Ceremonials is the second studio album by English indie rock band Florence and the Machine. It was released on 28 October 2011 by Island Records. The band started working on the album in 2010 and finished it in 2011. The standard edition of the album was entirely produced by Paul Epworth, who also worked prominently on the band's debut album Lungs (2009). Ceremonials received generally positive reviews from music critics, who drew comparisons to artists such as Kate Bush, while also praising the instrumentation, Florence Welch's vocals and the production of the songs. It appeared on several year-end critics' lists Read more on Last.fm.
For some reason I can’t help but feel a little happier each time I hear one of the songs from Ceremonials. Especially “Shake It Off” and “Never Let Me Go.” Something magical about the way Florence sings. No one could regret purchasing this one.
Haunting. Absolutely haunting. Florence Welch and her rotating cast of musicians consistently produce top-notch writing, execution, and production. “Ceremonials” is somehow vulnerable and introspective without being emasculated. Artists like this should be celebrated for making original music, breaking into the ‘pop’ charts, and maintaining some semblance of musicianship and creativity.