This is a superb piece! Really great rundown of the band’s catalogue and I appreciate the way you articulate your opinions without being too damning or unnecessarily negative!
I’ve recently published my first ever piece on Substack, and I’m desperate to find some big Coldplay fans to give it a read!! The piece is a deep dive into the band’s fourth album Viva La Vida, and how it totally changed the trajectory for the band forever. I find it such an interesting moment in their career. I’d love you to have a read through and see what you reckon, or send it to anyone you know who loves to think deeply about albums, Coldplay or music in general!
Elliot, I appreciate the comment. I’ll share this here and also on your personal essay.
To start, your audit is great. I’ve been a massive Coldplay fan since “Yellow” first touched my eardrums and have enjoyed watching their career soar.
Specific to the music and album breakdowns, I tend to agree. Parachutes was a breath of fresh air, only to be topped by A Rush of Blood to the Head, which remains my favorite album of theirs from start to finish.
I didn’t hate X&Y, as it’s home to “Fix You,” arguably their best single ever, and has some hidden, less familiar gems like “White Shadows,” “Swallowed in the Sea,” and “Til Kingdom Come,” to name a few. But overall, it did feel a bit disconnected. Disdain is a strong word, but I can understand the band’s frustration with the album.
Then came Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends, their first true concept album. And I sure do applaud them for taking the risk. I wouldn’t call it a masterpiece, as there are a few dull moments, but tracks like “Violet Hill” and “Death and All His Friends” highlight their strategic restlessness and Brian Eno’s genius.
All in all, I love your breakdown, Elliot. Congratulations, and I’ll look forward to your next review.
This is a superb piece! Really great rundown of the band’s catalogue and I appreciate the way you articulate your opinions without being too damning or unnecessarily negative!
I’ve recently published my first ever piece on Substack, and I’m desperate to find some big Coldplay fans to give it a read!! The piece is a deep dive into the band’s fourth album Viva La Vida, and how it totally changed the trajectory for the band forever. I find it such an interesting moment in their career. I’d love you to have a read through and see what you reckon, or send it to anyone you know who loves to think deeply about albums, Coldplay or music in general!
Elliot, I appreciate the comment. I’ll share this here and also on your personal essay.
To start, your audit is great. I’ve been a massive Coldplay fan since “Yellow” first touched my eardrums and have enjoyed watching their career soar.
Specific to the music and album breakdowns, I tend to agree. Parachutes was a breath of fresh air, only to be topped by A Rush of Blood to the Head, which remains my favorite album of theirs from start to finish.
I didn’t hate X&Y, as it’s home to “Fix You,” arguably their best single ever, and has some hidden, less familiar gems like “White Shadows,” “Swallowed in the Sea,” and “Til Kingdom Come,” to name a few. But overall, it did feel a bit disconnected. Disdain is a strong word, but I can understand the band’s frustration with the album.
Then came Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends, their first true concept album. And I sure do applaud them for taking the risk. I wouldn’t call it a masterpiece, as there are a few dull moments, but tracks like “Violet Hill” and “Death and All His Friends” highlight their strategic restlessness and Brian Eno’s genius.
All in all, I love your breakdown, Elliot. Congratulations, and I’ll look forward to your next review.
BC