Coldplay - Parachutes
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Free Music Notes for Parachutes
Free Music Review: Sometimes less is more
Hit: 5 Stars
In "Parachutes" Coldplay has produced an album that is both simple and elegant at the same time. The guitars are stripped down, and largely acoustic. When electric guitars are used, they act as a nice counterpoint to Chris Martin's superb vocals. At the same time there is heavy used of keyboards, and the drums and bass actually act as a rhythm section instead of acting as rock and roll heavy artillery. The lyrics are as straightforward as the music, without being any less sophisticated for it. Martin sings of timeless themes like love, alienation and hope, but never seems trite or derivative. The end result is an album by a band that clearly recognizes that passion and talent are what make a band, not gimmicks and grinding guitars and morose wailing.On a song-by-song basis, it would be almost impossible for me to pick a favorite song, for two reasons. First, every one of them is good, which is almost shocking in today's music market. Nonetheless, there is not a single song that I skip past, and more than that, there's not a single song that is noticeably sub-par when compared to the others. Secondly, Coldplay has actually produced an "album" as opposed to a collection of songs, another rarity today. Each song carries through common musical and thematic elements such that each one becomes something akin to a movement within a symphony.
That said, the songs are by no means redundant, and as such warrant some mention as individual entities. First off is "Don't Panic", a plainly stated case for hope in a difficult world, the chorus "We live in a beautiful world..." pretty much sums up this track. With great drum and keyboard work, "Don't Panic" sets the tone for the album.
Next up is "Shiver" a refreshing song about devotion in the face of unrequited love. I say refreshing because in a world of throwaway relationships, Martin actually places some hope in blind love. This is one of the prettiest songs on an album that has a lot of them (I know "pretty" is an odd description of a rock song, but you'll just have to trust me), and the heavy use of electric guitars is effective and fits in with the rest of the album.
Third is "Spies", which if I had to choose is probably my favorite song on the album. As Martin sings about paranoia, the discomfiture we all feel in our own skin sometimes, the song takes on a spooky, befuddled vibe that is difficult to describe but fascinating to listen to.
"Sparks" is another beautiful, mellow song about devotion and love within a relationship. It serves as a nice counterpoint to the well known "Yellow" (which received heavy radio rotation), in that its contemplative thoughtful love serves as a counterpoint to the overpowering infatuation considered in "Yellow".
Next up is "Trouble" which sets the stage with a beautiful piano melody. It also contains some of the most interesting lyrics as Martin sings of regret, and the desire and effort to overcome the mistakes of the past. Part apology and part introspection, this is a great track.
The seventh track is the eponymous "Parachutes", which despite only being forty-six seconds long is one of the prettiest love songs you're likely to hear in rock and roll today. It is followed up by "High Speed", which contains the most unusual arrangements on the album. Again, the tone is set by the first lyric "Can anybody fly this thing..." and the song goes on to consider what it takes to live in our complicated world.
The final two tracks perfectly bookend the album. "We Never Change" is Martin expressing his desire to live a simple, decent life that focuses on what's really important rather than the trappings and complications of modern life. And finally, "Everything's Not Lost" is another pleafor hope in a difficult world that perfectly captures what Coldplay is all about.
In the end this is truly and exemplary album. From start to finish it maintains a consistent musical vision that is a joy to listen to. Each track is a puzzle piece that fits into something larger than the sum of those pieces, but at the same time, each piece can be appreciated individually. Ultimately, this is the rare album that transcends categorization and is approachable by anyone who appreciates great music.
Jake Mohlman
Free Music Review: A Superb Debut From Britain's Finest Band
Hit: 5 Stars
The year 2000 saw the release of "Parachutes," the debut album from the British rock band Coldplay. Critics hailed it as one of the greatest albums for a good few years, and I am in total agreement. It's been three and a half years since this album came out, and it's still selling lots. The singles are still getting radio airplay, and this is because - however 'depressing' Coldplay's music is - it appeals to a mass audience of people who can relate to it. Parachutes was one of 2000's top albums in the UK, and was No.1 for weeks and weeks. It's not hard to see why when you have Chris Martin on vocals.His voice is so full of passion and raw undiluted emotion that you can't help but be touched by what he sings. It makes you listen to the words, and identify with his topics. Along with the touching piano solos and gentle guitar melodies, Coldplay already developed their signature style with this debut album.
Parachutes opens with the beautiful "Don't Panic." It's the perfect song to open the album, and is swift and brief. At just over two minutes long, it sees Martin swoop in and capture the listener. The words, the melodies and the guitars are all perfectly co-ordinated to make for an instant album highlight. "Shiver," Coldplay's debut single, entered the UK charts at No.35 in March 2000. It's a brilliant and simple up-tempo pop song, with a jangly guitar and an anthemic chorus that you can sing along to. The bridge is the highlight. "Spies" is a slow and moving ballad. It's not the best song on the album, but it's still great. I don't understand the lyrics really, but that doesn't distract from the quality of this song and its production.
"Sparks" slows the album right down to an almost dead-end pace. No, not to a pace where the album becomes dire, but a slow pace in terms of singing and melodies. It's an incredible song, which sees Coldplay doing what they do best - producing soothing and moving songs that everyone can relate to. "Yellow" is easily the most popular song on the album, and with good reason. The guitars on this song are practically legendary amongst music critics, and the lyrics are just so perfect to sing along to. This is an anthem in Britain. Anywhere they perform this song, you can guarantee that everyone will be jumping up and down to it. It peaked at No.4 in the UK in July 2000 and was the second single ever from Coldplay.
"Trouble" was the third single from Coldplay. It peaked at No.10 in the UK, and didn't exactly do very well on the charts. It did, however, become one of those songs which everyone loved, and bought the album because of it. Many regard it as a classic, and it got so much radio airplay. "Parachutes" is up next. It's just a simple interlude less than a minute in length. This is then followed by "High Speed." This is not a favourite by many people, but I like to differ. I think it's a great song with a brilliant chorus and a wonderful melody. "We Never Change" is another one of my favourites. It's one of the slowest songs on the album and doesn't really have much of a beat or tune, but the chorus is so memorable. "Everything's Not Lost" closes the album, and in spectacular style. It's a fantastic ending to a fantastic album, with a wonderful looping tune that makes the song stand out.
OVERALL GRADE: 10/10
Parachutes was one of the greatest albums of 2000. The vocal qualities of Chris Martin were so new and different, that everyone just latched on and went with the flow. Coldplay are now undoubtedly Britain's biggest band and one of the world's most respected and praised acts of recent years. This is an essential debut album, but not as good as their second album, 2002's "A Rush Of Blood To The Head." Now that album is truly a masterpiece. There isn't a bad song on it, and it saw Coldplay's popularity go global with Grammy awards to boot. All in all both albums are essential for fans of proper music, but Parachutes should be the one you get first.
Free Music Review: Review
Hit: 5 Stars
In the past decade of so, a transition or sorts has begun in British rock music. Whilemany British bands still dwell upon their "Beatle-Esque" sounds, a new wave of musicians have
begun striking out with their own amazing sounds. Perhaps the finest of these new wave bands
is Coldplay.
Through haunting lyrics and an imaginative sound, Coldplay's Parachutes is a prime
example of a new wave of Britain rock. One of the more powerful songs on Parachutes is
Shiver. Alternately intense and relaxed, Shiver is a classic rock song with a new twist. Guitarist
Jon Buckland transfers between an amazing rock riff on the chorus, and a subtle guitar line on
the verse, while lead singer Chris Martin cooly sings "you'll always get your way" to a woman
who ignores him, pledging "I'll be there by your side, just you try and stop me." This amazing
mix of vocals and melody makes Shiver perhaps the best song on the entire album.
Yet another love song, Yellow, the first major hit off Parachutes, tells of Martin's
apparent love of a woman stating, "Look at the stars, look how they shine for you, and
everything you do." Martin then goes on to state all of the things he would do for the object of
his affection in a modern day love ballad. Another popular single, Trouble, exhibits Martins
amazing piano skills. In it, Martin apologizes for "all the stupid things I've done" swearing, "I
never meant to do you wrong." The lyrics mixed with Martin's voice and piano playing are both
appealing and modest in meaning, while at the same time apologetic and sincere.
The CD's short title track, containing only Martin's voice accompanied with an acoustic
guitar, is one of the many songs on Parachutes in which Martin pledges his love and tells how he
will patiently wait for the object of his affection. Although short in length, it is a song of deep
human emotions. Yet another song containing a pledge of love is Sparks. Unlike most of the
other songs on Parachutes, Sparks lets guitarist Jon Buckley really show his talent through
melodic guitar rifts. Martin's lyrics once again are cool and moody as they convey his emotions
through the songs tone.
Although almost every song on Parachutes is very listenable there are a few dark spots to
keep the CD from perfection. An example would be the track titled Spies. Even though the
song contains a good melodic sound, at times the lyrics are a bit silly, imagining a world filled
with spies and then seeing "that no one is free, we're all fugitives." The song also drags on a bit
too long making it seem repetitive. Another fault is the first track on the CD don't panic.
Although the songs message is one of hope and persevearance, it lacks the upbeat rythym of the
other tracks. It is also the only track in which Martin's vocals fail to blend with the melody of
the rest of the band.
The song Everything's Not Lost has the melancholy piano of a old love ballad as Martin
attempts to stay optimistic through his lyrics even as he's "counting up my demons" The song
finishes with a slow fade out of "oh yeah, everything's not lost" in a sort of tribute to the Beatles
Hey Jude. Everything's Not Lost is followed by Parachutes' hidden track, Life Is For Living, yet
another Martin apology. It's a rather nice finish to a good CD with a melancholy but rich sound,
filled out by an orchestral accompanyment.
Parachutes is a very appealing record. Although it's not always that exciting to listen to,
it consistantly emits a nice, dreamlike atmosphere which at times is very nice to listen to. Lead
singer Chris Martin may not be the most remarkable singer in the world, but in his vocals and
lyrics, he presents an appealingly real and likable personality that allows listeners to really enjoy
listening to his music.
Free Music Review: Where have they been all my life?
Hit: 5 Stars
"How much do I love this album?" Well, it would be pretty easy to tell, considering that I utter that phrase every time the last track ends and I reach once again for the play button. I usually like to think of myself as one of the jaded masses. I will most likely tune out when the conversation turns to bands and singers active after the early 70's, and I will quietly refuse to call anything music if it was produced and released during the years since I was born. I will admit that I hate most modern forms of entertainment, and would rather drown myself in classic rock than be painfully smothered by bubblegum pop. Perhaps it is all part of my image; there are some forms of expression that my cynical nature and pessimistic mentality just will not take. Enter: Coldplay.While this British foursome is quickly gaining popularity in the states, it would have never wormed its way into even my subconscious mind, as I always pass by the new-release shelves at Tower Records, had I not spent three weeks in England this summer during which I heard bits and pieces of singles, and was pestered repeatedly by friends to buy the album. Coldplay formed at the University of London in 1998 and released several EP's (independently and with moderate press coverage) before signing with a UK record company and recording this album, which is fairly new overseas (it came out last summer) as well as here. Coldplay's appeal is not what they are saying, but how they are saying it. One glance at the lyrics of Parachutes (which are not printed in the CD booklet but can be found on several online sites dedicated to the band) will reveal nothing of great innovation and little of profound importance. "I awake to find no peace of mind/I said `how do you live as a fugitive?'/Down here, where I cannot see so clear/I said `what do I know?'/Show me the right way to go." This sample from the third track entitled "Spies" shows clearly that this is the classic "paranoia" song that, it seems, must appear somewhere among the first few albums of every modern band. Most bands, however, find their solid foundation not in words but in notes, and experiencing Coldplay is experiencing good music in its purest form. Listen to the beginning of "Spies" and you will hear an eerie sound, like that of a siren, overlapped by a few low strums of the guitar before the lead singer, Chris Martin, takes over. Martin's voice is pleasantly versatile. He is able to go from lower to higher notes without strain, and never does he become too threatening or too gentle; he always has an edge. Coldplay's second single, "Yellow," displays the beautiful melodies of guitarist Jon Buckland as well as the slightly harder rock undertones of bassist Guy Berryman. I was introduced to the band through this single, which I immediately loved since it is named after my favorite color, and so was the American public. Listen to the first few notes and you will immediately begin to wonder where you have heard it before; listen to the whole song and you will never stop hearing it inside your own head.
Coldplay's small masterpiece, the song "Parachutes," for which the album was named, is, unfortunately but also perfectly, only forty-five seconds long. I would almost be tempted to call it an "inter-song," written only to conveniently fill up space between two real songs, were it not so haunting. Sung against the rich, folksy backdrop of a raspy acoustic guitar is this simple poem: "In a haze, a stormy haze/I'll be `round, I'll be loving you always/always...Here I am and I'll take my time/Here I am and I'll wait in line always/always." You may spend way too much time wondering why it is called "Parachutes," but instead, why not just enjoy it? That goes for the entire album itself, as well as the song.
Free Music Review: In a haze, a stormy haze...
Hit: 5 Stars
Ah, the 90's. Rap, "alternative music", lame bands not relying on their musical talent but on their image, their millions of dollars, and themselves being well advertised. But...a breath of fresh air for music debuts by the name of Coldplay with this near-perfect compilation, Parachutes. They have mixed together slow rock and pop, and created a genre that is finally listenable. It startas out strongly with a catchy 2:00 ballad called Don't Panic, goes through the area of paranoia and emotion through Shiver, Sparks, and Spies, sort of goes throu and finally ends with slow, easy ballads, Parachutes, Everything's Not Lost and We Never Change, but not without its fortification of something different, Trouble, and High Speed, the former, a loud and slow ballad of raw emotion and metaphors, the latter, a futuristic ballad that doesn't make that much sense, but is nonetheless entertaining.
All in all...
DON'T PANIC-9.5/10. As I said, one of the lyrically best songs of Coldplay, ever. It's also really catchy. Chris Martin's voice still shines. "Yes, everybody here has somebody to lean on"
SHIVER-8.2/10. Why does everyone think this song is boring? It's not! It has very simple lyrics and great guitar. It's very easy to get into and is a very unique Coldplay song. The most catchy
Coldplay song, ever. It's also really emotion-saturated...lyrically.
SPIES-9/10 Haunting. Melodic. Simply a masterpiece. It gives you the feeling of raw paranoia and darkness.
SPARKS-9/10 One of the best Coldplay songs. Very bluesy and has a great beat with great lyrics, bass, and guitar. A key track. I want to learn to play this on guitar.
YELLOW-8.9/10 A great song, and I think this would make a better finale than Everything's Not Lost.
TROUBLE-8.5/10 Great lyrics, piano, guitar, and vocals. I like the video. Very creative. This really reminds me of Spies. "Oh, no...what's this?...Spiderwebs, and I'm caught in the middle..."
PARACHUTES-8.9/10 A haunting ballad that really paints a picture in your mind. Too bad it's 40 seconds long. It's aforementionedly a unique idea, and I give em' credit for it, but I was dying to hear more. The guitar actually kinda has a "hazy" sound...check it out.
HIGH SPEED-8.4/10 It sounds very futuristic, and is a really unique song on this record. A good one. Some weird lyrics though. "Can anybody fly this thing...Before my head explodes?"
WE NEVER CHANGE-8.4/10 I finally listened to this Sparks-like track. I really like it! Anyone can relate to the lyrics so well.
But I'm not saying the lyrics are great, because, well...they're not.
EVERYTHING'S NOT LOST-9/10 A good finale, and a great song. Very poetic lyrics. I also like the part 2 of this song, Life is for Living. The guitar, vocals and orchestra are great. Another song you can relate to. It's funny...the hidden track is overlooked so much, and it is simply BEAUTIFUL. It ends such a perfect album with the lines that floored me; But life is for living, we all know..And I don't want to live it alone.
AVERAGE-8.5
*****
If you like Coldplay, you already own this album. If you are just getting into Coldplay, this is a great way to start. Whatever, even if you DON'T LIKE Coldplay, still get this and do yourself some good. It's simply great. Coldplay has created their own genre, as I said, and hey, I like it!
"Your skin, oh yeah, your skin and bones-Turn into something beautiful"-Yellow