← Back

Leaders of the Free World

by Elbow

Released: September 12, 2005

Alternative rock, art rock

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Chart Success.

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. 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. "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.

Inside the Recording

The album was produced at Blueprint Studios in Salford, a space the band hired for the duration of their recording sessions.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

The title track provides commentary on the dissolution…

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.

Music publications praised the album's matured sound and…

Music publications praised the album's matured sound and resonating lyrics.

Though the record was less successful in the…

Though the record was less successful in the United States, it still helped enhance the band's reputation in their home country and abroad.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Elbow - Leaders of the Free World

Open in Albums Gallery

Then

Reception

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. 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.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"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.