To say there has been a lot of anticipation for Coldplay's fourth album, Viva La Vida, is an understatement. Having enlisted legendary leftfield producer Brian Eno, borrowed their album title from a painting by renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and made tantalising remarks about sonic reinvention, the world has been curious (to say the least) to hear what the 'new' Coldplay might sound like. Viva La Vida definitely makes some departures from the band's usual formula, which happens to be one of the most commercially successful rock-pop blueprints of recent years. The plangent chords, emotive melodies, stadium-rock rhythms and universal lyrical concerns remain, but Martin and co. have gone out on several limbs here, incorporating instrumental tracks ("Life In Technicolour"), using subtle North African and Latin elements ("Yes", "Strawberry Swing"), and overhauling previously strict verse-chorus-verse structures in favour of slightly more avant arrangements. The old Coldplay still shine through (see tracks like "Violet Hill" and the title song) but even their classic sound feels more muscular and confident. The band's new flourishes, cosmetic and self-conscious as they may be, are enough to make Viva La Vida a welcome break from the old routine --Danny McKenna
People en Español Cuando Coldplay anunció con bombo y platillo que su cuarto disco, bajo el ambicioso título de Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends, vendría acompañado de la producción de Brian Eno, dos escenarios se convertían en posibilidad: o se trataba de su peor álbum o la obra maestra de su carrera. Afortunadamente, la producción de Eno no lleva a la banda británica a imitar a U2 por ningún momento, y en cambio, el grupo liderado por Chris Martin presenta el mejor disco en su trayectoria, ofreciendo un sonido distinto, en el que por fin se alejan del pianito hartante de sus primeros tres álbumes y suenan como lo que siempre prometieron ser: una de las mejores bandas del mundo. "Life In Technicolor," "Viva la Vida," y sobre todo el tema "Lost!," representan a Coldplay en su momento cumbre. --Ernesto Sánchez (People en Español)
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
Absolutely Amazing:
This and A Rush of Blood to the Head is the two best Coldplay albums in my opinion (and that alone is saying a lot for a band where even their EP's are better than many other artist's full-length albums). The album is imaginative, fun, and emotional. It makes you want to fall in love all over again. I actually like every track on it and that rarely happens. I even love some of the tracks that didnt make the album (Prospekt's March). If you liked anythin by Coldplay, you will love this album. If you never... more info
Great Coldplay CD:
I love this CD by Coldplay; I listened to it in my car for nearly 1 year on my drive to and from work. The traks were energetic as well as reflective. I like it even better than 'Clocks'; it's much lighter.
Get this Album Free on Coldplay.com:
I had never really listened to Coldplay, however, I found in my Entertainment Weekly Magazine that if you give them your email address they will allow you to download this album for free- its a Thank-you to their fans. How awesome is that? They got my respect points right there!! :-) I then downloaded and found out that they have some very good lyrics on this CD. The music was definately well-written/composed. Thanks Coldplay for expanding my music interests- I can say I am one of your fans now! :-)
U2 cover band material:
What a load of garbage. The singer and guitarist obviously worked hard to copy Bono and The Edge. And while they did a good job of copying, it's really sad they win an award for copying. Unless Coldplay is just a band U2 created to be a back up band in case either Bono or the Edge get sick and need a temporary replacement. If that wasn't true, then the singer for Coldplay should have realized somewhere along the way, "Hey I sound precisely like Bono, but darnit I can't come up with something original!"... more info
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