As an effort to raise money for the UK’s Intensive Care Society during the Coronavirus crisis, Florence and the Machine released ‘Light of Love’. A cut from her previous album, High as Hope, the song is a gentle testament to her lyrical eloquence and whimsically charming sound. It is a sombre yet delicate message of hope in spite of difficulty, making it perfect for the current situation. 

It is a sombre yet delicate message of hope in spite of difficulty

‘Light of Love’ is a much more minimal approach than a lot of Florence’s previous singles. Beginning with just a piano and her vocals, the lyrics ‘so close and yet so far from death’ pierce through poignantly. As harmonies build and the repetition of ‘don’t go blindly into the dark / In every one of us shines the light of love’ begins, the song becomes a beautiful testament to human hope. In a time of such uncertainty, the message of facing darkness face on could not be more important, and Florence delivers it with a powerful delicacy.

Its simplistic orchestration only builds in the final chorus, with the layering of strings, drums, vocals and piano, and this momentum adds a certain power to the song. The violins and choral harmonies are a signature Florence and the Machine sound, and this song is no exception. It could have easily fit into High as Hope, but its release during this crisis and the charity effort behind it make its simple beauty even more powerful. The building of momentum lifts the song and propels it forward, into a place of hope and empowerment.

With ‘Light of Love’, Florence and the Machine has released a beautiful song that resonates deeply within our current society. Its gentle instrumentation and lyrical eloquence offer a charming message of hope in spite of fear, even if that means facing the darkness head on. 

‘Light of Love’ is available now via Universal Music Operations Limited

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