•
Rating:
THE REVIEW
It had been clear for some time, according to various statements from the band and some choices made during the production phase (for example, opting for Brian Eno as the new producer) that the new Coldplay would bring significant changes in the band's sound, and more.
Note: we are talking about changes, not innovations. These were already evident, moreover, in the two tracks that anticipated the album's release (in stores from June 16, already freely available on the British band's MySpace page): the big single "Violet Hill", which cleverly combines chart-appeal and a desire to amaze in a vaguely "bluesy" melodic march, and the airy melodies of the semi-title track, a remarkable progression based on strings and various sounds, as usual, maximized by the voice of the good Chris Martin.
The much-rumored Radiohead influences do not seem so evident, perhaps you can hear something in the progression of "Cemeteries Of London" (also "watered down" by those Latin fascinations that Martin so flaunted during the process of assembling the album). The U2-flavor remains strongly felt in the previous "X & Y" ("Lovers Of Japan", at least in intentions a sort of "Pride" for the new millennium), while the hidden track "Chinese Sleep Chant" surprises, dark and ambiguous like no Coldplay song has ever been, a sensation reinforced by insane violins popping up here and there and a Martin who finally abandons the overly sweet setup typical of previous works to focus on a different and more particular use of his voice. In "Yes", a falsetto that seems to come from the bottom of a canyon rests on a guitar that would even make his buddy Noel Gallagher envious. "42" (top track of the album, few doubts) and "Strawberry Swing" use rather daring rhythmic registers, at least compared to what Coldplay has made us accustomed to so far, while "Death And All His Friends" closes, bringing out the guitars again.
"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. It would seem like the classic transition album from one dimension to another, a correct choice anyway since, as Martin rightly said, with "X & Y" there was a clear feeling of closure of a cycle. The willingness to renew and propose something new is there and, given the band's enormous talent in question, everything will surely be better focused in the future.
So, viva la vida. Death and all its friends, instead, we would gladly leave them to someone else.
Key tracks: "42", "Yes", "Viva La Vida", "Strawberry Swing"
Loading comments slowly
Summary by Bot
Coldplay’s album Viva La Vida marks a clear shift in their sound with Brian Eno’s production influence. The album introduces new elements without being fully innovative, showing a band in transition. While it lacks standout hits like 'Fix You,' it features key tracks like '42,' 'Yes,' and 'Strawberry Swing' that showcase fresh musical directions. Overall, it’s a solid work hinting at future growth.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 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.
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.
