Coldplay - A Rush of Blood to the Head
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Free Music Notes for A Rush of Blood to the Head
Free Music Review: One of the Best Albums of All Time
Hit: 5 Stars
If Coldplay's first album "Parachutes" put them on the map, then their sophomore effort "A Rush of Blood To the Head" established for them their own continent.
Let's backtrack a bit...
In the spring of 2003 I heard that Coldplay would be making a tour stop near my hometown. At that point I already owned a copy of "Parachutes" which I had talked a friend into buying for me (don't ask me how, I guess I didn't want it bad enough to pay for it myself). The main reason I wanted it and the only thing I really listened to on it was the song "Yellow"--probably the song that some would say Coldplay is most known for. Needless to say I wasn't too much of a fan by then but since big name acts like this rarely, if ever, came through my neck of the woods I figured I'd better go to the concert just to check it out.
After I purchased my ticket I figured it might be a good idea to buy a copy of their new album since that was what they were touring in support of. I wanted to be able to seem cool and in order to do that I needed to be able to sing along to more than just one song. I listened to the album a few times through and was gradually becoming more of a steady fan. But the real turning point for me was seeing them in concert. After that night I knew that from then on I was a Coldplay fan for life.
If you've ever seen this band live then you know exactly what I'm talking about. From their display of passion, intensity, and energy all the way to the amazing green laser that shone out and formed a kind of roof over the crowd's head during the song "Clocks", I was beaming from ear to ear the whole time.
I've seen them in concert a total of three times now and their awesome live shows coupled with the fact that they simply make darn good music really makes these guys a force to be reckoned with in today's music scene whether you love them or hate them.
Lots of bands like to claim that they have an "original" sound but more often than not I've found that the reality of the situation is that this is a total lie. In Coldplay's case, especially with "A Rush of Blood To the Head", true originality not only presents itself, it rams itself down your throat. Before this album came out and still to this day I have never heard an album quite like it (except for maybe elements of the band's follow-up "X&Y").
This is one of those rare albums in life that would take entirely too long to list off everything about it that makes it great, but a few key points in the album (some of which will make you wish you knew how to play piano if you don't already) are:
-The haunting chords of the album's opener "Politik".
-The soft and sentimental chord progression of the amazing "The Scientist".
-The recognizable and catchy theme of "Clocks".
-The lyrics to and overall feel of the title track.
-And-
-The contemplative progression of the album's closer "Amsterdam" (possibly my favorite of the whole album)--an absolutely exquisite song to close an album with.
Upon first listen to the album's opening track, "Politik", it seems like the whole experience might be overshadowed with a tone of negativity. But as the song progresses you actually find that what Coldplay seem to have wanted to convey is that, yes, there are frustrating things about this world but they're not going to let these things discourage them or cause them to want to give up. This is evidenced in the second half of the song where Chris Martin just sings the same lyric over and over, "Give me love over this." It is as though he is choosing to take all of the things about this life that frustrate him and channel them into something that fuels love rather than hate.
If nothing else, "A Rush of Blood To the Head" was a statement of intention that Coldplay planned on being around for a long time. Well, here we are almost eight years later and in the time since then these four boys from England have delivered nothing but purely amazing music and will hopefully continue to do so well into the future. It seems like the statement this album made has held true. What they began with Parachutes they truly took to the next level with this album. If I were any one of these men, looking back I would wonder to myself, "How did we ever successfully transition from an album like `Parachutes' to something on such a grand scale as `A Rush of Blood To the Head' without experiencing a total train wreck?" At that point I guess I would just stop wondering and simply be thankful.
A track from this album that seems to have gotten little attention is the song "Green Eyes". I don't know why this is as it is one of my favorite tracks. But oftentimes the real gems are hidden beneath the surface. It's a very catchy acoustic ballad that can't help but make you think of a loved one when you hear it. My favorite lyric from the song is, "I came here with a load and it feels so much lighter since I met you." And that's exactly how I've always felt every time I've come away from listening to this album--that no matter what mood I may have been in or what problems I may have been experiencing in life, my load feels just that much lighter thanks to the special place in my heart for this collection of songs.
Free Music Review: Solid Pop Group - Future Superstars?
Hit: 5 Stars
Using a mixture of styles to infuse life into pop, Coldplay trounced the album competition with the second entry into their album discography. This album managed to garner three top Grammy awards: the Best Alternative Music Album of 2002; the Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal of 2002 for the song "In My Place;" and Record of the Year of 2003 for the single "Clocks." In 2003 "Rolling Stone" magazine listed this album as #473 of the 500 greatest albums of all time. If Coldplay can translate the success of their first three albums into future albums, their place as icons of rock will be assured.
Though the music is fundamentally pop, the topics are often not. Written shortly after the events of 11 September 2001, "Politik" calls for understanding and love and asks us to view the reality that we are all one race. The style of this song is marvelous, mixing elements of grunge and alternative with mellow backing to create an unusual song with tragic undertones.
After the relatively heavy opening, "In My Place" is a soothing pop song. This song was recognized critically by its Grammy Award. However, the song fared less well on the charts, reaching only #17 on the U.S. Modern Rock chart. The song did much better on both the U.K. and Canadian charts, where it reached #2 on both. The song is mellow and pretty, and easy on the ears; all attributes of a solid pop song.
The third song provides a third style in as many songs. This alternative pop song has a blues flavor to it and a faster beat than the previous two songs. The lyrics are simple, but the refrain is excellent and worth listening to multiple times.
Pop albums have to have a love song on them, usually more than one. I think there must be a rule about that somewhere. "The Scientist" is one of the most interesting love songs I can recall on a pop album. The lyrics are unusual in that the words try to describe love and relationships analytically rather than emotionally. These lyrics are great for geeks like me. This song was a single that reached #18 on the U.S. Modern Rock chart, and did reasonably well in the U.K. and Canada.
The fifth song on this album is "Clocks," which is a remarkable song that I never tire of hearing. The song does have elements that seem drawn from the Verve. However, this song is all Coldplay's, with elements of grunge and pop and rock all nicely executed with lyrics that beg to back an excellent movie about life and futures and pasts and missed opportunities and opportunities yet to be. Try not to read the lyrics too many times or you may find your life in them. This song reached #9 on the U.S. Modern Rock chart, making it the most successful single from this album in the U.S. The people at the Grammy Awards were smarter, bestowing Record of the Year on this song. It is fortunate that all the music on this album was less than this song, or I might never listen to any other album ever again.
I was delighted and surprised by "Daylight." This song has several retro elements that reminded me of the Doors and the Beatles with Verve to pull it all together. The clever music for this song makes this song my second favorite on this CD. The words are deliciously surreal and evocative. Oh, silly me, this is a psychedelic song, a rarity in this era.
"Green Eyes" is another bluesy song that almost has a country flavor. This song adds a little to this album, but is one of the weaker songs here. Even though I describe this song as being weaker, it is weak only in comparison to the rest of the music on this CD.
The strength of the music comes back with "Warning Sign," which I think should have been a single. This pop ballad is about love and regret. The song is mellow and melancholy, with excellent string music at just the right points.
I am much less enthused about "A Whisper," which I believe is the weakest song on this CD. I think portions of the song are too repetitive and sometimes downright annoying. There are portions of this song that are strongly reminiscent of Sting and the Police, and I like those portions, but three quarters of the "whispers" could have been eliminated to make a better song.
The title track is quite nice. The song begins with as an acoustic blues song. The song powers up in two steps to become solidly alternative. When the reverberation adds in this song becomes very powerful and excellent. The lyrics are complex and the most challenging of any on this CD. This song is one of the best executed songs on this CD and one of my favorites.
The closing song is "Amsterdam." The song has a Pink Floyd opening, an Elton John transition, and an acoustic alternative body. The harmony at the halfway point is nicely done, and helps carry the song into the piano bridge, where an organ is the leading edge of a bevy of electric instruments that finally kick in to finish off the album. This song was a good selection to finish out this album.
Coldplay is building a significant track record. If they can continue with the kind of musical quality they have had thus far, they will be on the edge of being rock superstars, and icon status will follow shortly behind.
Free Music Review: Coldplay's sophmore effort leaves you want more...
Hit: 5 Stars
How to describe this one...If you thought 'Parachutes' was not rocking enough, or too mellow -- prepare to be amazed at 'A Rush Of Blood To The Head'
This album pushes Coldplay to their limits. If you want an idea of what they album is like, thinking of "Don't Panic" meets "Yellow" and "Trouble" , the music is more piano based in this one. But that doesn't mean that they've gone soft.
Opening track "Politik" -- is a hard hit in your face track, where it begins like thunder, then calms down, then goes back into a powerful song. Chris Martin gives his soul in this song, as a plea to the world to 'Open up your eyes' a realization of what is going around in the world now.
"In My Place" -- begins with a drum beat, then blossoms like a flower opening to the sun light. Chris humbly sings "In my place / Where lines I couldn't change / I was lost oh yeah" the song goes into a "uplifting" chorus when Chris sings "How long will you wait for it? / How much will you pay for it? " Jonny Buckland's riff in this song is incredibly addictive, which you have you doing an air guitar to the song. The song ends sweetly with Chris repeating the first line of song.
"God Put A Smile Upon Your Face" -- feels like Yellow pt2, but a more hipper, uplifting track. The guitars and drums are flowing nicely, to make you want to headbang to the song. Chris sings "I have to say / I wasted all your time / Honey-honey" which is probably the coolest lyric I've heard in a while.
"The Scientist" -- at first I couldn't feel what other people where saying about this track. Then eventually, I felt it -- this track reminded me of a relationship in which it was a mistake. It feels like "Trouble" pt2, The piano, acoustic guitar and has sort of a "string" feel to it, it is beautifully well done. Chris sings "I'm going back to start" as like it's hopeless and is going to try again. The song is very beautiful and ends with Chris "oo-ing" at the end, and the song ends beautifully.
"Clocks" -- Begins with a beautiful piano piece, then the band joins in for a nice mix of the song. Chris sings a story book to us, with descriptive lines like "Shoot an apple off my / Trouble that can't be maimed / The tigers waiting to be tamed" There is also a string feel to this one. At the end, Chris sings "Home / Home / Where I wanted to go" and the song gloriously fades out at a high note.
"Daylight" -- Don't know about this one, sort of like Clocks -- it also has a U2 "Beautiful Day" feel to it also.
"Green Eyes" -- Feels like Yellow pt3, Chris sings in praisal "Green Eyes / Yeah the spotlight shines upon you / And anyone who tries to deny you / Must be out of their mind" like a song about one special person.
"Warning Sign" -- Begins with a guitar strum, then piano and strings come in -- and just blend together to delievery a sad, dark, yet warm ballad. Chris sings "A Warning Sign / I missed the good part / And I realized / I started looking / And the bubbled burst / I started looking for excuses" It's like a song where you could've let go in a relationship, but didn't and now you feel the consequence for it. Chris pleads, as most people would do to get someone back, "Come on in / I got to tell you what a state I'm in / I have to tell you in my loudest tongues / That I started looking for a warning sign" then the song builds up to it's chorus, which it has a confessional " Well the truth is / I miss you / Yeah the truth is / I miss you so" The song ends with the chorus and Chris sings " And I'm tired / I should've let you go" then softly plays the piano and a warm, sort of "get together" feeling at the end song forms, Chris sings "So I crawl back into your open arms" and the song fades out with Chris singing that line... Gorgeous song, without a doubt the best song on the album.
"A Whisper" -- Somewhat comparable to Radiohead's "Electroneering" but with a piano, it's got sort of a big air feel to it. Not as great as 'Clocks' or 'The Scientist'
"A Rush Of Blood To The Head" -- Chris begins by singing " Said I'm gonna buy this place and burn it down / I'm going to put this six feet underground " Like it's a threat, think of Travis's "Last Train" this song is also like a promise to get revenge on someone or something that happened. Chris sings "I'm going to buy a gun and start a war / If you can tell me something worth fighting for " Which powerful questions the point of war, let alone violence. The chorus is like an explanation for the "break down" feel to the song. A powerful song with a powerful message.
"Amsterdam" -- Think of Trouble, this song is about relief, almost has a "Let It Be" feeling to it. Chris makes the reference "You came along and you cut me free" which sounds like it's about getting away from a dangerous situation. Jonny's guitar piece at the end and Chris's piano playing end this song perfectly.
So this is definitely a step up from Parachutes, I'd say it's like taking Parachutes and doubling it. It's going to be interesting to see Coldplay's third album top this.
If you can't get enough of this album, check out the B-sides to the singles; "One I Love" "1.36" "I Ran Away" "Crest Of Waves" "I Bloom Blaum" and the newly recorded "Animals"
If you don't have this cd, GET IT NOW! Easily one of the best releases of 2002 -- if not, the ESSENTIAL of 2002.
Free Music Review: Simply a masterpiece.
Hit: 5 Stars
After I first was dazzled by Parachutes, I was immediately taken into the world of Coldplay, and it was my favorite album, and Coldplay was my favorite band. And then...A Rush of Blood to the Head came out. "This is just astounding," I thought. "This is what music isn't and what music should be." My favorite song, you ask? I tried to figure that out. I listened to each and every song, balanced them out, and came to a conclusion.
Every song here is worthy of being a favorite.
At first it was The Scientist, but it spread to Clocks, The Scientist and In My Place, but then it hit me.
NO SONG ON THIS ALBUM IS LESS THAN A MASTERPIECE.
If you like Coldplay, you own this. If you hate Coldplay, than too bad, you don't have a taste for good music. Go listen to your mindless rap, because this kind of great music is reserved for us. Smart people with good tastes only. If you like MUSIC, get this album. If you hate music, get this album. Everybody who's anybody will like this album.
HERE ARE RATINGS FOR THE SONGS ON AROBTTH.
Poltik: 8.5/10
It's a love-it-or-hate-it song. I love it. People hate it because they think it is annoying. Well, true, in a way, but if you listen again and again, it will sound AWESOME with th heartbeat-style headbanging guitar and drums.
In My Place: 9/10
The energetic drums and that one simply AWESOME guitar riff I so sorely want to learn how to play, plus the great lyrics, makes for a worthy single, one of the better songs on this album, and my personal anthem along with The Scientist. My one complaint? It's a little repetitive.
God Put A Smile Upon Your Face: 8.7/10
The guitar is awesome and the slide guitar or whatever it is sounds great. The lyrics are also good. Another great song. "Don't ever say you're on your way down...When God gave you style and gave you grace...God put a smile upon your fa-ace"
A worthy favorite.
The Scientist: 10/10
Simply...astounding. In every way possible. Really. The lyrics speak of the conflict between knowledge/intellect and raw emotion. This is my favorite song EVER; and if you hate this, then I hate you.
Clocks: 8.7/10
Wow. This song is so unique. Some say these sound like U2 lyrics, (Lyrics.com) but...no. It pulls you into a parallel world. The piano at the beginning pulls you in. This song is JUST TOO OVERPLAYED on the radio. It was even on the Peter Pan (the new version) soundtrack. Now everyone's heard it, and it adds to the reason everyone says Coldplay is supposedly "sappy radio-friendly material". I DON'T LIKE YOU GUYS!
Daylight: 8.5/10
Great use of orchestra. It leans a little too much toward being filler, but it wins out with its piano and orchestra that draws you in even more than Clocks, even though Clocks is better.
Green Eyes: 9/10
Very sweet and emotional. It tells a simple love story and talks about the straightforwardness of love. These are the most direct
lyrics; in second place, Shiver, from Parachutes. THese lyrics aren't ones you really have to think about like Scientist or CLocks.
Warning Sign: 9/10
The song in its entirety is great, but it has a very sweet and simple chorus that I personally like. "Well the truth is...I miss you" The entire song aches with beauty, as with the rest of the album.
A Whisper: 7.0/10
It is weaker than the other songs, it is more repetitive, but it is nonetheless good. My complaint is that the music is annoying, drags on, and that the lyrics are SO QUIET compared to the annoyingly loud music. The closest to filler on this album.
I CAN'T HEAR THE D*** LYRICS!!!
A Rush of Blood to the Head: 10/10
It tells a story that will make you contemplate everything you feel emotionally and everything you do physically. Any mistake you make, just blame it upon a rush of blood to the head.
Amsterdam: 10/10
Simply awesome. A great finale. I can't say how much I love this song. It is slow and long, but certainly not boring. This is one of the the best songs Coldplay has ever done. "But time...is on your side...it's on your si-i-ide now" Simply beautiful and is a PERFECT ending.
Coldplay was my favorite band once I heard Parachutes, and this just betters my reason for this being my favorite. There is something especially cool about this group. What is the genre? Is it slow rock? Is it pop? It's neither. They have created their own genre. (AND NO, THEY HAVE NOT COPIED RADIOHEAD, U2, PINK FLOYD, OR TRAVIS!!!! ESPECIALLY THE THING WITH U2-GOD, WHAT IS WITH YOU GUYS WHO SAY THIS COPIES U2??!!?)
TRACKS: 11
BEST SONGS: The Scientist, Clocks, GPASUYF, In My Place, Politik, Warning Sign, Amsterdam, Title Track
AVERAGE SONGS: Daylight, Green Eyes
WORST SONG: A WHISPER
LISTENABILITY: 9/10
RECOMMENDED? Of course!
PS. What is Coldplay's next album gonna be called? Any rumors or anything, I just wanna get some part of an idea! And yes, they are making a new album. Go on coldplay.com.
Free Music Review: A Rush Of GREAT Music...
Hit: 5 Stars
Over the past two years or so, I had been hearing little clips of information or songs about the up and coming Brit band Coldplay. Slightly becoming more popular over the course of that time, I began hearing more and more about them, and after hearing the addictive ballad "Yellow" off their first album, Parachutes, I decided to really check them out for myself. In the process, I bought their most recent release, A Rush Of Blood To The Head, and was utterly and totally amazed. To start off with, Coldplay's sound is completely original, and the angst and powerful voice of lead singer Chris Martin, along with the fantastic guitar and piano, come together with such passion and conviction that the songs of love found and lost nearly break your heart. Second, the lyrics and tunes of every song off of Rush Of Blood is pure genius. Each song is individually crafted with their own sound, yet flow together with common threads that make the album that more enjoyable. Here are my thoughts on each track:1. POLITIK- This song is a great opener to the album. Driven by powerful beats and guitars, it is quickly subdued by Chris's amazing voice, in the process creating a hybrid of slow and fast, loud and soft, for a beautiful song. It is also well written, with the chorus "Open up your eyes" that ties it all together. It is not my favorite song, but it's sure as hell a good one.
2. IN MY PLACE- This has to be one of my favorites, if not my favorite song on the album. It is opened by a killer drum and guitar solo, lead in by Chris's voice harmonized within itself, and also is played with a wide range on intruments, including not only the piano, but a string violin or two. It is well written, well performed, and absolutely breathtaking.
3. GOD PUT A SMILE UPON YOUR FACE- I love this song. Like In My Place, it is led by the guitars and drums, but is more powered by the vocals and lyrics. It has amazing lyrics, and in my personal opinion, one of the best that showcases Coldplay's diversity.
4. THE SCIENTIST- The piano is the main focus of this one, partnered with Chris's painfully beautiful and innocent lyrics and voice. A song of lost love, it is one of the best songs on the album, and is one of the most heartbreaking. The chorus "Nobody said it was easy, it's such a shame for us to part" is the perfect match for the tune and feel of the song, and the vocals towards the last few seconds almost bring tears to your eyes.
5. CLOCKS- The first single off the album, it is mainly powered and recognized by a beautiful piano solo that makes comebacks periodically through different parts of the song. The mix of guitars, the piano and vocals make for one of the most original and classic songs on Rush Of Blood.
6. DAYLIGHT- This song has one of the best choruses, in the sense of lyrics, vocals, and tunes, off of Rush Of Blood. Not per say one of my favorites, but it really comes together towards about the 2:00 minute mark for a enjoyable piece.
7. GREEN EYES- One of my favorites, this is one of the most romantic and heartbreaking song I've heard in years. Speaking of his true love, never saying her name only referring to her as Green Eyes, his beautiful vocals rawly describe how he feels for her. With only a guitar and a tamborine at his side, the lyrics such as "honey you are the rock upon which I stand" or "You should know that I could never go on without you.." are indescribable.
8. WARNING SIGN- Chris's voice is amazing in this song. The guitars and drums once again balance off him perfectly, creating this wonderful harmony that is found almost no where else. Once again the tale of a former lost love, the lyrics "Well the truth is...I miss you so.." send prickles up your spine.
9. A WHISPER- This is probably my least favorite song on the album. I don't feel that it is up to par with the others, but it still rings true with Chris's vocals and the guitars, although it overpowers the emotional pull of the song.
10. A RUSH OF BLOOD TO THE HEAD- Incredibly chilling, and balanced only by a faint acoustic guitar, the lyrics and Chris's voice are hauntingly real. With lines such as "I'm going to buy a gun and start a war...If you can tell me something worth fighting for" It is completely mesmerizing. A truly great song.
11. AMSTERDAM- Once again powered by Chris's haunting voice and lyrics, it is a beautifully crafted end to the album. The piano, acoustic guitar, and backup vocals in the background set a wonderful backdrop for a fantastic song.
I would recommend A Rush Of Blood To The Head to anyone as it is one of the most emotion ridden, flawlessly written and performed, beautifully crafted albums of this year, and most likely many years to come. These guys are only getting bigger, and there's no question as to why.