#25 - Phil

Coldplay

Viva La Vida

2008

I don’t feel that I need to give Coldplay much of an introduction. Ever since the success of their first single, “Yellow,” they have ascended to the absolute peak of the music industry. It doesn’t even feel daring to say that history will remember them as the most successful band of this decade. Coldplay is one of those bands I feel I have sort of grown with. I loved their early albums when they were released, but as time has passed I hardly go back to them – and when I do it is mostly with an ear of nostalgia. It seems fitting then that the record I most love now is their latest and arguably most beautiful, Viva La Vida.

Again, like what I said about Missy Elliott yesterday, Coldplay has no need to push themselves or risk profit with experimentation. They’re the biggest band in the world; they could release a Christmas album in March and it would still go platinum. But with Viva La Vida, they’ve mapped out a politically-daring journey that encounters both points of light and darkness. “Violet Hill” vividly captures the gloomy and distasteful images of being sent off to war: “Was a long and dark December, when the banks became cathedrals and a fox became God / Priests clutched onto Bibles, hollowed out to fit their rifles, and the cross was held aloft / Bury me in honor, when I’m dead and hit the ground, a love back home, it unfolds / If you love me, won’t you let me know?” Yet “Lovers in Japan” finds Chris Martin’s gifted voice singing over a lovely tack piano-based arrangement, assuring us that “One day, the sun will come out.” This is one journey I love taking time and time again. -P.W.

Props to Phil for giving Coldplay their due. Considering Coldplay is the “U2 of our generation” in terms of popularity, it feels pretty weird to say that this band is very underrated. I realize they are one of if not the most popular band in the world at the moment, but I feel like they get a lot of undeserved criticism from the underground community whether it be because they make “light-rock” music or if it’s just in spite of their popularity and radio presence. This band has been making solid rock/pop music since the beginning of the decade, making singles that will be played for years to come. They always stay true to their sound but they manage to make each record distinct. This is especially true with Viva la Vida as they do a lot more with their sound with Brian Eno behind the production table. Phil made the right choice in picking their most ambitious endeavor yet. I still think the album’s title sucks though - do we really need to be reminded of Ricky Martin? - Ryan

I've enjoyed Coldplay's records since their debut, "Parachutes", and unlike some, I even enjoy the slow, sprawling tunes on "X&Y". The major shift for this record is that Brian Eno was brought along to produce and with his aid, Coldplay have been able to sharpen and hone the sound and their songs down to a point. Eno's known for working with artists and expanding their sonic palette, which is precisely what happens here - the songs have a quiet meditation about them without some of the over-the-top grandeur of past records. A solid album and certainly indicative that they've got some good music left in them. - Steve