Florence + the Machine

London-born Florence Welch boasts a mesmerizing powerhouse of a voice that blurs genre lines between soul, baroque pop and beyond — and it’s the latter point, the otherworldly nature of her voice, that helped make her band Florence + the Machine’s 2009 debut ‘Lungs’ an international hit. Specifically, her breakthrough single, ‘Dog Days Are Over,’ was a favorite among critics that also received plenty of radio play. Propelled by that critical claim, the fiery-haired British singer — backed by a rotating lineup of musicians — kept up that momentum with her follow-up, ‘Ceremonials.’ Building upon the celestial-like sound of ‘Lungs,’ the 2011 album fit neatly within the singer-songwriter’s catalog. Its lead track, ‘Shake It Out’ rivaled ‘Dog Days Are Over’ in popularity, earning Florence + the Machine a Grammy for Best Pop/Duo Performance, while the album was also nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album.

Florence Welch Named ‘Greatest Woman in Rock of All Time’
Florence Welch Named ‘Greatest Woman in Rock of All Time’
Florence Welch Named ‘Greatest Woman in Rock of All Time’
In a staggeringly superlative declaration, London radio station XFM has declared Florence Welch (most often seen with a Machine) to be The Greatest Woman in Rock of All Time, though a more fitting title might be The Most Popular Female Rock Lead in Britain Right Now.
Florence + the Machine Ready ‘MTV Unplugged’ Album
Florence + the Machine Ready ‘MTV Unplugged’ Album
Florence + the Machine Ready ‘MTV Unplugged’ Album
Florence + the Machine's intimate December performance at New York's Angel Orensanz synagogue has been turned into an album. NME reports the show, which featured piano, strings and a 10-piece gospel choir, was recorded for an 'MTV Unplugged' record that hits stores next month.