"Ceremonials" is the second studio album by English indie rock band Florence and the Machine, released on October 28, 2011, by Island Records. The album was primarily produced by Paul Epworth, who also collaborated on their debut album, Lungs (2009).
The album received widespread acclaim from critics, who praised its rich instrumentation, Florence Welch's powerful vocals, and the overall production quality. Comparisons were often made to artists like Kate Bush, and Ceremonials appeared on numerous year-end critics' lists for 2011. It earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album and included the hit single "Shake It Out," which was nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Ceremonials debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and achieved similar success in Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand, while reaching number six on the US Billboard 200—marking the band’s first top-10 album in the US.
The album features five singles: "What the Water Gave Me" released as a teaser single, "Shake It Out" as the official lead single and a commercial success, "No Light, No Light" as the second single, "Never Let Me Go" as the third single reaching number three in Australia, and "Spectrum (Say My Name)" released as a remix by Calvin Harris that became the band's first number-one single in the UK.
The album's sound blends elements of baroque pop, art pop, indie pop, neo soul, and gothic pop. Welch described the title as inspired by a '70s art installation and reflected on themes of performance and exorcism, aiming to create a grand, soulful sound.
To promote Ceremonials, the band embarked on the worldwide Ceremonials Tour from 2011 to 2012 and performed at various events, including live shows on The X Factor and Saturday Night Live. The album's themes and sound have led to its use in various media, including trailers for films and popular TV shows.
Overall, Ceremonials solidified Florence and the Machine's presence in the music industry, showcasing their evolution and artistic ambition.
