"Leaders of the Free World" is the third studio album by English rock band Elbow, released on 12 September 2005 in the UK and 21 February 2006 in the US by the V2 record label. The album was produced at Blueprint Studios in Salford, a space the band hired for the duration of their recording sessions.
Brought to life by Elbow’s current lineup of Guy Garvey, Craig Potter, Mark Potter, and Pete Turner, the album is characterized by grand, lush arrangements, paired with frontman Guy Garvey's specifically northern English, working-class narratives. The title track provides commentary on the dissolution of American global prestige during the Bush years - a unifying theme that threads through several songs on the album.
The album’s cover features the artwork "Lost House" by artist Oliver East who worked closely with the band during the album's conception. The two singles issued from the album were "Forget Myself" and "Leaders of the Free World."
Upon its release, "Leaders of the Free World" received highly positive reviews. Music publications praised the album's matured sound and resonating lyrics. The LP peaked at number 12 on the UK Albums Chart and was certified Gold by British Phonographic Industry for selling more than 100,000 copies. Though the record was less successful in the United States, it still helped enhance the band's reputation in their home country and abroad.
