Florence encarou vários desafios para fazer esse álbum, desde deixar que não colocassem nenhum efeito em sua voz (que está mais deslumbrante do que nunca) até deixar de beber para terminar a composição das canções. "Which Witch", "Delilah", "Queen Of Peace", "Caught" e "Third Eye" são as melhores, mas afirmo, todas são maravilhosas.… Expand
  12. thaleslucas
    Jun 2, 2015
    7
    Florence really is still one of the best songwriters of our time and on this album we can see all its profound beauty and giant!

    Clearly, this isn't their best album, but still remains increasingly surprising on vocals, the way to engage the listener and take over the job beautifully. "How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful" is a simple and common album, without much juggling with    Florence really is still one of the best songwriters of our time and on this album we can see all its profound beauty and giant!

    Clearly, this isn't their best album, but still remains increasingly surprising on vocals, the way to engage the listener and take over the job beautifully.

    "How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful" is a simple and common album, without much juggling with "Cerimonials" 's style. They sought to keep the essence of what is Florence + the Machine, of what the band is made. They showed how great, deep and attractive they may be.

    Songs like "Ship to Wreck", "What Kind of Man", "Queen of Place," "Delilah" and "Third Eyes" make the album reach their peak of perfection, but not everything is a sea of ​​flowers, so the album also has songs that makes him get a little boring and tiring, as "Long & Lost", "Caught", "St Jude" and "Hiding". There aren't bad songs, just went weak compared to the others songs of the album.

    Finally, we can say that the band continues following full quality without losing its roots, now coming simplistic and formal, rather than risk the explosions and power of the others two albums "Lungs" and "Ceremonials". Very good!    … Expand
  13. naturalmachine
    Jun 6, 2015
    9
    Although I still personally think the harp should have been included in much of the songs as they cry for them, this album (including all extra tracks in any edition) boast a balanced sound with the instruments being used in place accordingly. The flow of the moods from high to low, still go hand in hand. The use of brass is magnificent in its own kind. Despite what people say, this isAlthough I still personally think the harp should have been included in much of the songs as they cry for them, this album (including all extra tracks in any edition) boast a balanced sound with the instruments being used in place accordingly. The flow of the moods from high to low, still go hand in hand. The use of brass is magnificent in its own kind. Despite what people say, this is still Florence with all the power she had, just in another form.… Expand
  14. Dennonyx
    Jun 2, 2015
    7
    Although the album represents a confirmation of the fact that the band has a remarkable capacity for expression in their music, in addition to their talent in composing and songwriting, "How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful" confuses the listener in different moments. Besides due to lyrical reasons, also because if compared to their previous works, it appears to be more sperimental andAlthough the album represents a confirmation of the fact that the band has a remarkable capacity for expression in their music, in addition to their talent in composing and songwriting, "How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful" confuses the listener in different moments. Besides due to lyrical reasons, also because if compared to their previous works, it appears to be more sperimental and infected of several genres. If nothing else, it tries in every way to not be boring, but deep and, obviously, full of feelings and intriguing metonymies.… Expand
  15. vkokkinidis
    Jun 5, 2015
    10
    Florence + The Machine learnt a great deal when she performed at London's Prince Albert Hall in 2012. Florence learned that you do not have to wail at full throttle to be entertaining, sometimes less is better. HB, HB, HB brings much of that performance at Prince Albert performance to this album, the restrained vocals, the french horns, a deliberate and crafted musicality - it is simplyFlorence + The Machine learnt a great deal when she performed at London's Prince Albert Hall in 2012. Florence learned that you do not have to wail at full throttle to be entertaining, sometimes less is better. HB, HB, HB brings much of that performance at Prince Albert performance to this album, the restrained vocals, the french horns, a deliberate and crafted musicality - it is simply sublime. It is an album that has to be performed live and I can't wait to see it come to life.

    F + TM are once again very sharp and prove that they are more than ample support to the amazing vocals of Florence Welch. Lyrically the songs are lesser focused on epic metaphor and more focused on expressing heartfelt meaning. In this regard, the album feels more genuine, more real than Ceremonials and Lungs.

    There are no fillers on this album, there are a diversity of styles and sounds which makes Florence fearless because she conquers all of them.

    Each time I listen to HB, HB, HB (five times this morning) I have a new favorite. Right now it is "Caught" but the tracks that I keep going back to are "Queen of Peace", the psychedelic sounding "Mother" and the very punchy "Ship to Wreck".    … Expand
  16. janella
    Jun 8, 2015
    10
    Florence has hit the jackpot with this beautiful cd of lost love songs.Immerse in it...so perfect and vocally crisp.A must-buy.Warm and cohesive listen.
  17. allecbatista
    Jun 10, 2015
    10
    "How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful" without a doubt is the second best Florence disc after Ceremonials. Without losing its essence, Florence bet more on alternative rock and nailed it. One of the best works of the year so far, Florence + The Machine deserves all the recognition in the world.
  18. jesseurbancsik
    Jun 2, 2015
    8
    Another good album from Florence + the Machine. Her vocals sound great as ever and these songs will be amazing live. Definitely worth a listen and a few replays..
  19. FortunateKing
    Jun 4, 2015
    10
    A stunning album with songs that initially sound "smaller" than those on Ceremonials, but in fact warm to one's heart and puts it back together after ripping it apart. Absolutely mind-blowing. Lovely.
    Highlights - "Caught", "Queen of Peace"
  20. longjetty7
    Jun 4, 2015
    8
    I haven't been a huge fan of Florence + the Machine, but she's won me over with this album. Lungs was alright, but it lacked cohesion and was sort of a mixed bag. Ceremonials was better and had some great songs, but it was a little exhausting since it felt like every song was trying to be a showstopper. With HBHBHB, Florence has found the right balance between the two and has crafted anI haven't been a huge fan of Florence + the Machine, but she's won me over with this album. Lungs was alright, but it lacked cohesion and was sort of a mixed bag. Ceremonials was better and had some great songs, but it was a little exhausting since it felt like every song was trying to be a showstopper. With HBHBHB, Florence has found the right balance between the two and has crafted an album that explores different styles while still managing to have a great flow. There are some grand moments that are very typical Florence (such as the title track with the brass instrumentals), but there are also moments of restraint that make it a very interesting and ultimately pleasing listen.

    The only song I skip over is St. Jude. The rest of the album (including the deluxe edition) is good though, and the standout tracks for me are Ship To Wreck, Queen of Peace, Third Eye, and Hiding.    … Expand
  21. Guriqsilva
    Jun 5, 2015
    10
    Florence + The Machine sleep and wake up with all the amazing things how they ever do, it is a little of rock-dance, so special, lovely, big, blue and beautiful.
    One more time they show us that we can wait a long time for a new record !
  22. adpirtle
    Jun 7, 2015
    8
    Less eclectic than "Lungs," less bombastic than "Ceremonials," Florence + The Machine's latest album is more focused on introspection than those previous efforts, which sound more like escape attempts. "How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful" shines with some of Florence's best, most unflinching lyrics, though the shift in style might leave some fans pining for a bit more of the old bombast.
  23. NickolasM
    Jun 2, 2015
    7
    It's been a while since the last time we had a new Florence album. Don't get me wrong, I respect an artist that needs more than a year to record a masterpiece. But I'm talking about "Ceremonials". I can understand that you cannot always deliver the best of you and, above all, you're just human, for God's sake. I was partly misguided by the charms of the "What Kind Of Man" first single andIt's been a while since the last time we had a new Florence album. Don't get me wrong, I respect an artist that needs more than a year to record a masterpiece. But I'm talking about "Ceremonials". I can understand that you cannot always deliver the best of you and, above all, you're just human, for God's sake. I was partly misguided by the charms of the "What Kind Of Man" first single and its video, cause I thought "You bloody British soulful b***h, you outdid yourself once again". But when I actually listened to the new album more than five times, it came to me: "her emotions have surpassed her musical expectations".
    Read the whole review here: http://www.anartcalled.blogspot.gr/2015/05/florence-machine-how-big-how-blue-how.html    … Expand
  24. TrentRey
    Jun 2, 2015
    8
    This album is really good. "Florence + The Machine" "How Big How Blue How Beautiful" is the band best album. A very great pop album with outstanding vocals and lyrics from Florence Welch.
  25. Wael
    Jun 2, 2015
    10
    In terms of greatness, How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful picks up where Ceremonials last left off, 4 years ago. Florence and her machine are back stronger than ever, but as the same time, more vulnerable than ever. The record doesn't contain the big orchestral sounds featured on the band's second effort, however the stripped-down sound really matched them. After Florence's break-up with herIn terms of greatness, How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful picks up where Ceremonials last left off, 4 years ago. Florence and her machine are back stronger than ever, but as the same time, more vulnerable than ever. The record doesn't contain the big orchestral sounds featured on the band's second effort, however the stripped-down sound really matched them. After Florence's break-up with her boyfriend, this pack of songs sound like the most personal thing she has ever done. The best songs on the album are Queen of Peace and Ship to Wreck, while other standouts include Various Storms & Saints, Third Eye and Delilah (and all of the rest of the album actually). Fans will be very pleased, and people who not know her will love her. The record sounds great. Great vocal performance, sharp lyrics, sweeping production. Everything you look for in a Florence record is there. Buy it! 10/10.… Expand
  26. shunthathouse
    Jun 3, 2015
    10
    Developed, intruiging stilistically, excellent vocals and a tremendous display of variety. I'm aware that a solid 10 is a ridiculous score, but despite my thorough disliking of some of the songs (mother, caught, delilah), this album might be her finest creation yet (hard to say as they are all pretty good)

    best songs: long and lost, various storms and saints, queen of peace, what kind of man
  27. hipnose1
    Jun 2, 2015
    10
    Florence + the machine é uma das maiores e mais diferentes bandas oriundas do UK que alcançou grandes conquistas e criticas positivas de diversos lugares do mundo com o seu álbum debut ''Lungs'' contendo uma singularidade e um som mais organico, diferente da singularidade do segundo album de estudio da banda ''ceremonials'' com sons mais obscuros, melancolicos e composições bastantesFlorence + the machine é uma das maiores e mais diferentes bandas oriundas do UK que alcançou grandes conquistas e criticas positivas de diversos lugares do mundo com o seu álbum debut ''Lungs'' contendo uma singularidade e um som mais organico, diferente da singularidade do segundo album de estudio da banda ''ceremonials'' com sons mais obscuros, melancolicos e composições bastantes profundas como ''What The Water Gave Me'' e a grandiosa ''Shake It Out''. O Terceiro album de estudio, lançado essa semana (02/06/2015) em todo o mundo trás mais uma singularidade e reinvenção não só da sonoridade e composição mas tambem todo o estilo da vocalista Florence Welch, que utiliza vocais mais potentes e algumas técnicas nunca usadas em seus albuns anteriores, mostrando a grande evolução sofrida. Esse é um album de conteúdo bastante interessante, acompanhado de singles com ligações audiovisuais, composições que em alguns momentos retratam desde depressão e sentimentos verdadeiros durante um romance à sentimentos de superação e conquistas. Na minha opinião de fã esse album vai estar sempre presente em minhas playlists e já é um dos meus favoritos, e se for para listar minhas favoritas é quase impossivel pois cada faixa é um conto, um sentimento, um momento, e eu creio que vai figurar em muitas listas de ''Melhores do Ano 2015''.… Expand
  28. Blakebcb123
    Jun 3, 2015
    10
    Best album yet from F+TM. Lyrically it's amazing. Production is good, but not amazing.

    Best Song: Third Eye

    Standouts: Ship To Wreck, What Kind of Man, HBHBHB, Which Witch, Queen of Peace

    Worst Song: None.
  29. GuilhermeMeirel
    Jun 3, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. If the purpose of Florence was to prove that it remains a songwriter and artist **** even when it decides to confront demons not fictitious, but her own, she could. "HBHBHB" exception to all previously clichés taxes, starting with the title, which is not this time a single word, and the still ethereal air, but not as fanciful as well new video clips. I still think the Victorian goth last more pleasant and attractive album, but if there's one thing we can ascertain all this bleak black-and-white Odyssey is: the only way to combat your fears and weaknesses is, well, assuming them, Florence Welch and this makes an unprecedented mastery and elegance.

    We're cheering for Various Storms & Saints, Delilah and Third Eye being singles.    … Expand
  30. LegendaryMau
    Jun 2, 2015
    10
    THE MOST AMAZING ALBUM I'VE LISTENED IN A WHILE.The lyrical content, the instrumentals and the voice, everything form this record is diamond!!!From the first time listening to What Kind Of Man I knew this album was going to be excellent, this is my general thought, you might find another reviews that say the album is regular and only the singles are the worthy ones or maybe they'll sayTHE MOST AMAZING ALBUM I'VE LISTENED IN A WHILE.The lyrical content, the instrumentals and the voice, everything form this record is diamond!!!From the first time listening to What Kind Of Man I knew this album was going to be excellent, this is my general thought, you might find another reviews that say the album is regular and only the singles are the worthy ones or maybe they'll say that Ceremonials was better.This album has a brand new different sound and if you are a indie rock/pop lover you'll love it,I'm sure of that :D 10/10… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

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#17 Most Discussed Album of 2015
31
#31 Most Shared Album of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Oct 8, 2015
    78
    Third LP How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful dispenses with that ethos [positivity on the aftermath of heartbreak], embracing the raging/wallowing period that's delivered through biblical and Greek mythological references.
    Read full review
  2. Under The Radar
    Jul 9, 2015
    75
    Some of the album's most memorable moments come when the power is dialed down, as with the moving "Long & Lost." But there's no denying how captivating this group can be when the arrangement allows them to fly free.
    Read full review
  3. No Ripcord
    Jun 15, 2015
    90
    The greater the risk, the greater the reward. And I can think of no better reward than this album.
    Read full review
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