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THE REVIEW
After three years of silence, Chris Martin and his bandmates return to the musical stage with an album bearing a bold and unusual title, "Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends". Those who expected something new and in a certain sense innovative from Coldplay will be pleased with this fourth studio album, greatly influenced by the work of former U2 producer Brian Eno. Compared to the previous (rather disappointing) "X & Y," the band seems much more inclined toward cautious experimentation, which becomes apparent when listening to the album... but let's get to the point:
It all opens with the entirely instrumental track "Life in Technicolor", a more than 2-minute gallop that borders on instrumental perfection. The second track is the excellent "Cemeteries of London", with strongly religious themes in the lyrics that are reflected in a very evocative and compelling sound. From one unique rhythm to another, the third song is titled "Lost!", and here it truly seems like listening to a voodoo shaman version of Chris Martin, accompanied by percussion and organ, a unique track but definitely overshadowed by its acoustic version present as a b-side on the Violet Hill single, where the piano, perhaps the symbolic instrument of Coldplay's sound, takes center stage. The fourth episode of the album is perhaps the one with the most depth and quality: it is "42", a track that begins in the style of "The Scientist," only to explode in the second half with a crescendo of electric guitar and piano.
A song that immediately brings to mind the best of U2 is "Lovers in Japan"; try listening to it while imagining Bono Vox's voice and the trick is done, all to show that Coldplay aims to resemble the super Irish band more and more. Track number 7 "Yes" is noteworthy, whose melody and Chris's way of singing will take you back to the most classic OASIS-like sound.
Two tracks destined for sure success are "Viva la Vida", where the band's desire to experiment emerges with a total absence of guitars and the presence of a joyful rhythm and choir that elevate the track to a veritable anthem of happiness. The other track is the first single released, "Violet Hill", undoubtedly among the gems of the album, with a decisive and vigorous rhythm that brings us back to the Coldplay we all know with strong Britpop influences.
In conclusion, we can talk about a satisfying but not thrilling piece of work for those who love the old-school Coldplay, but I am convinced that this album will open a second chapter in what has been an extraordinary career so far for a band loved by everyone and envied by many for their compositional perfection that ironically seems boring.
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Summary by Bot
Coldplay’s fourth studio album Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends marks a stronger, more experimental direction influenced by Brian Eno and U2. The album opens with a near-perfect instrumental and incorporates compelling religious themes and varied rhythms. Key tracks like "Viva la Vida" and "Violet Hill" showcase joyful and Britpop elements, respectively, while others blend acoustic and electric sounds for a rich listening experience. Overall, a satisfying evolution signaling a new chapter for the band.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Coldplay
Coldplay are a British rock band formed in London in 1996. The core members are Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman and Will Champion. They are known for melodic, arena-scaled pop-rock and for alternating mainstream anthems with occasional experimental departures.51 Reviews
Other reviews
By Chopinsky
Coldplay have changed, folks, but they do not betray their nature and continue to pursue their poetry with the usual, disarming honesty.
"Viva la vida or Death and all his friends" is not Coldplay's "Kid-A". The much-heralded experimentation did not find confirmation... But that's fine. In fact, it's great.
By GrantNicholas
Viva La Vida is certainly not an album as good as the previous ones; you surely won’t find a 'Fix You' or a 'Trouble', but we’re not facing a poor album either.
The hidden track 'Chinese Sleep Chant' surprises, dark and ambiguous like no Coldplay song has ever been.
By nss_gabriele
"It’s just the freedom to say 'It can’t please everyone. We’re in it right now, so let’s just do it.'"
"An album fresh, bright, dynamic, with a universal scope, that resides in that seldom-treaded territory between pop banalities and the acido-cacophonic extremes of experimentation."
By davoz
It is precisely that pronounced melodicism... which is compromised by the work of the Woodbridge genius.
One is decidedly disappointed... a misstep, but nothing to worry about.
By temi
This is their "Ok Computer," the music they produced previously takes a step forward, evolves.
How many stars to give? 5 are not enough... this is the classic legendary album for which something more is needed.
