10 Years of How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful: A Masterpiece of Catharsis and Vulnerability
Ten years ago, on this day in 2015, Florence + The Machine returned with their third studio album, How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful. Following the colossal success of Lungs and Ceremonials, the band could have easily continued down the path of gothic, maximalist chamber pop. But what we received was something different—an album that was both grand and intensely intimate, a breathtaking exploration of heartbreak and self-discovery.
The album's creation followed a tumultuous period for lead vocalist Florence Welch. After a year-long break from touring, she was grappling with a broken relationship and personal struggles, which she openly discussed as a "nervous breakdown." This raw, emotional state became the fertile ground from which How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful grew. Unlike the fantastical metaphors of her previous work, this album was a direct confrontation with reality. It was, as Welch herself said, about "trying to learn how to live, and how to love in the world rather than trying to escape from it."
This shift in lyrical focus was matched by a musical one. While the signature towering choruses and lush orchestration remained, producer Markus Dravs (known for his work with Björk and Arcade Fire) helped the band achieve a sound that was more grounded and organic. There's a tangible warmth to the record, with a powerful brass section and a more prominent use of live instrumentation, creating a feeling that is both epic and deeply human.
From the propulsive fury of "What Kind of Man" to the self-destructive admission of "Ship to Wreck," the album takes listeners on a journey through the messy aftermath of love. We feel the full weight of her emotional reckoning on tracks like "St. Jude," a quiet, somber moment of surrender. But the album isn't just about the fall; it's about the climb back up. The title track, "How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful," is a perfect example, starting with a gentle, reflective verse before building to a cathartic, sweeping crescendo.
The album's visual component, a series of interconnected music videos collectively known as The Odyssey, provided a stunning narrative backdrop. Directed by Vincent Haycock, the videos for songs like "What Kind of Man," "Queen of Peace," and "Delilah" depicted a choreographed battle with inner demons, a visual representation of the emotional turmoil woven throughout the record.
Upon its release, How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful was a critical and commercial triumph. It debuted at No. 1 in both the UK and the US, a first for the band in the States, and earned five Grammy nominations. More importantly, it resonated with fans worldwide who connected with its honest portrayal of pain and healing. It became an anthem for those navigating their own storms, a testament to the power of finding beauty in the wreckage.
Ten years on, the album stands as a cornerstone of Florence + The Machine's discography. It's a record that proved vulnerability can be a source of immense strength, and that even the deepest heartbreak can be turned into something truly beautiful.
Florence + The Machine will soon return once more with Everybody Scream. Pre-order your copy now.