Hunger (Florence and the Machine song)

Hunger single cover

Hunger is a song by the British indie rock band Florence and the Machine. It was released on 3 May 2018 as the second single from their fourth studio album, High as Hope (2018). The song was written by lead vocalist Florence Welch and Emile Haynie, who also produced the track alongside Thomas Bartlett.

Background and Composition

"Hunger" addresses themes of longing and the search for fulfillment. Welch has described the song as a reflection on the ways people try to fill voids in their lives, often through unhealthy means. The song combines elements of indie rock and baroque pop, featuring a prominent piano line, lush orchestration, and Welch's powerful vocals.

Release and Promotion

The song was premiered on BBC Radio 1 and was accompanied by a music video directed by A.G. Rojas. The video features Welch performing the song in various artistic settings, including a museum and a desert landscape.

Critical Reception

"Hunger" received widespread acclaim from music critics, who praised its lyrical depth and Welch's vocal performance. Many reviewers highlighted the song's exploration of personal and universal themes of desire and fulfillment.

Live Performances

Florence and the Machine performed "Hunger" on several television shows and at various music festivals, including The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Glastonbury Festival, and Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

Track Listing

1. "Hunger" – 3:34

Personnel

• Florence Welch – vocals, songwriting
• Emile Haynie – songwriting, production
• Thomas Bartlett – production
• Andrew Wyatt – additional production
• Brett Shaw – engineering
• Tom Elmhirst – mixing
• Joe Visciano – mixing assistance
• Randy Merrill – mastering

Charts

"Hunger" charted in several countries, reaching the top 40 in the UK Singles Chart and performing well on various international charts.