Florence + The Machine just released their 3rd full length album How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful following their smash hit “What Kind of Man”. The album delivers the heart pounding, genre-blending, kick-ass music we’ve come to love and expect from Florence Welch and the incredibly talented Machine that backs her.

It’s a well known story that Welch was picked up by her manager after cornering her in the bathroom of a London club, and forcing her to hear her sing. That same bold spirit is alive throughout every song in this album. Though her music is typically dark and moody, How Big… has a thread of light, summer fun running through it.

The track “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful” is electric and bluesy with some epic fan-fare thrown in for the win. It brings to mind early Sheryl Crowe with some Fleetwood Mac – Mamma’s and Papa’s elements thrown in for fun. “Various Storms”slows things down with some Gothic story telling, and sounds like a dark, cold night in a town by the sea. “What Kind of Man” is the strongest track on the album, and I am completely in love with it. This is my spirit song – if that’s a thing – and Florence Welch is my spirit animal.

Florence + The Machine goes well with Lana Del Rey, Imogen Heap, Ellie Goulding, and Stevie Nicks.

Here are the 3 songs you absolutely must listen to right now!

“What Kind of Man” – Turn it up to 11! This is the theme song to every “strong female character” you know.

“Ship to Wreck” – Energetic and fun with a touch of self-destruction. Good road trip song though.

“Mother” – Features funky bass with a 60s/70s rock chorus. Very cool and groovy. (Yes, I said groovy.)

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Maybe you’ve heard of the artists I feature, maybe you haven’t. Maybe you love them! Or maybe you hate them. Either way, let me know what you think in the comments section below!