Shake It Out cover

Shake It Out

Florence + the Machine · 2011

18 min · 4 tracks · indie rock

Anthemic choruses and rich instrumentation elevate themes of liberation and resilience in a euphoric blend of art rock and indie pop.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Shake It Out — This title track encapsulates the album's exploration of overcoming personal struggles and features soaring vocals that showcase Florence Welch's dynamic range.
  • →
    Shake It Out (The Weeknd remix) — The Weeknd's remix introduces a darker, more atmospheric interpretation while retaining the original's empowering message, highlighting the song's versatility.
  • →
    Shake It Out (Benny Benassi remix) — Benassi's remix offers an electro-infused take on the original, demonstrating how the track transcends genres and resonates within dance music circles.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

54 /100
Foothills
Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong composition and craft but lacks cohesion due to its remix nature.

What we noticed

  • The lead track features a dynamic build-up with layered instrumentation that crescendos into a powerful chorus.
  • The remixes vary significantly in style, with The Weeknd's version introducing a more subdued, atmospheric sound compared to the original.
  • The original track maintains a consistent tempo throughout, while the remixes explore different rhythmic interpretations.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Solidified the band's reputation after initial success with 'Lungs'.
Career context
Released in 2011, 'Shake It Out' is a pivotal single from Florence + the Machine's second studio album, 'Ceremonials.' At this point, the band was experiencing significant commercial success following their breakthrough debut, 'Lungs,' which had established them as a major force in the indie music scene.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Shake It Out

    The bridge shifts to emphasize the need to release past burdens through vivid imagery of shedding weight.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Shake It Out 4:38
  • 2 Shake It Out (The Weeknd remix) 5:17
  • 3 Shake It Out (Benny Benassi remix edit) 3:22
  • 4 Shake It Out (Benny Benassi remix) 5:35

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata