A wide ranged, forceful, passionate, off-beat, and altogether a great voice is what holds this album together. Of course, when this is added to beautiful lyrics and creative music, the album becomes a masterpiece. The album is rightly named “Lungs” on account of her strong voice, and as this artist’s debut, it’s an overwhelming success.
Everything comes down to the songs, of course. One of the most popular songs, “Dog Days Are Over,” is possibly the catchiest song on the album. It has an up-beat tone, and it progresses from soft lines to jam-packed belting. It is the perfect example of the strength of Florence’s voice, and if this song doesn’t get you hooked, nothing else will.
Although there is a considerable amount of voice-power showcasing, there are songs which emphasize lyrics more.
‘This is a gift, it comes with a price
Who is the lamb and who is the knife?
Midas is king and he holds me so tight
And turns me to gold in the sunlight’
This comes from “Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up),” a song about letting yourself go and improving from a “rabbit heart” to a “lion heart.” One of the best things about the songs on this album, is that the lyrics lend for several interpretations, often allowing for each individual person to find a meaning that suits himself or herself. And then there are the more simple ideas, such as “Cosmic Love. The song talks about being left in the dark, presumably by a lover, and then finding love again in the darkness.
“Dog Days Are Over” was nominated for Best Music Video at the 2010 MTV Music Awards, and its video ended up winning Best Art Direction in a Video. Florence’s videos are out-of-this-worldly, matching her eccentric music and lyrics. Lungs won Best British Album at the Brit Awards.
Finally, Lungs is the album that will surely “blow out the stars and the moon,” bringing a new indie-pop artist who has a lot going for her. Florence’s voice alone would have brought her far, but writing many of her songs, including “Dog Days” and “Cosmic,” makes her a well-rounded artist. I dare you to listen to any of the songs on the album, and see if you don’t want to play it again and again.