Florence + The Machine: Biography, Albums, Essential Songs and Legacy

Florence Welch has one of the most powerful voices in modern music, and with Florence + The Machine she built a sound to match it: harps, drums, choirs and gothic romance, delivered with the abandon of a revival meeting. Since 2009 the band has moved from London indie clubs to stadiums without losing its strangeness.

Florence + The Machine at a glance

Formed	2007, London
Frontwoman	Florence Welch
Key collaborators	Isabella Summers (keyboards, co-writer), Robert Ackroyd (guitar), Tom Monger (harp)
Genres	Indie rock, art pop, baroque pop, soul
Breakthrough	Lungs (2009)

Formation

Welch began performing in London as an art student, with keyboardist and producer Isabella Summers, whose nickname “Isabella Machine” helped give the project its name. Early singles and electrifying live shows built a buzz, and they won the BRIT Critics’ Choice Award in 2009.

The albums

Lungs (2009)

A U.K. No. 1 debut that mixed indie rock, soul and folk. “Dog Days Are Over,” “Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)” and a cover of “You’ve Got the Love” made Florence a star.

Ceremonials (2011)

Grander and more gothic, with “Shake It Out,” “No Light, No Light” and “Spectrum.”

How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful (2015)

A more guitar-driven, personal album that debuted at No. 1 in the U.S. “What Kind of Man” and “Ship to Wreck” are the highlights.

High as Hope (2018)

Quieter and more reflective, featuring “Hunger” and “Patricia.”

Dance Fever (2022)

Written during the pandemic about the longing to dance and perform again, with “King,” “Free” and “My Love.”

Everybody Scream (2025)

Welch’s most recent album, released in late 2025, continued her exploration of ritual, myth and survival.

Florence Welch

Welch’s voice can move from a whisper to a full-throated roar, and her barefoot, whirling performances are legendary. Her lyrics draw on art history, mythology, religion and personal struggle, and she has written candidly about sobriety and mental health.

Legacy

Florence + The Machine helped bring baroque, theatrical art pop into alternative music and opened doors for bold, vocally powerful women in rock. Their influence can be heard in artists from Bastille to The Last Dinner Party.

Ten songs to start with

1. Dog Days Are Over
2. Shake It Out
3. You’ve Got the Love
4. No Light, No Light
5. Cosmic Love
6. Ship to Wreck
7. What Kind of Man
8. Hunger
9. King
10. Spectrum

If you like Florence + The Machine, try

Kate Bush, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Lana Del Rey, Bastille, The Last Dinner Party and Wolf Alice.

Frequently asked questions

When did Florence + The Machine form?

In 2007 in London.

Who is Florence Welch?

The English singer and songwriter who fronts Florence + The Machine.

What is Florence + The Machine’s biggest song?

“Dog Days Are Over” (2008), with “Shake It Out” and “You’ve Got the Love” close behind.

Is Florence + The Machine still active?

Yes. Florence Welch continues to record and tour with the band.

About this article: Written and fact-checked by The Alternative One editorial team, the programmers and music writers behind the station’s on-air shows. Official artist website: florenceandthemachine.net. Last reviewed October 2, 2026. Read our editorial standards or tell us about a correction.