Struggling with the aftermath of being ‘ghosted,’ Florence + The Machine frontwoman Florence Welch is in need of a “Big God” to fulfill the missing love. 

“You need a big God / Big enough to hold your love.” Amen – hallelujah! All praises aside, Florence + The Machine aren’t necessarily preaching a sermon on “Big God,” the third single from their fourth studio album, High as Hope.  The brilliant single makes ample spiritual references, but the big picture isn’t the man upstairs – this is no CCM record after all.  No, Florence Welch is focused on being fulfilled by love, likening fulfillment being something the size of a higher power, such as God.

From the beginning, Welch is moody as albeit, accompanied by minimal production work (piano) on the chorus.  While most of it was excerpted above, the second half goes on to say, “You need a big God / Big enough to fill you up.” On the verses, she depicts the aftermath of an ended relationship.  At the end of the first verse she sings, “I still like you the most / You’ll always be my favorite ghost.” Clearly, she’s been ghosted, yet she can’t get past him.  On the second, while she states she’s improving from heartbreak initially, she changes her tune.  Of the process she sings, “Well, Jesus Christ, it hurts.  More production enters into the picture, including horns and strings on the outro.

Final Thoughts 

“Big God” is arguably the best single released in advance of High as Hope. Florence + The Machine are clearly in sync and on-point on this emotional, honest, minor-key gem.  From the start, the record is compelling, with Welch’s soulful pipes leading the charge.  Further fueling her pipes are her emotions – her heartbreak.  Yes, the plight of love has Welch bogged down, but the resulting music is absolutely awesome.  High as Hope should be a treat.

Florence + The Machine • High as Hope • Virgin • Release: 6.29.18

Photo Credit: Virgin