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Rating:
THE REVIEW
The most important album of 2008 for one of the most important bands of the last 10 years. This work presents a significant change in style compared to the previous albums by Coldplay. The album has many psychedelic references because it is very "colorful" with electronic sophistication and strings that make a significant impact in "Viva la Vida". This feature of the album was definitely brought by Brian Eno, co-producer of the album, who had already helped revolutionize the style of U2. The album opens with "Life In Technicolor", a perfect intro to what would be the best album by the London band. It then continues with the Spanish rhythms of "Cemeteries Of London". Rhythms always underscored by background electronics. It then proceeds with "Lost!" a rock ballad with a beat reminiscent of "We Will Rock You", with an organ providing a backdrop to Chris Martin's beautiful voice. Then there's "42", which initially recalls John Lennon's "Imagine" before exploding and intensifying among various guitars. Next is "Lovers In Japan" together with "Strawberry Swing", which are the most psychedelic tracks on the album (too bad "Lovers In Japan" continues tediously after a pause for another 3 minutes...). Then there are the jewels of this album: the first is "Viva La Vida", an explosion of strings that intertwine from beginning to end between Chris Martin's voice and the bells heard in the background during the chorus. The second is "Violet Hill", the most rock-oriented track of the album where Coldplay finds some small blues escapades and some extra guitar riffs compared to other tracks (the song starts quietly as if wanting to emerge from a thick fog). Then there's "Strawberry Swing", very peculiar and psychedelic with very calm rhythms. The album closes with "Death And All His Friends", a piece that starts with just piano and Chris Martin's whispering voice, then the piano is accompanied by the guitar, and soon after, the piece explodes with some jolts and then soars between guitars and choirs, before fading into the hidden track that echoes the beginning of the album.
In short, Coldplay have reached their richest, most mature, and refined album of their career, which, apart from some excessive lengthiness, turns out to be very pleasant and fluid. However, Coldplay also have to thank Brian Eno, who worked very well.
This is my first review, don't be too harsh!!!
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Summary by Bot
This 2008 Coldplay album marks a significant stylistic shift with psychedelic and electronic accents, largely influenced by producer Brian Eno. Highlights include rich orchestration and memorable tracks like 'Viva la Vida' and 'Violet Hill.' Despite some lengthy sections, the album is praised as the band's most mature and refined work to date.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 Doherty
It all opens with the entirely instrumental track "Life in Technicolor", a more than 2-minute gallop that borders on instrumental perfection.
"Viva la Vida" emerges with a total absence of guitars and a joyful rhythm and choir that elevate the track to a veritable anthem of happiness.
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.
