In a year where the music world was ruled by Adele, it seemed that many other female musicians were cast to the wayside in favor of this red-haired siren from across the pond. Her sophomore debut 21 was anything but a slump, and Adele rightly deserves any and all awards she has or may win for this popular album. However, I’d like to call attention to another red-haired British siren who released a sophomore album in 2011 that was anything but a dud.
Florence + the Machine’s Ceremonials was released in November to glorious reviews from critics but very little airplay. I find this unjust, as Ceremonials is as good if not better than many other female musician’s releases this past year, including Adele’s second album. Filled with dark and romantic tunes, Ceremonials relies heavily on the powerful vocals of leader singer Florence Welsh and the ever-thunderous drumming of the rest of the band, lovingly referred to as “The Machine”. Songs like “Shake It Out” and “Spectrum” are just as catchy and ear-worm worthy as the band’s first hit, “Dog Days are Over”, and Florence doesn’t shy away from her moody side on songs like “What the Water Gave Me” and “Seven Devils.”
I highly recommend this album for anyone seeking new music to listen to or anyone who wants to take a break from the typical Top 40 pop song. It’s a great album from a band that deserves just as much attention as other popular artists. In a year where the world was willing to give a singer like Adele a chance, I can only hope more people will open up to the powerful vocals and instrumentals of the talented Florence Welsh and her Machine.