A Rush Of Blood To The Head
by Coldplay
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Aug 27, 2002
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 590 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 544 out of 590
  2. Mixed: 25 out of 590
  3. Negative: 21 out of 590

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  1. JustinA.
    Aug 21, 2002
    9
    Almost as good as the classic "Parachutes". In my Place, The Scientist, Green Eyes, and Warning Sign are all classics. And the other songs are great, too. Coldplay is a lot better than Travis and has now officially replaced Oasis as the best Brit band right now.
  2. JasonB.
    Sep 27, 2002
    9
    Fantastic! This album is great. Its about 13 times better than parachutes.
  3. RamF
    Nov 13, 2003
    9
    In a word brilliant. This is one of those albums that takes multiple listens. I wasn't terribly fons of it on first listen, but the more I listen to it he more I like it. I have had the opposite reaction with some Albums. I have really liked them a lot almost instantly, only to grow bored pretty quickly. I'll take the one with lasting appeal everytime.
  4. BitBurn
    Apr 28, 2003
    9
    At last! Here's the rock album I wanted to hear for years!!! Simple, no fanfare, no sparkles, no bulls**t but plain rock. But what makes the record even more captivating is the beautiful voice of Chris Martin. Powerful yet sensible. Buy this record!
  5. Chris
    Jun 17, 2004
    9
    This is a great album, full stop.
  6. AaronM
    Nov 15, 2008
    9
    The band's best work. An essential album. My only complaint is that many of the songs are about the same subject. Other than that, it's great.
  7. Ricko
    May 12, 2016
    9
    Almost a decade and a half since it came out, "A Rush of Blood To The Head" has stood up to the test of time and remains one of the best albums of the 00's. A fantastic follow up to their classic debut, this cemented Coldplays reputation as one of the most consistent bands of the first decade of the 21st century. With 11 tracks on show, the majority of them are true anthems. It starts offAlmost a decade and a half since it came out, "A Rush of Blood To The Head" has stood up to the test of time and remains one of the best albums of the 00's. A fantastic follow up to their classic debut, this cemented Coldplays reputation as one of the most consistent bands of the first decade of the 21st century. With 11 tracks on show, the majority of them are true anthems. It starts off with the brooding Politik, banging piano's, bass guitars and drums present in the chorus contrast perfectly with the quiet chorus. This brilliant opener is followed by a string of hit singles - "In My Place", "God Put A Smile Upon Your Face", "The Scientist" and "Clocks" all got massive airplay back in 2002 and still do today. They remain staples of the bands live show. The beautiful Green Eyes is at the heart of the record while the dark and soaring title track brings things crashing towards an end before the gentle Amsterdam sees us off. Everything about this record is reaching for brilliance, production, songwriting, musicianmanship, running time. Even if your one of those people who hate the b(r)and because thats the trendy thing to do, you can't help but love this record if your a fan of pop music.… Expand
  8. TexasRez
    Apr 22, 2012
    9
    A great album with great, relaxing songs on it, makes you just want to put it on repeat. I do find these songs catchy, and 'A Rush of Blood to the Head' may just be Coldplay's defining album. Key tracks: "In My Place", "The Scientist", "Clocks", "Warning Sign"
  9. sudheervemuru
    Apr 22, 2012
    9
    Lyrically, "A Rush of Blood..." isn't too far ahead of "Parachutes," but its composition is nearly flawless. With marvelous guitar riffs and great piano melodies, there is a depth to this album that isn't present in any of their other studio records. This is the closest a Brit album from the 2000s ever came to comparing to the epic rock motifs of Britain in the 1990s, namely Oasis, Blur,Lyrically, "A Rush of Blood..." isn't too far ahead of "Parachutes," but its composition is nearly flawless. With marvelous guitar riffs and great piano melodies, there is a depth to this album that isn't present in any of their other studio records. This is the closest a Brit album from the 2000s ever came to comparing to the epic rock motifs of Britain in the 1990s, namely Oasis, Blur, and early Radiohead, though in the end it does fall well short of those bands' works. Solid album however.… Expand
  10. moonman1994
    Dec 15, 2012
    9
    A simply amazing album filled with tons of great songs. It's songs have variety, the lyrics are emotional, and all the songs are well balanced. This is an album that nearly anyone can enjoy and that I always enjoy singing along with. I would highly recommend it!
  11. AnalyDewa
    Nov 15, 2015
    9
    Parecido com ''Parachutes'', mas ainda assim se distanciando mais de Radiohead e criando uma própria personalidade a banda, ''A Rush of Blood to the Head'' vem todo lapidado por vocais melancólicos, versos de fácil acesso e detalhes pequenos e transformações ao longo de cada canção que prendem o ouvinte até ao fim de cada faixa.
    ''A Rush of Blood to the Head'' vem com papel fundamental,    Parecido com ''Parachutes'', mas ainda assim se distanciando mais de Radiohead e criando uma própria personalidade a banda, ''A Rush of Blood to the Head'' vem todo lapidado por vocais melancólicos, versos de fácil acesso e detalhes pequenos e transformações ao longo de cada canção que prendem o ouvinte até ao fim de cada faixa.
    ''A Rush of Blood to the Head'' vem com papel fundamental, não só de firmar a banda dentro da indústria musical, mas de firmar o disco como um dos mais influentes e aclamados deste século.    … Expand
  12. cryhardhumor
    Apr 27, 2015
    9
    Often rocking and always filled with energy, strong lyrics, and emotion: Coldplay's 2nd album "A Rush Of Blood To The Head" is timeless and memorable unlike many of the albums released around this time period
  13. kellyn
    Feb 4, 2014
    9
    Born in 1996, Coldplay didn’t mess around. They got right down to business making music and building a fan base that would continue to flourish more than a decade after first sitting down in Parlophone Studios to record their journey through powerful piano ballads and haunting hi-hats.
    From their signature paint-splattered piano to lead singer Chris Martin’s British charm, Coldplay    Born in 1996, Coldplay didn’t mess around. They got right down to business making music and building a fan base that would continue to flourish more than a decade after first sitting down in Parlophone Studios to record their journey through powerful piano ballads and haunting hi-hats.
    From their signature paint-splattered piano to lead singer Chris Martin’s British charm, Coldplay stepped into the spotlight in 2000 with the release of their single “Yellow.” If you weren’t able to see past the pantsuits and razor scooters of the early 2000s, you may have missed the early days of Coldplay. Not only did they cultivate their talents early, but they incubated ideas for years to come.
    Let’s take a look at their second album ever released, A Rush Of Blood To The Head. Opening with the track “Politik,” we can assume from the raging pulse of the drums and guitar that this album has a statement to make. The song begs its listener to “open up your eyes.” Sounding almost mechanical, this intense song is a change in sound from Coldplay’s previous album.
    As the album progresses, we move from eager rhythms to a more relaxed sound, a characteristic of Coldplay’s mellow yellow soul. Things slow down with the quixotic tune, “Clocks,” where Chris flexes his vocal chords to hit the higher notes. Again, there is a very distinct, driving rhythm that keeps you grounded in the song.
    By the time we get to “Green Eyes,” we’re more than half way through this eleven-track album. Coldplay couldn’t help but go back to their heart-warming roots. “Green Eyes” is a sincere acoustic ballad with subtle yet effective harmonies. It’s a nice break from the first few in-your-face tracks, but it’s also the turning point of the album.
    A Rush Of Blood To The Head is almost an emotional journey, laced with love, confusion and introspection. Once we’ve passed the emerald gem that is “Green Eyes,” things slow down even more with the echoing riffs of “Warning Sign,” which has a nostalgic sound we haven’t yet encountered in the album. “Warning Sign” pairs gentle riffs with a roaring truth, “I miss you.”
    The tracks from here on out are much more intimate and heart wrenching. The title track, “A Rush Of Blood To The Head,” rings with longing and desire. The song and album title itself are a good summary for the over-all effect of the album: a rush of blood to the head, an epiphany, an intensity.
    A Rush of Blood To The Head is more mechanical sounding than Coldplay’s first album, Parachutes. The golden-lit spinning globe on the album cover is a good indication of Parachutes’ warm acoustic sounds and dreamy melodies. Their first album was a great start to building their image as a British rock band, and it was almost more inviting in sound than A Rush Of Blood To The Head-— but I think that’s the point.
    While “Parachutes” is comparable to a dimly-lit café with the faint sounds of Sinatra drifting under the smell of freshly baked croissants, A Rush Of Blood To The Head is more like sitting in a fluorescently lit room in a mass-produced, lightly padded chair. While this may sound a little uncomfortable, it has impact, and that is the point of the album. Being cozy has its perks, but being uncomfortable can provoke important questions and evoke a whole new set of emotions.
    If you enjoyed the emotional progressions of A Rush Of Blood To The Head, I encourage you to listen to their other five, start to finish, and marvel at the emotional and mental journey they will take you on.    … Expand
  14. DrewtheDude85
    Apr 19, 2014
    9
    A Rush of Blood to the Head is without a doubt one of Coldplay's crowing achievements. It features some excellent music, some of the best we've ever heard from Coldplay. I don't know if I would say this is my absolute favorite Coldplay album, it is one of the best of course, but one thing that puts me off about this album is that I am not a big fan of the album cover, I think it looks aA Rush of Blood to the Head is without a doubt one of Coldplay's crowing achievements. It features some excellent music, some of the best we've ever heard from Coldplay. I don't know if I would say this is my absolute favorite Coldplay album, it is one of the best of course, but one thing that puts me off about this album is that I am not a big fan of the album cover, I think it looks a bit bland, however I am not hear to judge the cd by it's cover, I am here to judge it by it's contents. AROBTTH is a excellent album and I think even non-Coldplay fans can enjoy it. My favorite tracks are "Politik", "God put a Smile Upon Your Face", "The Scientist", "Clocks" (This is actually one of my favorite songs of all time), "Warning Sign" and "A Rush of Blood to the Head" (the song).… Expand
  15. normankant
    Jun 11, 2015
    9
    This record is the best from Coldplay. It has catchy melodies, great songs that are moving in their simplicity and unique vocals. A rush of blood to the head is the portrait of a band at the top of their game, a band that thanks to this record will start to be a worldwide famous act.
  16. Ckallvinn
    Jul 8, 2016
    9
    This is, in my opinion, Coldplay's second best album. After I listened to A Head Full Of Dreams, I decided to go back and listen to Coldplay's other albums. On my first listen through, the only album that struck me was A Rush Of Blood to the Head. The album is a fantastic culmination of everything that makes Coldplay amazing.
    it is an example of Coldplay at their best, and is well worth    This is, in my opinion, Coldplay's second best album. After I listened to A Head Full Of Dreams, I decided to go back and listen to Coldplay's other albums. On my first listen through, the only album that struck me was A Rush Of Blood to the Head. The album is a fantastic culmination of everything that makes Coldplay amazing.
    it is an example of Coldplay at their best, and is well worth the listen.    … Expand
  17. CamdenRendell
    Jan 29, 2018
    9
    A staple in 2000s rock. Strong lyrics. Coldplay's best. Highly recommended album.
  18. NolanLundgaard
    Apr 6, 2020
    9
    A Rush of Blood to the Head by Coldplay: 8.26

    Politik: 0.75 In My Place: 1 God Put a Smile Upon Your Face: 1 :) The Scientist: 1 :) Clocks: 1 Daylight: 1 :) Green Eyes: 1 :) Warning Sign: 1 A Whisper: 0.75 A Rush of Blood to the Head: 0.5 Amsterdam: 1 10/11 ~ .909 -> 8.26 Wow, such a great album; it’s one of the best I’ve reviewed. I grew up listening to A Rush of Blood    A Rush of Blood to the Head by Coldplay: 8.26

    Politik: 0.75
    In My Place: 1
    God Put a Smile Upon Your Face: 1 :)
    The Scientist: 1 :)
    Clocks: 1
    Daylight: 1 :)
    Green Eyes: 1 :)
    Warning Sign: 1
    A Whisper: 0.75
    A Rush of Blood to the Head: 0.5
    Amsterdam: 1

    10/11 ~ .909 -> 8.26

    Wow, such a great album; it’s one of the best I’ve reviewed. I grew up listening to A Rush of Blood to the Head so a lot of the songs from this album are my favorites, and God Put a Smile Upon Your Face is one of my favorite songs of all time. I really don’t have any complaints about this album except the song A Rush of Blood to the Head was a little bland musically. Besides that, I was really happy with what I heard. Coldplay is such a great band, and this may be when they were at their best. A Rush of Blood to the Head is a significant improvement over its predecessor, Parachutes, and it's fun to go back in time and see Coldplay develop into the amazing and popular band that they have become! Highlights: In My Place, God Put a Smile Upon Your Face, The Scientist, Clocks, Daylight, Green Eyes, Warning Sign, and Amsterdam.    … Expand
  19. dromanenko23
    Oct 4, 2019
    9
    A beautiful, powerful, exciting, well-constructed alt rock record that you surely won't forget. Although A Rush Of Blood to the Head isn't anything TOO special, it's still a unique and enjoyable listening experience that features many memorable tracks such as "Politik", "God Put a Smile Upon Your Face", "The Scientist", "Clocks", "Daylight", and the title track.
  20. Whyhelder
    Oct 15, 2021
    9
    This is the album that made Coldplay famous worldwide. Many consider this their best album. I do not. It's perfect though! I bought it phisicaly in 2009 and I'll keep it forever. 3 of their biggest hits are here: the scientist (a masterpiece), clocks and in my place. Politik is my favorite though
  21. msteck
    Aug 31, 2022
    9
    A well-crafted pop-alt rock juggernaut. Fantastic songwriting, instrumentals, vocals, and production throughout.
  22. JonathanZ
    Oct 3, 2005
    8
    I've been dusting off some old classics this summer (figuratively, since I get most of my music from the iTunes music store), and so after picking up the newest Coldplay album during the Korea trip, I bought their other two albums when I got back to the States. A Rush of Blood to the Head was released in 2002, and I can still remember listening to it countless times on the way to I've been dusting off some old classics this summer (figuratively, since I get most of my music from the iTunes music store), and so after picking up the newest Coldplay album during the Korea trip, I bought their other two albums when I got back to the States. A Rush of Blood to the Head was released in 2002, and I can still remember listening to it countless times on the way to school. I never got tired of it, though; the tracks are just that durable. Sure, everybody has heard the two singles, "Clocks" and "In My Place." I'm not saying they aren't quality songs, there just a little typical. Some of the other stuff on the album, however, is nothing short of brilliance. "The Scientist" achieves the same greatness of "Yellow," and "A Rush of Blood to the Head" channels a marvelous Pink Floyd vibe. Unlike the overtly mellow Parachutes, this album is mellow with an agenda; edgy, even. There's a thread of bemoaning lost love that runs throughout the entire affair, as well a track or two focused on war and dying. I don't mind this, somehow, so well is everything put together. When I need to escape into a soundscape of soulful vocals and some masterful guitar-work, I know what to listen to.… Expand
  23. NateM.
    Sep 6, 2002
    8
    By far, the best album of the year...however, coldplay is sitting a solid foot away from the greatness that U2 had attained in the 80's. They have a great ability to write great music, but their lyrics are weak. Even when they try to talk about something important, like in Politik, it is jumbled up in their often muddled lyrics. When the lyrics match the level of musical talent By far, the best album of the year...however, coldplay is sitting a solid foot away from the greatness that U2 had attained in the 80's. They have a great ability to write great music, but their lyrics are weak. Even when they try to talk about something important, like in Politik, it is jumbled up in their often muddled lyrics. When the lyrics match the level of musical talent they've achieved, then they will become one of the great British bands.… Expand
  24. calvini
    May 19, 2003
    8
    i once previously rated this cd with a ten stating "even if the last 5 songs are crap i'll still give this a ten", well, they're not crap, just not brilliant. the album is clearly divided into two halves, one experimental, one decent brit pop and that reall kiss this album's score as a whole. but it's still more consistant and better than parachutes, just not as connected.
  25. JonR
    Nov 19, 2005
    8
    Less consistant than Parachutes, but the highlights (In My Place, God Put A Smile On Your Face, The Scientist and Clocks) are far more stunning than those of the 1st album. From there on I find it hard to listen to the rest since it's all pretty much acoustic guitar or piano with some gental leads and uninteresting lyrics. The Scientist may be one of the best songs ever though and Less consistant than Parachutes, but the highlights (In My Place, God Put A Smile On Your Face, The Scientist and Clocks) are far more stunning than those of the 1st album. From there on I find it hard to listen to the rest since it's all pretty much acoustic guitar or piano with some gental leads and uninteresting lyrics. The Scientist may be one of the best songs ever though and easily remains Coldplays best and most richly emotional, atmospheric and honest song. Clocks immerses you in a wave of bulding energy before crashing away to the valley of sound making up the remainder of the ablum. A perfect EP's worth of material here that's unfortuently dragged down by the other not so worthy tracks.… Expand
  26. Pep_D
    Oct 18, 2011
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This puts all their other albums to shame. It starts off really good, but fades out a little towards the end. Improves upon 'Parachutes' in most aspects. Best songs: 'The Scientist', 'In My Place', 'Green Eyes'.… Expand
  27. squidgee
    Dec 9, 2012
    8
    Not completely flawless but definitely Coldplay's finest album to date. Some of Coldplay's classics such as "Clocks" are in here amongst other tracks that are meaningful and sound great. Rush of Blood to the Head also finishes the album off wonderfully with the conclusive "Amsterdam".
  28. EddieHokie
    Nov 27, 2019
    8
    The most well reviewed album in the Coldplay discography is good but overrated. It is a giant leap forward from Parachutes in terms of creativity and taking chances. Unlike Parachutes, there are a couple duds and the general tone is icy and a bit jumbled. The highs here are higher than the debut (Scientist, God Put a Smile, Warning Sign) but the lows are lower (Daylight, Whisper).The most well reviewed album in the Coldplay discography is good but overrated. It is a giant leap forward from Parachutes in terms of creativity and taking chances. Unlike Parachutes, there are a couple duds and the general tone is icy and a bit jumbled. The highs here are higher than the debut (Scientist, God Put a Smile, Warning Sign) but the lows are lower (Daylight, Whisper). The initial surprise in growth gave this album some early love but I think Parachutes has aged better. They are both fine albums.… Expand
  29. alecvl08
    Oct 14, 2014
    8
    A pretty good album, not as good as Parachutes, but still good enough for me. It just bothers me that an album that seems so conceptual from the outside has no real theme or message running through it, but it's fun to listen to nonetheless. Some musical choices also confused me, such as the tracks Clocks and Daylight. They are both great songs, but they are consecutive on the album and useA pretty good album, not as good as Parachutes, but still good enough for me. It just bothers me that an album that seems so conceptual from the outside has no real theme or message running through it, but it's fun to listen to nonetheless. Some musical choices also confused me, such as the tracks Clocks and Daylight. They are both great songs, but they are consecutive on the album and use the same drum rhythm for their duration. I just didn't get that. Overall, great style and some tracks are great. Favorite track: A Rush of Blood to the Head… Expand
  30. EshopjV.
    Jul 17, 2007
    7
    In retrospect, looking back from '07 gives enough hindsight that Coldplay's second effort with "A Rush Of Blood to the Head", is nothing more than just lush-laden melodies akin to eating flavoring, in that while they are by all means delicious, they lack much nutritional value to actually be considered "good". Now by all means that dosen't mean this album is just another In retrospect, looking back from '07 gives enough hindsight that Coldplay's second effort with "A Rush Of Blood to the Head", is nothing more than just lush-laden melodies akin to eating flavoring, in that while they are by all means delicious, they lack much nutritional value to actually be considered "good". Now by all means that dosen't mean this album is just another piece of garbage to be cast aside. With the opening track "Politik", we are cast into a dense world of alternating loud and quiet. "Clocks" cyclic nature and hypnotic tune, does a comendable job of yanking in the listener. "The Scientist", as aft-mentioned, is probably one of the most well-constructed pop songs of our time so far thanks to its simplistic yet yearning tune. However, when one is confronted to actually "look deeper" into the album, it is akin to diving off a twelve foot. platform to a two foot pool. Most of the lyrics are about love, which is however trite in its usage, still a comendable subject. If only it weren't the same story for almost every single track on the whole damn album. Even "Politik"'s meaning is almost misguided and hazy unless you bothered to read the CD booklet, at which point it becomes rather banal in its execution. Previous comments comparing this to "Floyd" are probably the most jarring comparrisons I have ever heard. (With the exception of the penultimate title track, which is one of the best off the album.) If anything they are more akin to later Supertramp, with a little bit of both the world of electic and conventional. (With a more obvious lean to pop.) In closing, while this album is far from the supposed "holy grail" of music that is proponents claim it to be, it is no where near the almost slanderous comments of its detractors. (With the exception that it sounds/tastes like "Radiohead" lite.) With the state that the current trend pop music is in, albums like these while far from what can be considered "great", are still in rather short supply to conventional audiences. With a fourth album due out in '08 headed by Brian Eno, (After the meh-ish nature of "X & Y", a good thing.) we can hope for maybe a slightly brighter future judging from its past.… Expand
  31. HC
    Feb 20, 2008
    7
    Luckily, since the good songs are all in the first half, you can delete the second. They're a singles band, but the singles are good.
  32. L.Bangs
    Sep 18, 2002
    7
    The boys are trying. This one's certainly more interesting than Parachutes, but the band still rips way too much off of U2 and (especially) Radiohead to stand fully on their own. Not too shabby, but too many echoes of greater works here, and sadly, perhaps about 5 years too late. This is a fairly good 1997 rock album for 2002.
  33. LeoDiCaprioFan
    Jul 17, 2016
    7
    Quite good album!, "The Scientist" and "Clocks" are the best songs out of this album. The others songs are kinda meh. It's not really worthy for me. :
  34. BenjaminBunny
    Jun 8, 2004
    6
    Damn. Just when I thought I found a new band to hate ("Parachutes," the worst album Catherine Wheel never recorded) this album comes along and makes me like them. Well, in the same way I like 80s-era U2, which is to say it's listenably pretty--as long as you don't pay too much attention to the lyrics it sounds okay. Not that I'd actually own it.
  35. jake
    Aug 30, 2002
    6
    You people are funny, this album is rather mediocre, I've listened to it beginning to end about a dozen times now, and it really isnt that good at all. To the guy that says this is better than "OK Computer" YEAH RIGHT! what a joke! Coldplay isn't a tenth of what Radiohead is/was.
  36. AG
    Sep 7, 2002
    6
    This album is dull, predictable, and almost devoid of ideas. The majority of the tracks open and build the same way. Martin's melodies are pleasant but his bandmates add little to the material. Guitar melodies are usually two bars or less and they are happily repeated with little change. The drums and bass are there but far from interesting. Two or more lines are rarely played at the This album is dull, predictable, and almost devoid of ideas. The majority of the tracks open and build the same way. Martin's melodies are pleasant but his bandmates add little to the material. Guitar melodies are usually two bars or less and they are happily repeated with little change. The drums and bass are there but far from interesting. Two or more lines are rarely played at the same time leading to terribly simple and uninteresting music. This is Radiohead without the energy, intelligence, emotional depth, inventiveness, and talent. This is elevator music. It should sell well.… Expand
  37. MultipleMiggs
    Sep 2, 2002
    5
    Calvin listens to 4 songs and decrees a 10? Thank god there will be people who actually listen CRITICALLY to this album and realize that, while there is some great songwriting going on, there are few if any original ideas presented.
  38. VinceP.
    Sep 16, 2002
    5
    I gave it a 5 only to don't give him a 0. Hated it. How can bands like Flaming Lips, Primal Scream, The Bees...., be considered worst then this guys. Forget this guys. Listen to The Bees, I am Kloot, etc.
  39. DomS.
    Aug 10, 2003
    5
    When it's good, it's pretty mediocre. When it's bad, it's still pretty mediocre. P.S. Ignore the lyrics. They will induce seizures. it makes you wonder how Gwyneth Paltrow can handle Chris Martin's "sweet little nothings" in her out-of-his-league ear.
  40. DaveD.
    Sep 8, 2002
    4
    I'm a huge fan of brit-pop and of Coldplay's former album, "Parachute", but I just can't understand the universal acclaim of this album. I bought it before I read any reviews, and I thought it was a horribly repetitive, inspireless work. The lyrics are incredibly tepid and sound like a singer whose just filling in repetitive rhythms with cliched lyrics and spoiled imagery. I'm a huge fan of brit-pop and of Coldplay's former album, "Parachute", but I just can't understand the universal acclaim of this album. I bought it before I read any reviews, and I thought it was a horribly repetitive, inspireless work. The lyrics are incredibly tepid and sound like a singer whose just filling in repetitive rhythms with cliched lyrics and spoiled imagery. It sounds as if they're trying to sound like Doves's "Lost Souls", creating pop music that builds upon sonic landscapes, but can't find enough interesting ideas that can fill out a four minute song. Listening to this album back to back with Radiohead's past few sonic excursions, I realized Coldplay really is just a wannabe in every respect. I now know that I shouldn't have expected as much from their last meisterwork, "Parachutes". Coldplay is little more than Oasis deciding to steal the sound of Radiohead and Jeff Buckley instead of The Beatles, and the day will come when they matter just as little to the current pop landscape as the horrid imitative brats Oasis. A year ago I was hoping for only the best for Coldplay, but they have lost one fan because of this album. Hopefully next time, they'll write some songs that were created from inspired imagination instead of the awkward formulas that dominate this album.… Expand
  41. DR
    Feb 15, 2009
    4
    I remember buying this album when it came out after thoroughly enjoying parachutes and being underwhelmed. Very bland radio friendly stuff. No wonder the backlash against these guys; it started with this album.
  42. Frank
    Sep 20, 2002
    3
    really bland stuff and so damn middle of the road. The amount of acclaim this record is getting shows how boring music critics are. At least Travis had the decency to do a humorous video clip.
  43. SusanB
    Sep 13, 2005
    3
    Mediocre at best, dull and lifeless at worst. The occasional good track, i.e. The Scientist, is cancelled out by the overwhelming blandness of the album as a whole. Uninventive, unemotional and overated
  44. ErwinK.
    Sep 30, 2002
    2
    Yes. Music for bedwetters.
  45. Jazzy
    Nov 12, 2002
    2
    Comparisons to U2 and Radiohead are bound to happen when you have fans that have their head stuck that far up their arses. Every song on this album sounds like it has been created through some Let's-try-and-sound-like-Radiohead-but-with-a-bit-of-Jeff-Buckley-thrown-in-but-lets-try-not-to-be-so-self-conscious-about-it-formula. Lyrically piss-weak, Martin has nothing interesting to Comparisons to U2 and Radiohead are bound to happen when you have fans that have their head stuck that far up their arses. Every song on this album sounds like it has been created through some Let's-try-and-sound-like-Radiohead-but-with-a-bit-of-Jeff-Buckley-thrown-in-but-lets-try-not-to-be-so-self-conscious-about-it-formula. Lyrically piss-weak, Martin has nothing interesting to say. Yyyyaaawwwnnn!!!!… Expand
  46. musicLover
    Oct 17, 2002
    0
    Bought the album - Can I get a refund ???
  47. Bk
    Jan 3, 2005
    0
    over rated!
  48. Melissa
    Sep 4, 2002
    0
    100% facade.
  49. OsaA
    Dec 9, 2006
    0
    I bought this album because it won a Grammy for album of the year so I thought it most be good and decided to by it at Best Buy. The album sounded good at first, but then I realised that is album was not that great and cannot believe it won a Grammy because it was so safe with not too many great songs. The only song that was most appealing and radio friendly was Clocks, which was about I bought this album because it won a Grammy for album of the year so I thought it most be good and decided to by it at Best Buy. The album sounded good at first, but then I realised that is album was not that great and cannot believe it won a Grammy because it was so safe with not too many great songs. The only song that was most appealing and radio friendly was Clocks, which was about it. I was so disappointed that I sold it on Amazon. If you a person who likes poems and deep storyline music that makes you think this album is for you, but not for me unfortunately.… Expand
  50. ShawnT
    Feb 27, 2003
    0
    worst band and album ever. The songs are sooooo boring!!!!!!!!!
  51. Wolfmother
    Jan 19, 2011
    0
    Its incredible how the people who give Coldplay zeros give absolutly no reason or justification behind their score, at least no descriptive enough, how about going into detail? Boring? Thats it? You have yet to learn about what it means to grade music, this album is Pink Floyd reincarnate. 473rd greatest album of all time, Too low. These critics are reliable people but people evenIts incredible how the people who give Coldplay zeros give absolutly no reason or justification behind their score, at least no descriptive enough, how about going into detail? Boring? Thats it? You have yet to learn about what it means to grade music, this album is Pink Floyd reincarnate. 473rd greatest album of all time, Too low. These critics are reliable people but people even discredit them without any evidence, so why do we even have a user score if 90% of them are completly bias.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

48
#48 Best Album of 2002
3
#3 Most Discussed Album of 2002

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 25
  3. Negative: 2 out of 25
  1. CultureDose.net
    60
    Without the emotional resonance of Martin's voice at its most free, Coldplay's brilliantly minimal musical foundation has nothing to support. So it falters.
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  2. Village Voice
    70
    Coldplay's new record is a little edgier, trancier, and more conversational than their last. It is called A Rush of Blood to the Head, and in waves and swells of major tunes and frisky then looping time signatures, that's just about the effect it has.
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  3. Pitchfork
    51
    But while the sound of this album is more expansive, the influences a bit less obvious, and the approach more varied, the guys forgot to tote along their initial strength: the songs.
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