5. Breaking Down
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_iSHqNUPyA Florence isn't just about a huge sound with a rip-roaring voice, when she strips everything right down she can be equally wonderful. The Unplugged sessions have shown that she can also be a torch song singer. Whilst 'Shake it out' showed restraint, 'Breaking down' took this a step further, a beautiful lullaby that sounds like a nursery rhyme, it's about that feeling of doubt that creeps in at night and nags away at you. The rewards of the first record allowed her to spread her wings, finally get that orchestra in to take some of the pressure off her voice. And the end result is so melancholy, "All alone, on the edge of sleep, my old familiar friend comes and lies down next to me." This song is saying that she knew fame would be a worthwhile, but lonely path, there's no need to be afraid of the dark and sometimes embracing your fears is the only way to get past them. This is a wonderful song that parents should sing to their children at bedtime.
Ed Nash
Contributor
What makes music fantastic? Star quality, amazing music, breathtaking lyrics and the ability to bring something new to the table, even if that means a new take on the classics. That's what I love to listen to and write about.
As well as writing for What Culture, I occasionally write a blog http://tedney.blogspot.co.uk and sometimes use Twitter, but sparingly @TedneyNash
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