Is Lungs a good place to start with Florence + the Machine?

Yes, Lungs is recommended as a starting point for new Florence + the Machine listeners. An ethereal blend of art rock and soulful vocals that evokes both intensity and vulnerability throughout its soaring melodies. Released on July 3, 2009, 'Lungs' was Florence + the Machine's debut album, marking the British band's entrance into the music scene. The album established Florence Welch as a distinctive voice in indie rock, following successful singles like 'Kiss With a Fist' and leading to critical acclaim and commercial success.

Lungs works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, atmospheric background focus and long, immersive listening sessions.

How many songs are on Lungs?

Lungs has 19 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

Lungs

Florence + the Machine · 2009

46 min · 19 tracks · indie rock

An ethereal blend of art rock and soulful vocals that evokes both intensity and vulnerability throughout its soaring melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Dog Days Are Over Start here — This track blends infectious energy with powerful lyrics about liberation and self-discovery, making it an anthem that defines the album's overall spirit.
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Cosmic Love — With its sweeping orchestral arrangement and haunting vocals, this song encapsulates the emotional depth of the album while showcasing Welch's vocal prowess.
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Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up) — This track is notable for its driving rhythm and uplifting message about resilience, serving as a pivotal moment in the album's exploration of hope amidst turmoil.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

70 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

Lungs showcases strong songwriting and a unique sound, though its cohesion is affected by bonus tracks.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with driving rhythms, while the second half shifts to more introspective and atmospheric pieces.
Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies that build intensity, particularly in the choruses.
The album frequently employs dynamic contrasts, moving between quiet verses and powerful, soaring choruses.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

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

dynamic emotional journeys
atmospheric background focus
long, immersive listening sessions
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This debut album established the band's reputation and garnered widespread recognition.
Career context: Released on July 3, 2009, 'Lungs' was Florence + the Machine's debut album, marking the British band's entrance into the music scene. The album established Florence Welch as a distinctive voice in indie rock, following successful singles like 'Kiss With a Fist' and leading to critical acclaim and commercial success.
Stylistic neighbors: Bat for Lashes· Of Monsters and Men· Lana Del Rey