British band tops the charts

With a distinct style, fiery red locks and, most importantly, incredible music, Florence Welch and her band Florence and the Machine are climbing up the charts and into fans hearts.

Florence and the Machine’s first album, “Lungs,” debuted in July 2009. “Lungs” entered the charts at number two in Britain, surpassed only by the Michael Jackson music frenzy following his death. In America, it started at 17 on the Billboard “Heatseakers” chart. A month after its release, the album had sold more than 100,000 copies in the UK.

Even without the numerical evidence, it is not hard to predict the success of “Lungs” after listening to it. The 13 tracks on the album are packed with Welch’s illustrious voice belting out feisty tunes. “Kiss With a Fist,” the first song on the album, was featured on the soundtrack to the movie “Jennifer’s Body.”

In “Dog Days Are Over,” Welch’s voice reverberates through the speakers, forceful and intent, yet pausing wistfully at times. “Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)” has a sparkly sound filled with crisp notes and hard glamour. Welch’s tantalizing drawl is at its finest in “I’m Not Calling You A Liar” as the haunting notes drift slowly in and out of the eardrums.

“Girl With One Eye” is deceivingly languid. Reminiscent of an old blues lounge, Welch croons seductively, caressing the words so casually that it is easy to miss lyrics that address violence and anger in a blasé tone. “I’ll cut your little heart out because you made me cry,” Welch admonishes.

The final track on the album, a cover of The Source and Candi Staton’s “You Got The Love” received the highest chart position of the album and is also used in many commercials. A crowd pleaser, “You’ve Got The Love” is a staple for Florence and the Machine’s live performances.

“Lungs” is an addicting first album from a captivating band. After proving themselves with this album, Florence and the Machine won’t let anything stop them. When their instruments and equipment were caught in a fire during a 2009 tour, the band recorded the sound of the burning instruments to use as inspiration for their next album.

Poignant melodies, mysterious lyrics and soul-filled hits make Florence and the Machine a musical force to be reckoned with. It is impossible to guess what they will come up with next, but it will surely match their striking first album.

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