High as Hope
Florence + the Machine · 2018
39 min · 10 tracks · indie rock
A reflective tapestry of ethereal melodies and poignant lyrics, weaving personal narratives with expansive instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
June Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
-
→
Hunger — This track encapsulates the album's exploration of desire and longing, blending anthemic choruses with deeply personal verses that reflect on the complexities of human need.
-
→
Big God — With its haunting vocals and stark production, this song addresses themes of unrequited love and existential yearning, showcasing Welch's lyrical prowess and emotional depth.
-
→
Grace — The poignant narrative of this track highlights themes of acceptance and resilience, making it a standout representation of the album’s overall message about confronting life's challenges.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends personal narratives with expansive instrumentation, creating a reflective yet cohesive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that build gradually in intensity, while the second half shifts to more subdued and introspective pieces.
- Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies that create a rich, atmospheric soundscape, particularly in 'Big God' and 'Sky Full of Song'.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- introspective moments of vulnerability
- steady pacing for reflection
- emotional depth in every track
- for quiet evenings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy anthems
- prefer standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued artistic vitality and introspection in a later stage of their career.
- Moods
- Introspective· Dreamy
- Career context
- By the time 'High as Hope' was released in June 2018, Florence + the Machine had already established themselves as a powerful force in art rock with two previous albums. This release marked a return after a four-year hiatus following their critically acclaimed album 'How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful' and showcased a more introspective and mature sound, influenced by frontwoman Florence Welch's experiences and personal growth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bat for Lashes· Of Monsters and Men· Lana Del Rey
Tracklist
- 1 June Start here 3:41
- 2 Hunger 3:34
- 3 South London Forever 4:22
- 4 Big God 4:01
- 5 Sky Full of Song 3:45
- 6 Grace 4:48
- 7 Patricia 3:37
- 8 100 Years 4:58
- 9 The End of Love 4:41
- 10 No Choir 2:29
What to play next
Dance Fever
2022
Continues the introspective themes with a more energetic and dynamic sound.
How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful
2015
Sets the emotional tone and lyrical depth that flows into High as Hope.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.