The new album hit stores on Halloween, but I've had my toe tapping to the tunes ever since it was leaked online. In an interview, Florence Welch (lead singer) said she hoped to make a better version of Lungs, her first album, and it seems she has done that and more. Riding on the coattails of a burgeoning pop soul movement thanks to Adele, Lungs was a good--not great--introduction to the world, and gained popularity with two radio-friendly hits, "Dog Days Are Over" and "You've Got The Love."
Her second album, Ceremonials, is a more matured Florence. Each power ballad gives way to yet another singalong-worthy power ballad and takes the listener on a journey through the human condition. Where Lungs focused mainly on the theme of love (a child-like version, at that), Ceremonials' soaring vocals touch on the good, the bad and the ugly of human plight, love and introspection.
The deluxe version of the album comes with acoustic versions of each of the songs. I highly suggest going on a 4-hour road trip like I did and listening to the whole thing, start to finish. The power of the instruments pair beautifully with the lyrics in the first half of the CD, but the lyrics are the real star of the acoustic version. Songs take on an entirely new meaning and feeling.
You might find yourself singing along like I did to every single song, and when the album's finished, you might find yourself going back to the beginning and playing it all over again.
"It's hard to dance with the devil on your back."
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