What Kind of Man cover

What Kind of Man

Florence + the Machine · 2015

7 min · 2 tracks · indie rock

A powerful blend of soaring vocals and visceral instrumentation that explores themes of love, identity, and self-doubt.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    What Kind of Man — This title track encapsulates the album's exploration of complex relationships through its dynamic instrumentation and commanding vocal performance, illustrating both vulnerability and strength.
  • →
    As Far as I Could Get — This track features introspective lyrics that delve into themes of longing and self-reflection, complemented by an atmospheric soundscape that enhances its emotional weight.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong writing and production but lacks broader impact.

What we noticed

  • The title track features a dynamic build, starting with a sparse arrangement that gradually layers in instrumentation and vocal harmonies.
  • The second track employs a more subdued tempo and minimalistic instrumentation, creating a stark contrast to the first.
  • Both tracks utilize repetitive lyrical motifs that emphasize emotional intensity and thematic depth.
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
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 — Served as a significant return and lead single for a highly anticipated album.
Career context
Released in early 2015, 'What Kind of Man' served as the lead single for Florence + the Machine's third album, 'How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful.' This period marked a significant return for the band after a four-year hiatus following the critically acclaimed 'Ceremonials,' showcasing a shift towards a more mature sound.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • What Kind of Man

    The climactic bridge shifts from a questioning tone to a fierce declaration of independence and self-awareness.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 What Kind of Man 3:36
  • 2 As Far as I Could Get 4:00

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata