Florence and the Machine, 'Lungs'

Release date: October 20, 2009
Record label: Universal Republic
Official Web site: http://florenceandthemachine.net/

The buzz: Given the sweeping success of big-voiced British pop sirens like Adele and Amy Winehouse, it’s little surprise that Florence Welch attracted the attention of the major labels well before she had a record to her name. Decidedly more contemporary than those peers, Florence already earned a Mercury Prize nomination in her native U.K., where “Lungs” would have enjoyed a month-plus atop the charts if not for that damned Michael Jackson.

The verdict: One of the best debuts of 2009. Everything on “Lungs” is cranked up to 11: powerhouse vocals, carefree genre-hopping, and dramatic orchestral arrangements at the hands of several famous producers who share an understanding of how to make a song arena-sized. Fortunately, Florence proves to be a star worthy of the daring spotlight she puts on herself. Correspondingly, the low moments on “Lungs” are the most conventional, like the peppy rock knockoff “Kiss With a Fist.” When she hits the creative and emotional heights of “Cosmic Love,” “Dog Days Are Over,” “Drumming Song” or “Blinding,” it’s already hard to imagine anyone else doing it better.

Did you know? How do you know when your first record is a success? When your label issues a quadruple-disc deluxe version just in time for Christmas shopping. The bonus discs include a full live session, remixes, rarities and a bunch of videos.