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. Swiifitie
    May 21, 2023
    10
    Vai se tornar um clássico com certeza! Que album bom e envelhece tão bem também!
  2. AmandaMT
    Apr 17, 2023
    10
    Perfeito do início ao fim, o maior dela. Gostaria que ela voltasse um pouco com essa pegada novamente. High as Hope alcançou isso.
  3. WaniasDiaz
    May 15, 2022
    10
    With bigger than life instrumentals and soaring vocals Florence and the Machine continue to deliver an immaculate body of work.
  4. lindlls
    May 13, 2022
    10
    One of the best albums of all time, could listen to this masterpiece of repeat forever.
  5. RiLitros
    May 11, 2022
    9
    This is masterpiece, there is in-multiple-ways experimentation as well, but i think the teaser from the title-of-the-album's song over-excited me, so the first hearing was a little disappointing for me. I was expecting more huge harmonics coming from the brasses. But listening after listening it was increasing inside of me. Some Classic rock from 'What Kinf od Man', or folkrock fromThis is masterpiece, there is in-multiple-ways experimentation as well, but i think the teaser from the title-of-the-album's song over-excited me, so the first hearing was a little disappointing for me. I was expecting more huge harmonics coming from the brasses. But listening after listening it was increasing inside of me. Some Classic rock from 'What Kinf od Man', or folkrock from "Various Storms and Saints" and 70's-pop-rock from "Mother". The soulful of "Queen of Peace" and the Title-One. I think "Delilah" is the only one that could fit in "Lungs" with its captiving rhythmicy. "St Jude" is the melodramatic summi. Those are the highlights.… Expand
  6. Wanesta
    Jan 7, 2022
    7
    Florence Welch and her band deliver a solid progressive and atmospheric alternative piece. It's sultry and enchanting, like a magic spirit inviting you into the wonders of the woods... sometimes reaching a bit the edges of a theatrical snoozefest.
  7. Sidneilopez
    Nov 26, 2021
    10
    O álbum em si é ótimo,mas bônus tracks como conductor deveria fazer parte da versão original do álbum,mas Florence + The Machine se consagrou uma das melhores bandas de rock alternativo da história.
  8. arcanjo
    May 25, 2021
    8
    an album exploring the theme of emotional vulnerability in a barroque, master way.
  9. Ithinkiwoulddie
    Apr 5, 2021
    10
    En este álbum Florence nos lleva a través de un asombroso viaje que describe travesía para encontrarse a si misma.
  10. Lopesito27
    Jan 23, 2021
    9
    Florence's third album feels sincere as ever, as if you were reading her poems right off her journal. It's almost perfect.
  11. clem666
    Jan 19, 2021
    8
    I'm usually not a big fan of this common pop style. Before I listened to this album, I only knew Florence + The Machine through the few hits she had made. Despite all this project surprised me very pleasantly. First of all, it turned out to be much more introspective than I expected. Throughout the project there is a subtle balance between calm/silence and lyrical, instrumental and choralI'm usually not a big fan of this common pop style. Before I listened to this album, I only knew Florence + The Machine through the few hits she had made. Despite all this project surprised me very pleasantly. First of all, it turned out to be much more introspective than I expected. Throughout the project there is a subtle balance between calm/silence and lyrical, instrumental and choral explosions, never giving us the impression that this is too much. Everything seems to be measured, calculated to provide us with the maximum of pleasure in all parsimony of means. The deluxe version of the album certainly brings something more, some extra tracks of exemplary quality, as well as the demos of tracks. Even if I don't blush to call it pop style, this album is actually an impressive compilation of a multitude of different genres.… Expand
  12. clawnie
    Oct 31, 2020
    10
    Just another incredible work from Florence that proves her talent in all of that amazing album
  13. azizkey
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    this album is just epic ! the complexity behind some tracks like what kind of man ! or the expolosive queen of peace
  14. DRTJ
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    Favorite track: tie between "How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful" and "Mother"
    Least favorite track: none
    This is hands-down one of the best albums ever recorded by any artist ever. Florence Welch was by no means an artist who needed to mature, as both her debut album "Lungs" and phenomenal sophomore hit "Ceremonials" had striking lyrics and masterful arrangements. But somehow, "How Big,    Favorite track: tie between "How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful" and "Mother"
    Least favorite track: none

    This is hands-down one of the best albums ever recorded by any artist ever. Florence Welch was by no means an artist who needed to mature, as both her debut album "Lungs" and phenomenal sophomore hit "Ceremonials" had striking lyrics and masterful arrangements. But somehow, "How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful" gives us a vulnerable and more mature side of the lead singer as she readies to tear herself apart on 11 incredible tracks. The entire album tells the story of a breakup, but not without its extremely powerful references to religion and chances at finding love within yourself. Tracks like "Ship to Wreck," "What Kind of Man," and "Queen of Peace" loudly tackle addictions and deceptive behavior with soaring trumpets and aggressive guitars. Meanwhile softer songs like "Long & Lost" and "St. Jude" offer us a moment of peace despite the turmoil, using haunting background vocals and moody keyboards (St. Jude, specifically). And then comes "Mother," the ultimate closing track to end all closing tracks - by far one of the best 70s-inspired psychedelic rock songs ever recorded, ending with a primal note that triggers goosebumps every time I hear it. "How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful" is easily one of my favorite albums of all time.    … Expand
  15. DisconsiderMe
    May 30, 2020
    10
    This is such an emotional album, definitely one of the best albums i've ever heard, like the whole Florence's discography. / Este é um álbum tão emocional, definitivamente um dos melhores álbuns que eu já ouvi, assim como toda a discografia da banda.
    Top 5 tracks/músicas
    5- Various Storms & Saints
    4- Long & Lost
    3- Make Up Your Mind
    2- Hiding
    1- Queen Of Peace
  16. typoirier
    Apr 22, 2020
    9
    It's Big. It's Blue. It's Beautiful. HBHBHB feels like the most personal and honest album, where I feel like we are best able to connect with the band as artists. There's a rawness behind most of the songs that leaves room to connect so deeply with their meaning.
  17. grwgioswine
    Mar 1, 2020
    10
    On this very acclaimed work, Florence + The Machine brought back the real meaning to alternative/rock. 'How Big' still one of my personal favorite albums of all time, but the one thing that makes this album sound special is the 'Florence Package': deep lyrics + incredible instrumentals + great stories + spectacular voice, live and on studio.
  18. User1113
    Feb 16, 2020
    10
    Amazing, earth shattering, history making perfect álbum.

    This album is probably one of the best I have ever listened.
  19. bartenderholdme
    Sep 8, 2019
    10
    Truly one of the most solid and powerful albums of our generation. 10/10 an instant classic.
  20. SandyCaso
    Sep 1, 2019
    10
    This is one of the best albums of all time. The lyrics are so pure and beautiful, melodies are magical and the aftertaste is something you cannot compare to any feeling you've ever felt.
  21. Dancho
    Jun 25, 2019
    9
    How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful is a great album with a lot of great songs. Hiding, Queen of Peace and What Kind of Man are just so great!!
  22. vicoanjos
    Jul 23, 2018
    10
    I"ve been waiting almost 4 years for this album and i'm so happy with the result. How big, How blue, How beautiful is instantly my favorite of the year. F+TM are one of the best bands of our time. I'm just in love
  23. drlowdon
    May 26, 2018
    10
    Genre: Alternative
    I've been a huge fan of Florence since her debut album back in 2009 and yet again she delivers. With her fantastic vocals I could listen to her sing anything (watch her "balls in your mouth" skit on Jimmy Fallon for proof) but her voice, combined with the sheer emotion she puts into every note, makes her my favourite artist around. Just a month to wait until her next album!!!
  24. ManuelContreras
    Apr 8, 2018
    7
    demasiado bueno, es el primer album que escucho de F+TM y realmente me gusto
  25. joaofelin
    Jul 15, 2017
    9
    Ship to Wreck - 10
    What Kind of Man - 10
    How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful - 9
    Queen of Peace - 10
    Various Storms & Saints - 9
    Delilah - 10
    Long & Lost - 10
    Caught - 8
    Third Eye - 10
    St Jude - 8
    Mother - 10

    score: 9,4
  26. minimaldead
    Dec 30, 2016
    10
    This is an emotional iconic album, tracks so deeply and the chorus are the protagonists. The visuals are pure art, the booklet, the photoshoot are amazing. Simply, the best album of 2015
  27. shtnote
    Dec 20, 2016
    9
    I was really looking forward to this record. How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful keeps surprising me with the multi-interpretative songs, Welch's goddess voice and the synchrony of the band with the style of singer/songwriter. In comparison with the antecessor "Cerimonials", F+TM had a more realistic look to the world in this new album instead of the dreamy sentences of the second album.I was really looking forward to this record. How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful keeps surprising me with the multi-interpretative songs, Welch's goddess voice and the synchrony of the band with the style of singer/songwriter. In comparison with the antecessor "Cerimonials", F+TM had a more realistic look to the world in this new album instead of the dreamy sentences of the second album. Opting for a strong ballad pushed to rock, "What Kind of Man" denounces the turbulence of Florence's relationship. As first single, amazed all fans.… Expand
  28. lUcOzAdExx
    Jun 23, 2016
    10
    the fact that they did a film for the album it's fantastic, i think that 'How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful' it's really over 'Lungs' and 'Ceremonials', why?, well, the production of songs like "Ship To Wreck" or "What Kind Of Man" are really great, they combine a lot of instruments as the album goes on, it's a travel to an odissey, as the film's name. Really Good Album and their best so far!
  29. 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
  30. EdwardChase
    Mar 26, 2016
    10
    Pisou na Bjork Pisou na Bjork Pisou na Bjork Pisou na Bjork Pisou na Bjork Pisou na Bjork Pisou na Bjork Pisou na Bjork Pisou na Bjork Pisou na Bjork Pisou na Bjork Pisou na Bjork Pisou na Bjork Pisou na Bjork Pisou na Bjork
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Awards & Rankings

17
#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.
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  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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