Kaleidoscope EP
by Coldplay
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 92 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 66 out of 92
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 92
  3. Negative: 10 out of 92
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  1. DavidWasHere
    Dec 10, 2017
    6
    This EP is really more of a B-sides compilation than an album experience, much like the Prospekt's March EP for Viva La Vida. And while that doesn't sound super appealing, this actually isn't half bad. In fact dare I say it's better than the album this is an extension of, A Head Full of Dreams. While that album was weighed down by banal and safe compositions and the band trying to keep upThis EP is really more of a B-sides compilation than an album experience, much like the Prospekt's March EP for Viva La Vida. And while that doesn't sound super appealing, this actually isn't half bad. In fact dare I say it's better than the album this is an extension of, A Head Full of Dreams. While that album was weighed down by banal and safe compositions and the band trying to keep up with the times, Kaleidoscope feels like an experiment of the band's sound with modern pop and dance sounds. There are two fantastic songs here. A L I E N S is this pretty weird but catchy mix of psychedelia and dance music that's really fun, and the opener All I Can Think About is You, is a pretty lovely ballad that is reminiscent of early Coldplay, particularly A Rush of Blood to the Head-era Coldplay. Even the weaker songs here have good ideas. Miracles has a very lovely arrangement and Chris Martin sounds great on here, or at least more than Big Sean. Something Just Like This is an alright live cut and does let the rest of the band breath than being strangled by the Chainsmokers EDM clunkers, which is still rather prevalent on this live track unfortunately. And Hypnotized is like a mix of Ghost Stories-era and Mylo Xyloto-era that's actually not half bad. This EP isn't much of an essential unless you are a hardcore Coldplay fan, but if you were left disappointed from Head Full of Dreams, you might not like it, but it is worth checking out, I would say. If only for two great songs!… Expand
  2. Angel1989
    Nov 3, 2017
    5
    This is so boring, i mean, A Head Full Of Dreams was right, catchy songs and melodies but here, the songs are so bad. Only "Miracles (Someone Special)" and "Hypnotised" are good, for really.
  3. Macrofficial
    Apr 23, 2020
    6
    Kaleidoscope Is an album by coldplay with 5, some good and some meh tracks. 'All I Can Think Of You' Is just an amazing, beautiful, powerful, and moving track, really love this track. 'Miracles' is a nice song with a good Big Sean Feature. 'A L I E N S' Is a song with very good story telling. BUT, this is where the EP goes from being a great EP too being a mediocre. 'Something Just LikeKaleidoscope Is an album by coldplay with 5, some good and some meh tracks. 'All I Can Think Of You' Is just an amazing, beautiful, powerful, and moving track, really love this track. 'Miracles' is a nice song with a good Big Sean Feature. 'A L I E N S' Is a song with very good story telling. BUT, this is where the EP goes from being a great EP too being a mediocre. 'Something Just Like This - Tokyo Remix' Isn't exactly a "remix"...it's a live version of a song that already sucks. Coldplay does make the song a little bit more bearable, but The Chainsmokers just have the most basic, and most effortless sounds in this song, so for them to do a live version of this song doesn't really do anything for me. 'Hypnotised - EP Mix' Isn't particularly a bad track, it's just pretty mediocre and boring. Kaleidoscope is an EP that looked good at the start, but went downhill halfway through, which is why I'm giving it a 6, 3 Good tracks at the start, 2 Bad-Mediocre Songs. My Favourite Track On This EP is: All I Can Think About Is You.… Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. The Guardian
    Aug 3, 2017
    60
    This EP is nothing but on-brand, however; euphoric emotion, an earnest, universal message and a coating of tacky charm.
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  2. Rolling Stone
    Jul 26, 2017
    70
    Titled after a soothing interlude from the band's 2015 LP, A Head Full of Dreams, this five-song EP continues that album's mood of tranquil satisfaction.
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  3. AllMusic
    Jul 21, 2017
    70
    Within these five tracks, Coldplay touch upon various contemporary trends in EDM, R&B, and rock without abandoning their identity, and thereby they are fleet and clever, not relics.
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