It never occurred to me that anyone wouldn't love her and I don't see her as constant belter. On the contrary, I see her as a queen of modulation and when she does belt, I prefer it to the standard melisma stuff you can hear from so many others. I fell in love with her when I first heard that high bit in the middle of Dog Days, "And I never wanted anything from you except everything you have and what was left after that too." Played it on repeat and sang it with her until I had it. Then Seven Devils and What Kind of Man - those long notes held by the backing vocalists are where breath control from playing the flute comes in handy. I'm never sure where she'll take me and it's always a good ride.

I saw her live 3 yrs ago . Didn't really know much about her back then, but her performance was mind blowing . 110% pure energy , mesmerizing voice!

It’s so weird, I’ve always loved Florence but the people in the comments don’t just dislike her, they absolutely detest her and I just could never understand what warrants that lol

@TheM3Greg

2 жыл бұрын

I didn’t realise she was so polarising!

@jessica5497

2 жыл бұрын

Same, so weird. She's a lovely person makes no sense the hate

@MVRZ167

2 жыл бұрын

Just misógyny I think, she clearly has a better voice that most artists, and her músic maybe is not jtje Best of the Best, but it is not shit either.

@Ukraineaissance2014

Жыл бұрын

Style over substance, the royalties she owes kate bush etc. etc.

@sebastianeckert1947

Жыл бұрын

@@wallybingbang4350 misogyny is anyone hating women

I'm mostly a metal guy but when I hear Florence's voice I weep like a school boy

@hw_plainview1179

Жыл бұрын

Florence is powerful.

@dazgreen

Жыл бұрын

Gay!

@vgordonw

Жыл бұрын

Hella Gay

@SobrietyandSolace

Жыл бұрын

I feel a lot of her songs are ripe for metal covers, especially operatic

Florence is one of the most distinct and iconic musicians of this generation and is going to be remembred forever. I'll just disregard the bitter comments from elitist middle aged men who can't listen to anything past their dusty metallica records. Go shower

@lunahri4173

Жыл бұрын

i have never seen as many ‘as a metal/punk fan…’ comments as i did here (positive and negative), so weird wearing a badge of honor almost for disliking a certain band lmao

I admire Florence and the Machine, she doesn't do easy listening but the key thing is she has the Hallmark Of Greatness, Originality Instantly recognisable. You don't have to love/like her/them

Florence is probably my favourite artist of all time. Seen her live 4 times and she was incredible every time.

She's got a phenomenal voice, not the 'babycakes' vocals that love to get pushed down peoples throats too often.

To be honest, I think people who don't like her sound just haven't found the right song because she is so diverse. Lungs alone was such a KALEIDOSCOPE of sound and the same can be said comparing all her eras. Even within an album there is diversity just a little more contained compared to the first album within a realm. You can't compare " Kiss With A Fist " to " Cosmic Love " which can't be compared to " End of Love " which can't be compared to " Mother " which you can't compare to " Spectrum " which you can't compare to " King " which you can't compare to " My Love " and none of which you can compare to " Bedroom Hymns " She's done bluesy rock, soul, tribal, classical, folk, baroque pop, more 80's rock, pop. She's impossible to wrap up in a hand full of songs to know what she does. That said while I like this song it's near the bottom of my list of her music. I don't think you can EVER really say her music hasn't been finessed without the exception of say Kiss With A Fist which was a nod to her leaving punk roots once she found herself. I'd also say that I don't think outside of LP there is a female vocalist who can even touch her at the moment. I know there are those with better technique but you've probably never seen the soundscapes she can weave with her vocals. She is impressive in every capacity of an artist and she was BORN to do this and I cringe at people saying that about people normally.

She's got a very 80's sounding voice, clear, no self inflicted speech impediments (whilst trying to sound sexy), so i like her.

Dammit. I am in hospital, post op, and laughing hurts. Justin, you just had to liken Florence (and the News) to Right Said Fred... I might have busted some stitches!

Listen to the live version of this at Madison Square Garden because that bursting moment is heightened by the audience cheers and for me it is a sonic orgasm. I honestly was never much into Florence until I heard this album Dance Fever, then one night while on mushrooms I listened with headphones, specifically to the song Daffodil, and everything clicked. Dance Fever is now my favorite album of all time. The subject matter, the sounds, the heart, the emotion, the self awareness, the self hate, the ambition, the defeat, the thrill and the exhaustion - she delivers it all. I really love how you broke down the song and I didn't put together the David Bowie and Right Said Fred inflections until you pointed them out. I hope you've listened to the rest of the album, and if not I highly recommend Daffodil, Cassandra and Dream Girl Evil

I've always been a big fan of hers. I love the power she seems to hold. The arrangements are always interesting - particularly on how big, how blue, how beautiful, where she really embraced a good horn section. As a writer, the imagery she builds up is just stellar. I agree though, this is a step above vocally. Would really encourage people to check out HBHBHB

Florence covered Stand By Me, and I find it to be so magically beautiful.

Though, I really enjoy individual tracks from her in recent years. It has yet to beat how enchanted I was by lungs. I was into metal and punk at the time, but upon hearing a few tracks online. I waited in line at midnight to buy lungs in the US. Don't regret it. It's a wonderful album, which hooked me, and still has me cheering for her. Even when I'm not captivated by the newer stuff. I hope she keeps evolving and putting music out.

Her first album blew me away... the percussion section is brilliant

Was never a particular fan, but saw her live at Hyde Park. She works so hard! Her energy on stage, constantly moving, is incredible. Can still take or leave her music but with a lot more respect for her as an artist and performer.

Florence and the Machine are the most amazing and original bands ever... the fuss is about their recent releases which are spectacular... I laughed while listening to your review.... laughed.

I love Florence, she's real, she's not autotuned, and she's got power and originality and passion that blows fake singers away! The first time I saw her was on American Music Awards she was the only singer who didn't lip sync and she blew everyone away. Next thing you know she's exploding world wide and everyone was falling in love with her album. Florence was the first female album i bought since evanescence probably a decade before.

Never really listen to Florence but I was doing security at a festival in Ireland once and was in a small tent where Michael Kiwanuka (great artist) was playing. During his one acoustic quiet number you could hear Florence belting out Dog Days in the distance, ruined the intimate vibe of the tent but it was quite funny. She strikes me as a singer who hasn't really courted whatevers popular at the moment, people have gravitated to her because of her talent and catchy songs.

@JamSlapper

2 жыл бұрын

I was up at the very front listening to kiwanuka that night, was crazy how few people there was in the tent, I assume they were all at Florence and the machine. I was grateful for the more intimate atmosphere tbh

@SaoirseK

Жыл бұрын

Interesting, can you remember which festival this was by any chance?

I just love watching JH dissect music with such expertise. Very enlightening

The acoustic version of Shake it out really showcases how awesome her voice is.

Her voice has improved since she stopped drinking. Their records always fall flat for me but they’ve put on an amazing show every time I’ve seen them. I once saw them perform with Soundgarden and Pearl Jam and big biker dudes in the audience were balling their eyes out during her performance.

@carljennings1639

2 жыл бұрын

Envious to the point of self-combustion.

@stevenhoward3358

Жыл бұрын

Dog Days was OK but after five minutes she grates on me. Soundgarden and Pearl Jam on the other hand have my attention all day.

Smoldering intro, Justin! 😍🔥🔥🔥

She's AMAZING live. Almost possessed.

@mightyV444

2 жыл бұрын

I remember my two Sons still being very little when the video clip to her song 'Dog Days Are Over' would play often on the TV and them *always* commenting with "Crazy Lady!" 😂

She is a absolutely beautiful singer and song writer

Right Said Fred reference had me in absolute stitches. You sir, are a hoot.

Heck yes Florence and the Machine, they are absolutely amazing. But, Florence Welch's voice is an acquired taste, but honestly the band has a niche sound and vibe to them that we fans indulge in.

I never got so into her studio albums, but her unplugged album is an absolute belter. Gets me every time.

Are they the machine that Tom Morello is raging against?

@loontil

2 жыл бұрын

tom morello is a rich little tryhard

@-ac-8296

2 жыл бұрын

@@loontil naww diddums

I remember when "Blinding" first came out and being absolutely enchanted by it. It's a song I hold in high reference.

Excellent analysis and vid, thanks Justin!

Just found this, been picking through the videos at random lost an hour. Don't often comment but felt compelled to say this is great and you're fucking awesome. Watching you deconstruct songs is like watching a mechanic take a car apart. Infinitely fascinating yet entirely bewildering. Off to choose an electrician outfit, keep it up.

Ooh Justin, I've just clicked your bell. I feel we're somehow emotionally closer because of it. Your channel is great. You're lovely to listen to and I'm quite obsessed by Love Is Only A Feeling. Besides, when you sing your jingle at the start of every video, I always make sure I'm on speakers and not headphones.....because it REALLY fuckin annoys the wife!!! LMFAO.

Nobody puts Florence in the corner!

It took me a couple of listens to really get into it, but I think I love this song. And I love the croaking. I was reminded of Bowie in a more general way, to the point that I want to hear Reeves Gabrels play on an arrangement of this. The song has some of the same gloomy vibe as their first Tin Machine album, & Reeves's dirty guitar would go well with it. ETA: Someone else mentioned Kate Bush, and yes. This is like if Kate had a much deeper voice.

Always adding context to the songs he's listening to and verbally explaining the things I cannot. Love it!!

so glad to hear you enjoy her justin

Haven't seen it previously so I'm off to watch the F&tM video without your constant interruptions Justin! Might come back after

@oldmanballer5088

7 ай бұрын

It’s a reaction channel how’s he supposed to react without stopping

For me, she’s a creative genius and still so refreshingly different from most well know female artists around today.

You talked about a merge of bands at the start of this. What are your thoughts on FFS? The merge of Franz Ferdinand and Sparks? I’ve seen footage of some live performances, and it looked a helluva lot of fun! Keep up the good work, pal! You’re doing great!

I like the Heavy and the Metal almost exclusively but my girl and I saw Florence a few years ago, might be the best show I ever saw, I’d go again tomorrow

Firstly, I love your analytical style, it's like being back at University in my songwriting analysis papers, it's fantastic, thanks! Secondly, I feel "King" is about the struggle to have it all in life, because if you're an artist, maybe of any kind not just musically, it's common to find inspiration in tragic, intense, emotional things. So potentially if you're content in life, you can lose your creativity. In a life that society indicates we should have, like you said, the things we supposed to do, there is a danger of losing the chance to experience emotions on levels that spark creativity. In the case for Florence, she describes it as "I need my golden crown of sorrow". I guess when the crown of sorrow is golden, maybe the fact where one is successful with their creative endeavours, it would be difficult to choose a life where you risk losing opportunities to create further, to build more success. As an artist myself, I've struggled with the idea that I feel both lives cannot coexist. It's strange how some of us feel we need to choose one life or the other. While I've created when I have experienced emotional times in my life, I've struggled to give everything up in order to lift that creativity to a level where it could become a successful life, if you know what I mean. But there are also creators like yourself who've done it well, and who now have those other things society encourages us to have. You are not alone in that achievement. I think it can be a challenge to emotionally separate the two worlds. Despite creators appearing to be able to understand and extensively explore emotions through art, I feel true emotional maturity is not common among the creative. Sad but true?

@StrangeAttractor

2 жыл бұрын

... or she just can't face quitting drink & drugs for nine months.

@superducknz

2 жыл бұрын

@@StrangeAttractor haha, probably that too, but each to their own, right?

@MissCephalopod

2 жыл бұрын

She's been sober for 7 years.

@cheriremily9360

Жыл бұрын

I feel it's also the expectations that are put on her as a woman as well. She reminds me of Stevie Nicks in that way of choosing herself over giving up her art to go the traditional route of being someone's wife and mom. Women are expected to make sacrifices. She's not going to.

@cheriremily9360

Жыл бұрын

@@StrangeAttractor who are you, the moral police? Get over yourself. Shit, even Hawkins is a recovering addict so STFU.

Every school needs a music teacher like you. Imagine what could be achieved ❤️

Love this channel and your insights, and I'd love to know how you feel when u hear your work critiqued be it good or bad? Must be a strange feeling people breaking down something you put your heart and soul in.

Dude. I like your channel. Just found it the other evening.

Flo’s one of my singing practice go-to-s. Intense emotional content, though. Leaves me with a creative hangover 🌘🌺😯🎃

Unbelievable performer live

A week ago I didn’t know who Justin Hawkins was...Now? I watch multiple episodes of JHRA daily, I own 2 JH shirts, just bought Permission To Land on vinyl & I’m seeing The Darkness in Toronto. if you’re casting a spell sir I have fallen under it lol love your content!

@rossiniogates

2 жыл бұрын

How did you not know this guy lol he’s pretty massive in England we love him

@joanquerzoli2662

2 жыл бұрын

Saaaaaame! Boston show. Can’t wait!

@GreenMach1ne

2 жыл бұрын

@@rossiniogates lol right?! I mean, I loved the singles on “Permission to land” in ‘05 (here in Canada) but yeah...that was pretty much the extent of my knowledge. I had no idea who the band members were etc. but yeah lol I have a lot to catch up on. I just heard “heart explodes” today for the first time!! Incredible.

@megaduck7965

2 жыл бұрын

@@rossiniogates presumably the Darkness aren’t as big in Canada as they are in the UK

@rossiniogates

2 жыл бұрын

@@GreenMach1ne yeah man you couldn’t go anywhere without hearing them on the radio he’s a really cool guy as well down to earth

Absolutely love watching you.

I don’t go out of my way to listen to her, but she was amazing live!! I may have to give this song a full go and check it out.

parts of it hit me in certain places. Loved your take on it!

Love her, and she is great live.

Can't believe you just name dropped Right Said Fred in a Florence ATM video review. Brilliant!! Had me laughing my backside off :-) This is one of the funniest reviews I have seen you do Justin. Superb. Can we have a Right Said Fred appreciation next? Ok, maybe not LOL Love it. Personally I am a fence sitter with Flo. Some of her stuff I like a lot and then sometimes it just passes me by. Great stuff as always Justin

Beautiful song. I've always respected Florence & the Machine and found Florence to be mesmerizing, but I've not always been able to connect emotionally with the songs. This one hit me differently.

Thumbs up, Subscribed with all notifications a good while back now! I'm loving the Channel, fantastic content, I'm regularly Staggered by your musical knowledge and blown away by your incredible musicianship, you've got the lot musically!!!! The Darkness are an incredible band, Thanks Justin. 👍👍👍👊✌️.PS, what do you get if you drop a piano down a mine shaft? A flat miner! LOL!!!! 😂👍👍👍👊✌️.

She’s the best vocalist I’ve ever heard live, finessed to the max! My external impression of her was similar to yours before I delved into the albums and now I absolutely love the majority of what she does. Fair comment about the melodic quality of this song though, I think she plays it a little too straight but I have no doubt the record will have lots of what I want.

@luzhizui

2 жыл бұрын

?

@eparock

2 жыл бұрын

lulz hell go to a local musical play and you can hear better vocalists... this comment section acts like she is comperable to aretha franklin or something.

@lifeinlimbo2186

2 жыл бұрын

You must have only been to her concert and only her concert. She is terrible at singing. How she got a recording contract the devil only knows.

'How does that remind me of?' David Bowie's a good call. I immediately thought of Brian Ferry, but in fairness, only when you put the thought in my head.

That switch from full voice to head voice in "...keeng" reminds me of Kate Bush! 😃 I bet Florence has a couple of Kate's albums on her shelf, too! 😁

@aldizeee

2 жыл бұрын

If you listen to her song 'Hunger" it gives a lot of 'Running Up That Hill' vibes.

@mightyV444

2 жыл бұрын

@@aldizeee - I'll check it out, thank you Aldo! 😀👍 Her video clip to 'Shake It Out' reminds me of the Kate's 'Hounds Of Love' one, too! 🙂

I think sometimes Justin's issue with some songs/artists, is that it's possible to be too educated. Eg. I worked on the first Harry potter film as a model maker so when I see Hogwarts in the film I see wood, scaffolding and the bits of my skin that are glued to it, but when a fan watches it they just see and love Hogwarts. If that makes sense 😆

@TheMichelex20

2 жыл бұрын

Perfect analogy.

@johncollins5552

Жыл бұрын

Haha, I worked as a festival stage manager for about 7 years after playing drums in a band part time for ten years and saw hundreds of upcoming bands yet amongst the predictable hordes of artic monkey/stroke/king of lion wannabes there is always one special, original that restores/refreshes your faith in music!

@JaMeshuggah

Жыл бұрын

I usually stroke myself in private, not public like this

How can there be such negativity for florence and the machine - completely recognizable voice, and non-generic as a result, and such great emotions in the singing - and lyrics that are quite fitting with regard to the emotions of the song.

How's the tour going? is there any place you have played that you walk away and say, never again. that town is 86'd off the list? i love your opinions of different bands and singer. its very enlightening.

When she sang I am king I was hoping she'd burst into Love and Pride!

Late to the game on this but Florence is great and I love your show too! As a fellow rock 'n' roller, one might presume that Florence + the Machine could be just outside the wheelhouse of interest for most, but I on the other believe she's brilliant but I will say I'm not as jazzed on the whole of her body of work. That was until I saw her live in Memphis and she blew me away, I mean her band was just spectacular too! Beforehand though what caught my attention cuz they were a bit more on the lively side was tracks like "Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up,) Drumming Song, and Spectrum" and I think if you gave those a listen you might quite enjoy them. Cheers!

Mother on How big, how blue is one her best songs. I really like some of her more blues-type songs. But every album she has released has an ecclectic mix of influences with her own style tying it all together. I think her more well known songs ( and I love them) eclispse her best work - she has a phenomenal voice. To see her live performances is a treat. But her lyrics are pure poetry. I think her detractors underestimate how good of an artist she is. and thats the key word - shes a performance artist

When Florence's first album came out I wasn't too fussed about it, but then she released Ceremonials and I thought it was really good. Lover To Lover is a wonderful song.

@-TheLunaMoth-

2 жыл бұрын

I need to agree with you ❤️

I always thought Florence and the machine was just Florence and her DAW

Actually don't usually love her but what a wonderful video and song

I had a Flobruary last month. I think her appearance on Saturday Night Live (SNL) is absolutely top notch, stunning performance, and she looks so joyful.

@theothertonydutch

2 жыл бұрын

What other month are you going to have a Flobruary?

@moonlitegram

2 жыл бұрын

don't do that

I think you were channeling Bruce Forsyth during parts of this video. Sterling work.

Can I say congrats on the Gran Tourismo sound track!

That was a cracking intro justin

Justin. Would love to hear your thoughts on progressive rock generally and Genesis, specifically.

@loontil

2 жыл бұрын

oooo genesis "a goblin on the village greeeEENN.." ugh

spectrum has a cool Annie Lennox vibe that I dig, my old man raised me on a weird combo of NWOBHM, Motown and a lot of Eurythmics, then my tastes gravitated toward punk, post punk and indie rock.

I have stolen that “unpasteurized apple juice” metaphor and used it like 30 times since that Willow video. And I intend to use it some more. It’s the perfect description!

I love this channel

I love it, it’s perfect

You are a music scientist, very insightful.

Florence & The Nightingales perhaps? Looking forward to seeing youse this Wednesday in San Diego.

The right said Fred bit cracked me up!

Her timbre always reminds me of Tracy Chapman...

She is AMAZING!!!!

You mentioned auto tune and singing from the heart -- one of my favorite albums -- Has Been by William Shatner - the whole album is spoken word from the heart - very intimate - and it deals w/ all our issues... I'd be interested in your review if you find yourself curious about it.

@richardvannjones9632

Жыл бұрын

And it features the definitive version of Common People, amongst other gems. Almost as good as Music To Watch Space Girls By...

Love Florence and love you! I think the "ballsy"/"too sexy" stuff reminds me of Kate Bush...don't think we would have this Florence + The Machine was it not for good old Kate

@shawnmcvey7789

2 жыл бұрын

Kate Bush, Stevie Nicks, and Grace Slick definitely paved the way. Each one a pioneer of their decade.

@tigs6639

2 жыл бұрын

Yep when I heard this song it reminded me of Kate Bush straight away. The drums in the background sound like 'Running up that hill' and the costumes/dancing seem inspired by that too.

Interesting how musical performance has so much to do with appearance and style. Although I guess this song also would work accoustically. I could not listen to FATM for a long time, but recently have warmed up to her sound and voice.

The funny thing about being a singer is that you don’t always have to be good at it to be a successful artist. Look at Lou Reed. On paper he’s technically abysmal but in practice delivers everything that’s needed to engage you in his songs. My theory is that 98% of what makes you like a an artist is that you immediately like the tone and sound of their voice. Simple as that. And if you don’t, no amount of songwriting and production will change that. My only advice would be stay within your limitations (make a virtue of them?) and focus on the emotion. A few gimmicks don’t do any harm too. Lou has his vibrato.

I hear some strong Natalie Merchant similarities in her vocal delivery in this song at least when she raises the volume,and yet there is also this soft delivery mixed in that sound all her..

@portcullis5622

Жыл бұрын

As a long-time Natalie Merchant fan, I thought the same. I bought the 'Lungs' album years ago, but haven't closely followed Florence's music since. I probably should, as she/they remind(s) me very much of a modern day All About Eve (Julianne Regan). With an added hint of Natalie Merchant, that combination is hard to resist.

would be cool to see what you thought of the CHVRCHES and Robert Smith performance at NME!

I know what or who that bit of singing where she's floating up the stairs reminds me of: Ville Valo of the band Him used to that sort of thing a lot, and Peter Steele from Type O Negative used to be pretty good at it as well, on the song "love you to death" for instance

Someone please tell me the name of the song at 3:48!! That little snippet unlocked a memory from my childhood

You really should react to Irish band Inhaler (with Bono's son Eli on lead vocals and guitar ;))! Cheer Up Baby or My Honest Face for example are great.

Still waiting to hear your take on hard rock band, Band-Maid.

The Machine is keyboard player Isabella Summers ,from when they were a duo btw

Right Said Fred are of course legends in their own right :-)

I saw you on ant and dec, it was brilliant

She has a great voice!

Bloody love them. I preferred the (on the whole) bigger sound of the first 3 albums but there were definitely 'quieter' songs on those too, with plenty of vocal finesse to spare. The last album (and this one) appear to be heading in a more experimental and less anthemic direction, which is less my thing but i'll happily buy whatever they put out and whatever they WANT to do. It's just such a unique voice and sound and they just clearly don't care about charts and stats. Good on 'em.

I really need to here what Justin thinks about 21 pilots. I was wondering how he feels about their music and live shows

Good point about the comparison to Feist there.

@simonhodgetts6530

2 жыл бұрын

Ah Feist! A scandalously overlooked artiste!

I didn’t really get her music at first, and I found the whole ad exec daddy thing yet another example of the kind of private school/ad and PR agency/modelling agency nepotism that goes down in the music industry… But I gave her music another chance recently, and I get it more now. She does go all out emotionally, and while her range isn’t massive, she can belt it in the range she has got.