Coldplay - Viva la Vida
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Free Music Notes for Viva la Vida
Free Music Review: A Breath of Fresh Air
Hit: 5 Stars
Before a track-by-track look at the album, I'll start by reviewing the album as a whole. Coldplay's new album, though maybe not a "breakthrough" album, still does have alot to offer. The music itself on Viva La Vida is much more diversified, and really I think it shows that the band have learned to implement their musical influences more creatively than before. Many of the songs are obviously influenced by certain artists (especially the Arcade Fire, Radiohead, My Bloody Valentine, and of course Brian Eno). Its also a little more "beatlesesque" for lack of a better word, but not to any great or noticeable extent. In fact, though the influences are at times EXTREMELY apparent, you're going to have to admit that these songs are Coldplay's songs and not rip-offs at any level. Though, to be fair, the first track "Life in Technicolor" uses a Jon Hopkins sample at the beginning, but there's nothing like "Talk" on here. It is a solid opening track and interesting instrumentally. "Cemetaries of London" is really a walk in a new direction for the band; it really is more mature lyrically and even musically than their previous work. At times it even sounds foreboding, something you can't say that much about their earlier songs. "Lost!" is a rock solid track with a pretty catchy beat and melody, and I think will definitely be one of the popular favorites from this album. If the band knows what's good for them, this should probably be their next single. The next track, "42", is definitely one of the more interesting ones, with a pretty strong lyrical and musical theme of death. This song really shows a Radiohead influence, especially the middle section, and has a sort of a John Lennon touch to it. It's probably the "craziest " song on the album, as it had multiple sections and pretty intriguing ones at that. "Lovers In japan" is hands down influenced by the Arcade Fire, and really they do a great job with it without losing their own integrity and keeping their own creativity. That said, it is probably one of the least ambitious tracks on the album, though that by no means is a blow to the quality of the song. "Reign of Love" is a pretty low key track that sort of reminds me of "Til Kingdom Come" from X&Y, though there's not as much as a country/Johnny Cash Influence. "Yes" is probably the band's first song about more mature love, so to speak, as it doesn't deal with unrequited heartbreak as much as it deals with "romantic" frustration. "Chinese Sleep Chant" is really one of my favorites, the My Bloody Valentine touch is pretty neat. "Viva La Vida" is probably the most "mainstream" and "catchy" track on here, and you've probably heard it so I'm not going to describe it. "Violet Hill" has a pretty strong "chorus" and a sort of epic feeling to it. "Strawberry Swing" is a pretty relaxing sort of track that I guess you could say is, relative the album its on, the "Green Eyes" or "Hardest Part" of this album, though probably with a more Eastern flavor to it. The closing track starts with the classic Chris-piano deal then transforms into a loud and rhythmicaly interesting ending, then moves into the hidden track which is a pretty retrospective and emotional in a Sigur Ros sort of way. But really, to sum it up, this is one of the best albums of the year. It is more sophisticated than their previous albums, more diverse and interesting, and frankly I dont see how you could give this a below average rating. Most of these ratings are hardly constructive criticism and are pretty much all dismissive and dont really seem informed, nor do they seem to have even listened to the album. Give it a chance, its really not bad at all. Its no OK Computer or Sgt Peppers, but really I dont see why it should be, even though it seems like so many critics blame the album for trying to be as ambitious. Dont have a closed mind, and dont listen to closed minds. Great album, great band, one of the greatest out there right now. Dont pass up one of the few mainstream albums that actually has integrity.Free Music Review: Coldplay - Raw and Unique
Hit: 5 Stars
Coldplay's 4th album, Viva La Vida, has been long-awaited since its predecessor X&Y was released in 2005. I took this CD to work this morning and played it over and over while I worked to get a good feel of the album before I made any conclusions about it.
The results?
Viva La Vida blew me away. Rarely does a new CD so quickly hit home where every track is playable continually without having to skip around to the "good ones". Off the bat you notice that this album is far different from the others as the opening track "Life In Technicolor" strays far away from the previous openers such as "Don't Panic", "Politik", and "Square One". "Life in Technicolor" beautifully introduces us in just the right way to this wonderful album with a instrument-only style and a progressive build-up like nearly all the songs on the album.
I can't get enough of this album plain and simple. It really hits home. When I first heard that they were changing their sound I thought they were going to go back to their softer roots from Parachutes. However, they didn't go backwards but forwards and made one the most splendid mixes I've ever heard. Some favorites are "Cemeteries of London" with its dramatic-dark storytelling drawing comparisons to the classic "House of the Rising Sun". "Lost!" is a sure-fire popular choice among the fans as being a heartfelt ballad with plenty of nice lyrics. "42" stars off very dark and very mellow then all of a sudden picks up with a mega-fun beat that turns into a pop-ish song that is undeniably fun to listen to...but ends on the note that it started on. One of my personal favorites has to be the next track "Lovers In Japan". This song is what I think of when I think of "raw and unique Coldplay". It is a song that seems written for some movie soundtrack out there and is one of the most dreamy, great songs I've heard before. It is quickly climbing the charts as one of their best. The 2nd part to Lovers is "Reign of Love" - a soft, heartfelt ballad from the likes of Parachutes, Green Eyes, and Sparks. Its a really pretty, soft song that balances the dark, hard sound of the album. "Yes" is their most experimental song to date as it makes great use of the slide guitar that Jonny plays brilliantly. It's a nice, steady Oasis-sounding song that also features some nice strings in the background. The next track "Viva La Vida" is obviously the fan favorite out there now as it was features in the iTunes commercial with all the pretty colors and effects. This is truly magical song and the mysticism behind it really draws you in. I love this song but I have a fear that it will be over-played on the radio. Overall its a very powerful song though. "Violet Hill" was their first single to be released and there's not much more to say to it other than it's a solid, edgy rock song that sounds U2-ish with some Oasis. It's a good song...just not as innovative or unique as the rest of the album. Definitely a good edgy rock song though with the Coldplay guitar-whine in the background. As Chris Martin put it..."its a Jonny-fest". The next track is "Strawberry Swing". This is them trying to be The Beatles. It is a pretty, and relaxing song...it isn't their strongest song of the album. The final song is "Death and All His Friends". This song is actually an awesome song and one of the best sign-offs I have ever seen on an album...not just a Coldplay cd. Its an amazing song. It has about three different stages throughout the whole song and puts an awesome cap to an awesome CD.
Overall, this CD left a HUGE impression on me that no other Coldplay CD did when I first heard them. I had to really get used to X&Y. However, many buyers will have to really get used to this CD if they only know Coldplay through the radio (Clocks, Yellow, Fix You). The sound is really different and unique and blew me away. As Eno said, "This is the CD that Coldplay will be remembered with."
5/5 stars.
Free Music Review: Coldplay Knows How to Viva La Vida
Hit: 5 Stars
On hot and sweltering days such as this, there is no greater feeling than cooling off for a moment. If all the playing in the heat that you do on a daily basis has you running ragged, perhaps it is about time that you Coldplay instead for a moment.
Though each Coldplay album to date has had a respectable amount of fanfare and musical success and respect bestowed upon them, perhaps their newest album is set to be taken as the best musical album to date that will likely gain the same praise and admiration of Coldplay's other works.
Formed in 1997, Coldplay has put out three previous albums before their newest release Viva La Vida. And while their music has always been nothing short of remarkable, it is on this album that Coldplay has been able to draw a line in the sand and separate their music from so many other mainstream bands that are out right now. The music on this album is fresh and invigorating and the album leaves the listener almost with a certain sense of musical awe once the entire album has been played through.
Coldplay is comprised of Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman, Will Champion and Phil Harvey.
One need not look any further than the track of Cemeteries of London to understand that the music on this album relies heavily upon not just dynamic instrumentation but also the always impressive vocals of Chris Martin. While their other albums have been able to highlight this important relationship well enough, it is on this album that the symbiosis between the vocals and the music is truly perfected.
There are two major radio favorites off of this album and these two tracks follow one another on the album. Viva La Vida and Violet Hill certainly are the most played tracks on the radio but that is of no surprise since these two tracks truly accentuate the album's brilliance.
Viva La Vida has a very catchy lyrical component to the track and there is an almost orchestral sound infused into the track that provides an unbelievably robust sound to the track. The song has a very broad base sound that certainly would appeal to many demographics which is proof positive as to why it can be heard on so many radio frequencies across the globe.
Violet Hill on the other hand has probably garnered so much widespread radio time because it has an almost concert like feel to it. The instrumentation is a bit more dissonant yet maintains a powerful and heavy sound while the vocals range from very low points to much higher ranges throughout the track. This song is the quintessential concert style song as you can simply visualize the people at a Coldplay concert rocking out to this song when the band starts playing it.
Track listing:
1. Life in Technicolor
2. Cemeteries of London
3. Lost!
4. 42
5. Lovers in Japan/ Reign of Love
6. Yes
7. Viva La Vida
8. Violet Hill
9. Strawberry Swing
10. Death and All His Friends
There is nothing flashy about Viva La Vida, rather, the album is simply put more of Coldplay doing what they do best: putting out some pretty awesome music. The album accurately reflects the capabilities of this band that has seen an unbelievable amount of success in the just over ten years since their first album was released.
But just as a wine grows finer with age, so does the quality of Coldplay's work. In no means is that a slant against the prior albums of the band. Rather, it is perhaps the best praise that could be given to the album Viva La Vida, an album that reaches new and higher levels of musical excellence not just for this band, but for music in general.
Viva La Vida is on the Capital Records label and was produced by Brian Eno.
For more information about Coldplay, check out their website at www.coldplay.com.
Free Music Review: Immensely entertaining
Hit: 5 Stars
I can empathize with those giving this album a one or two star rating, and as well relate to the 5-star population. Though not all reviewers' are being completely objective IMO.
As an alternative-rock genre - this album probably gets 1/5 or 2/5 stars. Gone is the old Coldplay with albums containing non-mainstream material like "Sparks/We Never Change/Politik/Daylight/etc.." Their old material had less "pop" tunes, and while it wouldn't be considered "dark", it was "cooler" than their most recent efforts. These guys had enough brawns but never quite swayed into Radiohead territory. Chris Martin's vocals - you either loved it or hated it. This band, like many alt-rock bands, seemed like they didn't care if you liked them or not and probably drew as much criticism as praise. Their music appeared to be from their closet, their own, and without public influence. Looking back, it's no wonder the old songs seem so natural, organic, and free-flowing. Even Martin's vocals, Coldplay's trademark, appears less stressed/influenced (if you listen closely) and seems to exhibit an "I don't care what you all think of me" persona. Coldplay was cool even among say some "metal" or "goth" fans, because, well, because (even if only) at times - they just flat out rocked. Martin had said before that some fans of popular music may think they were too "alt" or "hard" and that certain hard rock fans may think of them as too soft. Coldplay fans loved them knowing they weren't for everyone, especially the mainstream popular population. They were considered an alt-rock band with some radio friendly tunes, and they managed to do this without swaying into "pop" territory; and this was cool with fans of rock and its variations to a certain degree.
Now, as a "pop" album, Viva La Vida gets 5/5 stars. No hype, I just can't deny my own truth. Simply, I don't own a more listenable album or recall an album more enjoyable all the way through, over and over again. It's just unadmittingly entertaining. The best U2 albums that I own, while containing many radio-friendly songs, can get repetitive and boring at times in my opinion. X&Y, Coldplay's first "pop-like" album IMO, while a great effort, became too methodical (and long) and ultimately difficult to listen to the album all the way through. With "Viva" a less (or no) methodical approach enables the listener to listen all the way through, repeat, and still have doubts on what type of "style" is being implemented. I really can't think of another album that have an entertaining effect on me quite like this one, thus the 5/5 rating. And the amazing thing is, there isn't even one standout song on the album. But yet I can't deny how entertained I am during the 40-50 minutes listening. See - isn't this the point? I too am disappointed in their direction into pop music, and I too (if given a choice) would rather have an album with their trademark sound. But I guess Coldplay is no longer that band, and if I want a "cooler" sound I'll be going with Radiohead. That doesn't mean I can't pad my popular music collection, does it? And I can say is in my pop collection, Viva La Vida produces maximum entertainment (10/10) for me regardless of genre or artist.
Btw, there are 13 tracks total, 3 hidden: Reign of Love, Chinese Sleep Chant, and The Escapist. (all excellent and not b-sides fyi)
I'll also add that besides Violet Hill and Viva La Vida, Lost! and Lovers in Japan (both of which have acoustic versions, piano and strings, respectively), will likely be their next two singles. I must say Lost!+Piano+Martin's vocals is quite captivating.
Free Music Review: A Beautiful, Masterful Pop Album -- NOW I'm A Fan
Hit: 5 Stars
It's really weird how the same music can affect different people in such radically different ways. The varied opinions of VIVA LA VIDA on this forum are striking. I've never really considered myself to be much of a Coldplay fan (was always more into Radiohead, by comparison) but - wow! - they really won me over on this one. I took a liking to it immediately.
Every song here is top quality and every song is expertly composed and orchestrated. Major props to Brian Eno whose production style is clearly evident. The musicians are never flashy - every instrument serves to compliment Chris Martin's superb vocal melodies. Chris has grown quite a bit as a vocalist and he sings in surprizingly different ways throughout the album.
Even though there are no mind-blowing solos or proggy freak-outs to be heard, the arrangements are sophisticated and reveal greater depth upon repeated listens. The instrumentation and musical textures are varied and engaging, yet the songs breathe naturally. Nothing feels contrived or forced.
No song on VIVA LA VIDA sticks out or dominates like previous pop juggernaut "Clocks." Rather, the album works as a cohesive whole. As with most any group, echos of influence can be detected, yet the album still feels original rather than derivative. "Cemetaries of London" employs a rhythm reminiscent of an old sea shanty while "Yes" makes use of a Middle Eastern sounding violin before it launches off on an exuberant alt-rock tangent to close out the track. Meanwhile, "Violet Hill" sounds kinda like the best Supertramp or updated old-school Genesis song you've never heard (it's way better than those groups but employs their same sort of style). And the beautifully orchestrated "Strawberry Swing" is "feel-good" music of the highest order. In fact, this whole album feels so good it practically makes me high (well, not quite!). This despite some of the rather dark subject matter including politics, war, religion and death. I also love the luminous opening instrumental track whose synthesizer reappears at the end of the last song, a nice way to bookend the album and add to its cohesiveness.
Coldplay had some great hit songs on A RUSH OF BLOOD TO THE HEAD, but I didn't know they (along with Eno and some other first-rate producers) could make an entire record this fantastic. I expect to be listening to VIVA LA VIDA years from now. Highly recommended! Oh, and I'll have to go back and give X&Y another chance. I heard it once and wasn't turned on by it at all, but maybe I just need to give it some more listens.
AN ASIDE: yet another FN CD booklet with scrawled, obscured, incomplete and barely legible lyrics and other writing. This highly annoying practice has been around for decades and why anyone ever thought it was a good idea in the first place is beyond me. I'm also not too crazy about the cover, taking a classic painting and trashing it with graffiti. But that doesn't bother me nearly as much as the junky words all over the inside of the CD booklet. C'mon people: either publish your lyrics legibly and in their entirety or don't publish them at all. Don't make us strain our eyes trying to figure out what, if anything, you're trying to say in print. CD booklet rating: D