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: Coldplay's best and most consistent album
Hit: 5 Stars
In my opinion, this is Coldplay's best album. 'Parachutes' was a little too soft for my taste, whereas the bigger arena-focussed sound of 'X&Y' and 'Vida' seemed a bit overblown. Here, though, they get the balance right. While it certainly doesn't "rock hard" in the traditional sense, it's clear right from the opener 'Politik' that this album has a sharper musical and lyrical edge than before. 'A Rush Of Blood...' is much braver and bolder than their debut, and their ambition is rewarded because nearly everything they try works brilliantly.
A few tracks are reminiscent of the fragile sound their showcased on 'Parachutes', most notably the shimmering ballads 'In My Place' and 'The Scientist' and the slow-burn closer `Amsterdam'. But the rest of the album is more diverse; the driving opener `Politik', the psychedelic washes of `Daylight', the acoustic mid-tempo ballad `Green Eyes', the quite ominous `God Put A Smile Upon Your Face' and the title track, and the hypnotic tension of `A Whisper'. My two personal favourites are `God Put A Smile Upon Your Face', with its unsettling verses dissolving into an anthemic chorus, and of course the standout `Clocks', a genuinely original song driven by that distinctive descending piano riff.
While Chris Martin gets a chance to show off his aching, longing falsetto on a few tracks, his vocals are generally stronger and more diverse on this album. He can add a touch of menace (such as the title track) or urgency (`Politik' and `A Whisper'). The more ambitious direction also allows greater space for the musicians. I feel this album is much more of a band effort than `Parachutes', which sometimes sounded like Martin and his backup group. Jonny Buckland in particular gets to pack a greater punch with some strong memorable riffs, in contrast to the fairly sparse use of guitars on their debut.
With `A Rush Of Blood To The Head', Coldplay proved they were the real deal. They push forward in new and exciting directions, while still retaining enough familiar elements of their signature sound to please fans of their debut. And in my opinion, this is their most consistent album, delivering uniformally strong songs and getting the balance between old and new sounds perfect. One of the best albums of its time, and definitely worth all five stars.
Free Music Review: A Hit-or-Miss Masterpiece
Hit: 5 Stars
Of all the praise one could speak of the members of Coldplay, the best may well be that they are still learning their craft. In every way an improvement over their well-received debut album ("Parachutes"), what is most impressive about "A Rush Of Blood To The Head" is that the band is clearly still evolving, still stretching its legs to find its stride - and when it does, the result will be staggering. Coldplay draws comparisons from some corners to Radiohead, and this evolutionary feel may be the reason, as the latter band's second album ("The Bends") had the same "very-good-but-the-best-is-yet-to-come" vibe.Viewed on its own merits, "A Rush Of Blood To The Head" is an amazing work of art, that manages somehow to be both catchy and beautiful at once. The best songs tend towards either sad and tender ("Warning Sign," "The Scientist") or edgy and angry ("Politik," "Clocks"), but it is when the two are combined that the album reaches its greatest heights. The closing track ("Amsterdam") begins with soft, almost exhausted-sounding vocals that slowly grow, but never rise above a whisper, until a extended and passionate coda that comes seemingly out of nowhere and soars almost to a transcendent height... but then fades back to nothing, as though the song simply cannot bear the weight of itself any longer. Much of the album benefits from similar subtleties; the songs are all fairly long (The shortest is just over three and a half minutes; most are longer than five) and are allowed to develop slowly and meticulously, always building but never seeming forced. Lyricists and sound editors alike could learn a great deal from this record.
Like "Parachutes" before it, "A Rush Of Blood To The Head" is a hit-or-miss record; on both albums I found that one half of the songs were much superior to the other half. Still, it's hard to call anything a "miss" on an album this good; while "Parachutes"' good tracks are better than "Rush"'s lesser tracks, all of the new material is noteworthy. It's impressive that the worst tracks on "Rush" are still better than the best tracks on many of its contemporaries. I can only wait to see what they produce next.
Free Music Review: Go put a smile on your face.... and buy this album
Hit: 5 Stars
When i first bought the album 'Parachutes' by a new band called Coldplay i new instantly that they were something special.It was more than the fantastic songs and the obvious talent of Chris Martin and company, It was more of a feeling, the record actually seems to have a soul. I remember writing a review for Parachutes and saying that they could be as big as U2 one day.
Well I am pleased to say i was right, and this 2nd album proves that Coldplay have got what it takes to make it that big. In fact as one reviewer has said already, this band is one album away from becoming one of the most important bands in modern music.
From the dramatic openings of 'Politik' to the hair raising, spine tingling moment when the drums and guitar kick in on 'Amsterdam' this is an album that you will listen to again and again. That moment in Amsterdam is easily my favourite 25 seconds of music that has ever been produced, it always makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up!
This album is so unlike 'Parachutes' but at the same time strangly connected, The songs are bolder and there is an amazing sense of confidence oozing throught his album. From the early paranoia of Chris Martin not thinking he was good enough, and the band seemingly fearful of doing the wrong thing to a Band that know they are good, that realise they are on the edge of somthing big, This is the transistion of Parachutes to A Rush of blood, This the sign of a good band becoming a great band.
The piano is one of the most overlooked instruments in modern music, and listening to this album you start to wonder why. The use of Piano in most of Coldplay's music to date really gives them a distinctive sound and Chris's voice seems perfect for piano led songs. Radiohead this aint - don't beleive the people who will tell you otherwise.
All the songs on this album are brilliant, It may lack some of the feeling that Parachutes produced, but the quality of the songs easily make up for that. And judging by the quality of the new songs they have been playing on tour recently, the next album is going to confirm their status as the best band in the world!
See this band live - they are fantastic!
And buy this album now!
And if you do not own 'Parachutes' then buy that too, you will not be dissapointed.
Free Music Review: You're a Fool if you Don't Agree
Hit: 5 Stars
Coldplay, is without a doubt the most diverse, talented band out there today. If someone doesn't agree, it's simply because they are ignorant of the music. They jugde upon hearing one song, which, let's face it, is probably the best song that person has ever come across. Let me get into why this is a great Album...POLITIK(10/10)- Great, powerful entry into the record. You feel, and get into the banging thrash of the riffs. Strongest song of "Rush of Blood..."
IN MY PLACE(10/10)- No wonder why it was the first single. Colplay really knows how to create beautiful melodies that make simple lyrics seem brilliant.
GOD PUT A SMILE(8/10)- Probably my least favorite song, but if you prefer the constant, mellow tone of "Parachutes", then this will be your track.
THE SCIENTIST(10/10)- This track somehow has the sound of classic Coldplay with peerless record making. It's a dazzling love song.
CLOCKS(10/10)- Seems to be a public favorite, and it should be. It has a great piano composition, and Martin' voice exudes beauty.
DAYLIGHT(9/10)- Very relaxing feel to this tune. Flows nicely, and is quite mesmerizing.
GREEN EYES(10/10)- This song stood out to me, along with "Scientist" in the beginning. They have a similar feel to them, although this one seems more personal. It has an acoustic feel to it, with the focus on Martin's voice.
WARNING SIGN(10/10)- The music doesn't really grasp you until the chorus, but once you hear it, it's worth the minute wait. "The truth is, I miss you", he puts it out there with meaning.
A WHISPER(9.5/10)- This song has a mystical tone to it. One of the few songs that lets Chris' voice drop into the background of the instrumental composition. The chorus echos off with Chris repeating "A whisper", and it works.
A RUSH OF BLOOD(10/10)- Trust me, it may not appeal to you in the beginning, but this chorus will catch up to you quickly.
It brings back the feel of "Bigger,Stronger", which if you haven't heard, you need to get a hold of it.
Amsterdam(9/10)- The lyrics are the star of this song. If any track off "Rush" could pass for "Parachutes", it would be this one. Very mellow and slow, still beautiful.
Free Music Review: Probably the Best Album of 2002 (4.5 stars)
Hit: 5 Stars
A "sophomore slump" is something Coldplay definitely avoided with "A Rush of Blood to the Head". This album is a clear step above their debut, retains everything good there was about "Parachutes" and, what's more, brings haunting, magical atmosphere that lasts from the very first song to the last.At the same time modern and emotional (great achievement, as nowadays it is not 'cool' to express feelings), the album solidifies Coldplay's very own style, different from Radiohead and different from Travis. If a tangible similarity is left there between the three British groups, it is predominantly vocal expression of their singers, Chris Martin, Thom Yorke and Fran Healy, respectively.
The atmospheric music and arrangements are dominant over lyrics which basically reflect contemporary anguish of young adults and even try to hint at world events ("Politik"). What also makes this album stand out is its defying categorisation. While Brits are not shy to file Coldplay under pop, American critics usually place them under alternative or indie cap. But, does it really matter?
Indeed, opener "Politik" is as rocky as Coldplay can be, yet setting the mood beautifully. Particularly potent in keeping the magic alive are "The Scientist" with its groovy guitar licks and piano motive on "The Clocks". Minimalist melody on "Daylight" reaches climax on chant-like ending "...slowly breaking through the daylight..." The most emotional moment is saved for "Warning Sign", when Chris goes, with disarming sincerity: "and the truth is, I miss you...". Sublime "Green Eyes" and "Amsterdam" display the band in a quiet, thoughtful mood, opposite to agitated "Whisper."
In all, Coldplay have crafted an almost perfect album that improves with repeated listens. Admittedly, "A Rush of Blood to the Head" may not necessarily appeal to all listeners, but one is inclined to agree with those who are overwhelmed by its emotional impact. Even though the elusive emotion would be hard to describe by words. You're not sure whether it's joy, euphoria, spell, peace or whatever. There is... just something about this one.