Florence and the Machine is one of the most distinctive and influential bands of the 21st century, blending indie rock, pop, soul, and baroque influences into a captivating musical style. Led by the charismatic and powerful vocals of Florence Welch, the band has released five studio albums, won numerous awards, and performed at some of the biggest stages in the world. But with such a rich and diverse discography, how do you choose the best songs from Florence and the Machine? Here is our definitive ranking of the top 10 tracks that showcase the band’s artistic vision, emotional depth, and musical excellence.
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10. Dog Days Are Over
The song that introduced many people to Florence and the Machine, Dog Days Are Over is a jubilant anthem of liberation and joy. The song was inspired by a large installation artwork by Ugo Rondinone that spelled out “Hell, Yes!” in rainbow-colored letters. Welch said she wanted to write a song that captured the same feeling of optimism and happiness. The Song Features a catchy chorus, a driving drum beat, and a soaring vocal performance by Welch, who encourages listeners to “run fast for your mother, run fast for your father / Run for your children, for your sisters and brothers / Leave all your love and your longing behind / You can’t carry it with you if you want to survive”. The song was nominated for two Billboard Music Awards and four MTV Video Music Awards, including Video of the Year, and won for Best Art Direction.
9. Shake It Out
The lead single from the band’s second album, Ceremonials, Shake It Out is a powerful song about overcoming regrets and embracing life. Welch said she wrote the song while hungover after a night out in London. She said she wanted to create a song that would “shake away the regrets of your life”. The song features a gospel-inspired chorus, an organ riff, and a dramatic bridge where Welch sings “And I am done with my graceless heart / So tonight I’m gonna cut it out and then restart”. The song received critical acclaim and commercial success, reaching number 12 in the UK and number 72 in the US. It also earned the band two Grammy nominations for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Pop Vocal Album.
8. Hunger
The first single from the band’s fourth album, High as Hope, Hunger is a personal and vulnerable song about Welch’s struggles with eating disorders and self-image. Welch said she wrote the song as a way of understanding her past and finding peace with herself. She said she wanted to express “the ways we look for love in things that are perhaps not love”. The song features a catchy hook, a rhythmic guitar riff, and a chorus where Welch sings “At seventeen, I started to starve myself / I thought that love was a kind of emptiness / And at least I understood then the hunger I felt / And I didn’t have to call it loneliness”. The song was praised by critics for its honesty and courage, and reached number 33 in the UK and number 15 on the US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart.
7. What Kind of Man
The lead single from the band’s third album, How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful, What Kind of Man is a fiery rock song about a tumultuous relationship. Welch said she wrote the song after breaking up with her boyfriend of four years. She said she wanted to explore “the idea of being in love with someone who is not necessarily good for you”. The song features a contrast between quiet verses and explosive choruses, where Welch unleashes her anger and frustration at her lover. She sings “What kind of man loves like this? / To let me dangle at a cruel angle / Oh my feet don’t touch the floor / Sometimes you’re half in and then you’re half out / But you never close the door”. The song received rave reviews from critics, who praised its intensity and energy. It also earned the band three Grammy nominations for Best Rock Performance, Best Rock Song, and Best Pop Vocal Album.
6. You’ve Got the Love
A cover of a 1986 song by The Source featuring Candi Staton, You’ve Got the Love is one of the most popular and beloved songs by Florence and the Machine. The band first recorded the song as a B-side for their debut single Kiss with a Fist in 2008. They later re-recorded it for their debut album Lungs in 2009, and released it as the fifth single from the album. The song features a simple but effective arrangement of piano, drums, and harp, and a stunning vocal performance by Welch, who sings “Sometimes I feel like throwing my hands up in the air / I know I can count on you / Sometimes I feel like saying ‘Lord I just don’t care’ / But you’ve got the love I need to see me through”. The song was a huge hit in the UK, reaching number five on the singles chart and becoming the band’s second most streamed song on Spotify. It was also nominated for a Brit Award for British Single of the Year in 2010.
5. Spectrum
The fifth single from the band’s second album, Ceremonials, Spectrum is a dazzling and uplifting song about embracing diversity and celebrating life. Welch said she wrote the song as a tribute to her fans, who she described as “a rainbow of wonderful different colours”. She said she wanted to create a song that would “make people feel free”. The song features a symphonic arrangement of strings, piano, and choir, and a catchy chorus where Welch sings “Say my name / And every colour illuminates / We are shining / And we will never be afraid again”. The song was remixed by Scottish DJ Calvin Harris, who added a dance beat and synth sounds to the original track. The remix became the band’s first and only number one single in the UK, and was also a hit in several other countries. It also won the band their first MTV Video Music Award for Best Editing in 2012.
4. Cosmic Love
The sixth and final single from the band’s debut album, Lungs, Cosmic Love is a majestic and romantic song about finding love in the dark. Welch said she wrote the song after a long night of drinking and dancing with her friends. She said she wanted to capture “the feeling of falling in love with someone when you’re not really looking for it”. The song features a dramatic arrangement of harp, drums, strings, and keyboards, and a soaring vocal performance by Welch, who sings “The stars, the moon / They have all been blown out / You left me in the dark / No dawn, no day / I’m always in this twilight / In the shadow of your heart”. The song was widely praised by critics for its beauty and emotion, and reached number 51 in the UK and number three in Ireland. It was also featured in several TV shows and movies, such as The Vampire Diaries, Teen Wolf, and Snow White and the Huntsman.
3. Ship to Wreck
The second single from the band’s fourth album, High as Hope, Ship to Wreck is a catchy and confessional song about self-destruction and self-recovery. Welch said she wrote the song after moving back to her childhood home in London. She said she wanted to express “how you can make something only to tear it down”. The song features a folk-inspired arrangement of acoustic guitar, piano, and percussion, and a chorus where Welch sings “Did I drink too much? Am I losing touch? / Did I build this ship to wreck?”. The song received critical acclaim and commercial success, reaching number 33 in the UK and number 15 on the US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. It also earned the band a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance in 2016.
2. Howl
The third single from the band’s debut album, Lungs, Howl is a wild and passionate song about unleashing your inner animal. Welch said she wrote the song after reading Allen Ginsberg’s poem of the same name. She said she wanted to create a song that would “make people feel like they were running through forests at night”. The song features a fast-paced arrangement of guitar, drums, harp, and strings, and a chorus where Welch sings “Now there’s no holding back / I’m making to attack / My blood is singing with your voice / I want to pour it out / The saints can’t help me now / The ropes have been unbound / I hunt for you with bloodied feet across the hallowed ground”. The song was well received by critics for its intensity and originality, and reached number 53 in the UK. It was also featured in several TV shows and movies, such as Red Riding Hood, Teen Wolf, and Jennifer’s Body.
1. No Light, No Light
The second single from the band’s second album, Ceremonials, No Light, No Light is our number one pick for the best song by Florence and the Machine. The song is a stunning and emotional masterpiece that showcases the band’s musical and lyrical prowess. Welch said she wrote the song as a way of exploring her fears and insecurities. She said she wanted to create a song that would “make people feel like they were falling”. The song features a complex and layered arrangement of drums, piano, harp, choir, and orchestra, and a breathtaking vocal performance by Welch, who sings “No light, no light in your bright blue eyes / I never knew daylight could be so violent / A revelation in the light of day / You can’t choose what stays and what fades away”. The song received universal acclaim from critics, who hailed it as one of the best songs of 2011. It also reached number 25 in the UK and number 12 on the US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. It was also nominated for two MTV Video Music Awards for Best Rock Video and Best Cinematography.
The Bottom Line
Florence and the Machine is a band that has consistently delivered amazing songs that touch the hearts and souls of millions of fans around the world. Their songs are full of passion, creativity, and beauty, and reflect their unique artistic vision. Whether you are looking for a song to dance to, to cry to, or to inspire you, you can find it in their discography. These are our top 10 picks for the best songs by Florence and the Machine, but there are many more gems to discover. What are your favourite songs by Florence and the Machine? Let us know in the comments below!
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