How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful
by Florence + the Machine
  • Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Jun 2, 2015
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
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  1. Clash Music
    Jun 8, 2015
    60
    The songs that do aim to be bigger however, simply don't stand-up against their previous work or the mellower parts of the album.
  2. AllMusic
    Jun 1, 2015
    60
    Her Brit-pop soul treacle is still miles better than some of her contemporaries' top-tier offerings, and when the album connects it moves right in and starts to redecorate, but when it falters, it's akin to a chatty party guest failing to realize that everyone else has gone home.
  3. The Observer (UK)
    Jun 1, 2015
    60
    HBHBHB finds her circling the drain of an imploded relationship, this time with novel directness.
  5. The Independent (UK)
    May 29, 2015
    60
    The emotional turmoil is better served by the more introspective balladry of “Various Storms and Saints” and “Long and Lost.”
  6. Uncut
    May 28, 2015
    60
    Welch delivers clunky self-help lines wrapped in elemental metaphors. [Jul 2015, p.76]
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  7. The Guardian
    May 28, 2015
    60
    It’s an album that’s too overblown and daft for the songs to have the desired emotional impact: it’s never really intimate enough for the feelings Welch expresses to connect. Instead, it wobbles precariously along the line that separates the enjoyably OTT from the faintly exhausting.

Awards & Rankings

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

User Reviews

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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
  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 BeautifulI 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.… Full Review »
  2. 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,    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!    … Full Review »
  3. SoundOfAMan
    Jun 2, 2015
    0
    I love Florence + the Machine, but I cound not get this one... I don't know. I expected sooooo much, but now I'm desappointed, frustrated andI love Florence + the Machine, but I cound not get this one... I don't know. I expected sooooo much, but now I'm desappointed, frustrated and disconsolate. I'll still listen What Kind of Man, Delilah and Ship To Wreck, because they are amazing musics, but the rest of the album... I pass, I'm so sorry... :(… Full Review »
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