Mylo Xyloto
by Coldplay
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Oct 24, 2011
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 487 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 358 out of 487
  2. Mixed: 84 out of 487
  3. Negative: 45 out of 487
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  1. ltsjess
    Nov 23, 2013
    10
    Coldplay's best album by far and my favorite album in the world. Every song is class; the band has really pulled it out of the bag with enchanting and uplifting lyrics and melodies.
  2. surajp828
    Jan 6, 2014
    7
    Mylo Xyloto was certainly a bit of a step back from the previous albums, but it does show that Coldplay is willing to look in new directions, music-wise. The song Princess of China is one of the few times that Coldplay has collaborated with a different artist, and despite its strange (strange because Coldplay almost never does this) techno sound, they do it quite well. Overall however,Mylo Xyloto was certainly a bit of a step back from the previous albums, but it does show that Coldplay is willing to look in new directions, music-wise. The song Princess of China is one of the few times that Coldplay has collaborated with a different artist, and despite its strange (strange because Coldplay almost never does this) techno sound, they do it quite well. Overall however, this album gets a 6 from me… Expand
  3. DrewtheDude85
    Mar 29, 2014
    7
    Sure it's not as good as any of the other Coldplay albums, but I owe this album one. I think this is probably what got me into Coldplay. I enjoyed many different songs, however I do think that there were a few songs that were kind of made me go "meh." My favorite songs were probably "Hurts Like Heaven", "Paradise" and "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall."
  4. sambuu
    Feb 26, 2015
    10
    Their most brightest album ever made. Album artwork,graffiti,music videos are really exciting.People said :"Mylo Xyloto is the **** more pop styled album".But I completely disagree with this.
  5. normankant
    Jun 11, 2015
    3
    Coldplay definitely goes for mainstream silly pop in this record. Songs are simplistic and sound artificially composed. There's no emotion or inspiration in this album, it's just a collection of perfectly crafted hit parade tracks. The production of Brian Eno adds nothing but an excessive grandeur to this annoying mess.
  6. alecvl08
    Feb 3, 2015
    8
    This album sets its style right from the start with the intensely upbeat Hurts Like Heaven, and sticks with it down the stretch, providing several catchy and emotionally powerful tunes. It's a respectable album overall and it's a good addition to the Coldplay discography.
  7. LeoDiCaprioFan
    Jul 17, 2016
    5
    This album kinda had a improve since when Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends released. This album had a couple of good songs like "Paradise", "Charlie Brown" and "Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall" were the best. But I didn't like the fact that they changed their sound which was pretty disappointing. Despite their sound, the overall of this album is alright!...I guess.
  8. alejoarenas15
    Jun 29, 2018
    10
    This album is nothing but amazing, every song is so energetic and makes you feel like you're infinite, like you could do anything. I know they're not perfect, their lyrics are not the best but what you feel when you're listening to Coldplay is unique. I love how their songs are all connected, how each song finishes and the next one is right there using the last notes of the previous songThis album is nothing but amazing, every song is so energetic and makes you feel like you're infinite, like you could do anything. I know they're not perfect, their lyrics are not the best but what you feel when you're listening to Coldplay is unique. I love how their songs are all connected, how each song finishes and the next one is right there using the last notes of the previous song to start. That's great because that's how I think every album should be, it's not just a bunch of random songs, it's about related songs that contain a message and a purpose and that's exactly what Mylo Xyloto is. We're so lucky to have enjoyed such evolution from one of the greatest bands of the moment.… Expand
  9. GerardistheWay
    Feb 6, 2017
    7
    Long before I heard this album in its entirety, I heard the song "Paradise", which was inescapable back in 2012, and after its time in the limelight was over Coldplay once again fell out of my realm of musical knowledge for a while until I again happened upon the song a few years later when my iPhone was set on shuffle. Having heard a few of their songs other than that one (most notablyLong before I heard this album in its entirety, I heard the song "Paradise", which was inescapable back in 2012, and after its time in the limelight was over Coldplay once again fell out of my realm of musical knowledge for a while until I again happened upon the song a few years later when my iPhone was set on shuffle. Having heard a few of their songs other than that one (most notably the 2009 Song of the Year Grammy winner "Viva la Vida"), I became curious and researched the album, which led me to listening to it, then downloading it, then listening to more Coldplay, and finally to downloading more Coldplay.

    The change in sound they demonstrate, even just since "Death and All His Friends" (I label it as such to avoid confusion between album and song, and that album was itself a large break from their previous style), is incredible. Their songwriting method isn't such a huge break from tradition, but there is a world of difference between the sonic details of this effort and past ones: the sparse, U2-reminiscent guitar bits and focus on instrumentation are still in play all over the album, but their foray into electronic really set the bar for their next several works. It showcases (or it did, rather, as they seem to have been stuck in an electropop rut ever since) a willingness to change and experiment, something that is necessary for a band's continued survival and creative relevancy, but they don't seem yet fully vested in the idea. Chris Martin explained after the release of this album that it originated as two, one boasting an electronic sound and the other an acoustic one, that they ended up combining. The more traditional acoustic songs seem to be there as something to fall back on in case their experiment isn't as successful as they want it to be, which takes away from the grandeur of the electronic bits because of their attempt to play it safe and the acoustic bits because they aren't satisfied with being stuck as just another group of British alt-rockers.

    Another element of this album that I feel works a bit against it is its classification as a concept album/rock opera. I have nothing against the story or concept themselves, which are honestly among the best I've ever seen in their respective categories--the story of a distant alien planet where an oppressive government has banned color and music and are resisted by freedom fighters who can generate graffiti-like "sparks" sounds like the premise of some sci-fi movie. Yet rather than focus on the societal messages such an idea would generate--say, freedom of expression and when this becomes dangerous--the group settles instead for what many in the sci-fi film business often do as well: a love story. This isn't as noticeable until towards the end, but it definitely harms the concept enough to be noticeable in the grand scheme of things.

    With that said, there is plenty to enjoy on this album as well. The little sonic details worked into more traditional electronic music are present here as well and aid in crafting a more enjoyable listening experience. The whole record is chock full of cresting waves of emotion, from rousing and grandiose anthems (the aforementioned "Paradise", "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall", and the divisive "Princess of China") as well as more subdued tracks ("Us Against the World", "Up in Flames"), and even a few things we either haven't seen from them yet or have caught only glimpses of (the delightfully dark and playful "Major Minus", one of their songs most thoroughly "rock" in genre, is one that comes to mind). The amount of thought that went into this album is clearly evident, this is the most audaciously creative the band has been to date. Their first few records, while undoubtedly among their best (especially "A Rush of Blood to the Head"), were amalgamations of influences rather than original sound: on those albums one could really hear the U2 style. However, on this record they finally come into their own with a sci-fi concept that puts most being developed by Hollywood to shame. On this album they come to conquer, and conquer they do with a wonderful (if uneven) fusion of alternative rock and soft-on-the-ears electropop.

    This album won't be remembered as one of the greats twenty to fifty years down the road, and it probably won't even be considered among the band's best offerings. However, it works while one is listening, and can be quite an addictive experience for fans who have come to know what to expect from Chris Martin and Friends. This probably isn't the best introduction album for someone new to the band, but longtime fans should be pleased, and this essentially what this album was: a record for themselves and for their fans. 7/10

    Best songs: "Paradise", "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall", "Major Minus", "Up in Flames"    … Expand
  10. triple_co
    Apr 5, 2017
    7
    Coldplay's 'Mylo Xyloto' is one of my guilty-pleasure pop albums, a work that is popular to dislike and discredit but, reluctantly, winds up being extremely enjoyable. While it is one of the bands most commercial records, and is a sign of what was to follow, it provides a near-enough balance of rock and pop that makes it easily accessible but worth repeated listens. It doesn't hold theColdplay's 'Mylo Xyloto' is one of my guilty-pleasure pop albums, a work that is popular to dislike and discredit but, reluctantly, winds up being extremely enjoyable. While it is one of the bands most commercial records, and is a sign of what was to follow, it provides a near-enough balance of rock and pop that makes it easily accessible but worth repeated listens. It doesn't hold the artistic merit of Coldplay's earliest works, particularly 'A Rush of Blood to the Head', and it's easy to see why more refined music-goers dismiss this as a radio-friendly forty minutes of bubblegum sound, but its themes and concepts are easy to get behind.

    Supposedly set in a dystopian future, Chris Martin assigns himself as a 'freedom-fighter' type, offering up moments of hope and clarity "underneath the rubble" of a society that has crumbled. It's simple enough and nothing particularly new or unexplored, but it provides some clean and vibrant backdrop to songs such as 'Paradise', 'Every Teardrop is a Waterfall' and 'Don't Let it Break Your Heart'. The aim here is explosive, stadium anthems, and this is largely achieved through the strings and vocals as the band sing of colour and adventure. It's obvious why the LP was such a hit in 2010 with its easy melodies and loose lyrics, but its gloss is too enjoyable to overly critique.

    This is, personally, the last Coldplay record I really enjoyed. After 'Mylo Xyloto', Coldplay's sound followed too much of the commercial trend - 'A Sky Full of Stars' being the standout example - that became boring quickly. Aside from some off moments such as 'Princess Of China', this album is a sophisticated chart-topper that is still worth a listen if you're into easy rock-pop listens. Don't expect to be blown away by emotional moment and you'll find much to come back to here.    … Expand
  11. tino_bandito
    Jan 23, 2017
    7
    Not as much Coldplay as we were all used too and they changed up their style to become more of a pop band, but the album was still enjoyable for the most part. Some of the biggest difference, for me, was that lyrics seemed to have changed to be less meaningful on this album in comparison to others.
  12. greekmatthew
    Apr 11, 2017
    7
    Coldplay delivers on a pop sound that they steered themselves in after the brilliant success that was Viva la Vida in 2008. Mylo Xyloto, on the other hand, delivers on a background love story that adds to the lyrical depth in many of their songs. 'Up With the Birds' was the perfect way to end the record, and it makes up for some of the duller moments in the record such as that in 'Up InColdplay delivers on a pop sound that they steered themselves in after the brilliant success that was Viva la Vida in 2008. Mylo Xyloto, on the other hand, delivers on a background love story that adds to the lyrical depth in many of their songs. 'Up With the Birds' was the perfect way to end the record, and it makes up for some of the duller moments in the record such as that in 'Up In Flames'. MX will forever be Coldplay's funnest album.… Expand
  13. eusoufael
    Nov 26, 2019
    10
    Underrated masterpiece. Coldplay's rock opera delivers glorious pop rock tunes dressed with their best electronic production ever. Even though it gets called out for being "too pop" the record is full of unconventional song structures, Charlie Brown and Princess of China have instrumental riffs instead of a real chorus, Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall, Up With The Birds, UFO don't even haveUnderrated masterpiece. Coldplay's rock opera delivers glorious pop rock tunes dressed with their best electronic production ever. Even though it gets called out for being "too pop" the record is full of unconventional song structures, Charlie Brown and Princess of China have instrumental riffs instead of a real chorus, Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall, Up With The Birds, UFO don't even have a chorus at all. Paradise, the album's biggest hit, has an strings intro that lasts a whole minute before Chris Martin can say a word. The guitar work includes some of the best riffs Jonny Buckland ever wrote and great little solos on Hurts Like Heaven and Major Minus, if you pay attention this an album that is actually filled with great guitars all over it. It's hard to even pick a highlight cause the whole thing flows very smoothly and it's hard to skip any tracks. At the time this was a big departure from their previous sound, and even though it set up the mood for later albums that were not so good, this one actually stands out. Along with Viva La Vida and A Rush Of Blood To The Head this is one of their best.… Expand
  14. musicreviews7
    Jul 25, 2018
    7
    In some ways, this album is pretty empty. Some of the songs lacks emotion and soreness (Princess of China) we are used to when listening to Coldplay. Some songs (Hurts Like Heaven, Don't let it break your heart) even hardly makes any sense, and that's very unusual.

    Still, this is a good to great album. The album contains a lovely theme, and a lot of dreamy songs with high quality.    In some ways, this album is pretty empty. Some of the songs lacks emotion and soreness (Princess of China) we are used to when listening to Coldplay. Some songs (Hurts Like Heaven, Don't let it break your heart) even hardly makes any sense, and that's very unusual.

    Still, this is a good to great album. The album contains a lovely theme, and a lot of dreamy songs with high quality. 'Paradise' is, for sure, a song for the masses – a "track for the charts". Still it's one of Coldplay's most beautiful songs.

    Best songs: Paradise, Major Minus, Every teardrop is a waterfall
    Worst: Princess of China, Hurts like heaven    … Expand
  15. Stefffan
    Aug 8, 2017
    9
    This album have one objection - "Paradise" wasn't first single from the album. Other from that, album is synonym for perfect pop/rock combination. Collaboration with Rihanna is a real deal.
  16. NolanLundgaard
    Apr 10, 2020
    8
    Mylo Xyloto by Coldplay: 7.66

    Mylo Xyloto: 0.75 Hurts Like Heaven: 1 :) Paradise: 1 :) Charlie Brown: 1 :) Us Against The World: 0.75 M.M.I.X.: 0.5 Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall: 1 :) Major Minus: 1 :) U.F.O.: 0.75 Princess Of China: 1 :) Up In Flames: 1 A Hopeful Transmission: 0.75 Don’t Let It Break Your Heart: 1 :) Up With The Birds: 0.75 12.25/14 = .875 -> 7.66    Mylo Xyloto by Coldplay: 7.66

    Mylo Xyloto: 0.75
    Hurts Like Heaven: 1 :)
    Paradise: 1 :)
    Charlie Brown: 1 :)
    Us Against The World: 0.75
    M.M.I.X.: 0.5
    Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall: 1 :)
    Major Minus: 1 :)
    U.F.O.: 0.75
    Princess Of China: 1 :)
    Up In Flames: 1
    A Hopeful Transmission: 0.75
    Don’t Let It Break Your Heart: 1 :)
    Up With The Birds: 0.75

    12.25/14 = .875 -> 7.66

    Mylo Xyloto is one heck of an album. In fact, besides X&Y (which is pretty much perfect), this is perhaps my favorite Coldplay album. There are so many high quality songs in Mylo Xyloto, and the whole album not only contains great music, but the way Coldplay made the album flow is really cool. Usually I don’t really like a lot of instrumental tracks in an album, but the ones in Mylo Xyloto resemble extended intros for songs, like Mylo Xyloto with Hurts Like Heaven, which was a very good combination. That would probably be my only complaint, just a couple too many instrumental intros. That is a very minor complaint though, as even the drawn out intros weren’t bad, and they each resolved into something awesome. Plus, Hurts Like Heaven, Paradise, Charlie Brown, and Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall are some of my all time favorite songs, and that’s just a few of the hits here. Bottom line: all Coldplay fans will love Mylo Xyloto, as well as lovers of pop/rock. I would highly recommend it. Highlights: Hurts Like Heaven, Paradise, Charlie Brown, Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall, Major Minus, Princess Of China, Up In Flames, and Don’t Let It Break Your Heart.    … Expand
  17. Macrofficial
    Apr 19, 2020
    6
    Coldplay's 5th Released Album, Though It's Kind Of A Mediocre One. The album starts of with the song: 'Mylo Xyloto' which is a nice intro that leads into 'Hurts Like Heaven', which is a somewhat upbeat song where the vocals are admittedly overpowered by the instrumentals admittedly. 'Paradise' might be my least favourite song on the album, the main chorus is repeated too much and itColdplay's 5th Released Album, Though It's Kind Of A Mediocre One. The album starts of with the song: 'Mylo Xyloto' which is a nice intro that leads into 'Hurts Like Heaven', which is a somewhat upbeat song where the vocals are admittedly overpowered by the instrumentals admittedly. 'Paradise' might be my least favourite song on the album, the main chorus is repeated too much and it becomes very annoying by the end of the song. 'Charlie Brown' is just alright, there's nothing bad about it, but nothing stands out about it. 'Us Against the World' is actually a pretty good acoustic! I mean, chris' voice can sound out of place on spots but it's actually one of the better songs on the project. 'M.M.I.X.' is a small little ambient track that leads smoothly into 'Every Tear Is a Waterfall' which is a great song, but I do think there is something missing from it, but I dont quite know what. still a decent track though. 'Major Minus' is another pretty annoying song it might even be as bad as 'Paradise'. I did like the idea of this song but the whole "OO OO OOOO" was very annoying and when it did come around to good vocals, they were usually drowned out by the instrumentals. 'U.F.O.' Is a great song, even though its short, the whole thing is very nice. 'Princess Of China' Isn't amazing, but it's quite singable and catchy in some spots, Rihanna's feature was pretty good even though I don't really listen too Rihanna all that much. 'Up in Flames' was another average and repetitive track, but maybe not as annoying as 'Paradise' and 'Major Minus'. 'A Hopeful Transmission' is another transition song that leads into 'Don't Let It Break Your Heart' which has very good instrumentals, but the vocals once again are too quiet compared too the instrumental. 'Up with the Birds' is a very great way to end off the album, it's a really good song. Overall, this album was a little disappointing...definitely not as good as their projects before this one. I did appreciate the transition tracks on this album, they had a nice touch too the album. It just was that 1. Some songs were just too repetitive 2. Some songs had instrumentals that were just way too louder than the vocals and 3. Some bits of the album were just out of place. that being said, there were still some good songs on the album and my top 3 are probably 'Us Against the World', 'U.F.O.', and 'Up with the Birds' which I just realized all started with U haha.… Expand
  18. Whyhelder
    Sep 24, 2020
    8
    This was the album which Coldplay wanted to change their image of sadness songs. Good and surprising album. I remember the first time I listened to it it was a mixture of weirdness and happiness. Highlight of the album is Every teardrop is a waterfall
  19. BoopWalks
    Nov 12, 2021
    9
    Album of my childhood. Born in 2005, parents always played this and Head Full Of Dreams as I grew up. Thanks for showing me good music, mum and dad
  20. SpaceKing7
    Dec 25, 2021
    10
    Mylo Xyloto is Coldplay’s indisputable magnum opus. I honestly couldn’t have asked for a finer collection of songs. Each one is strong enough to stand on its own as a unique classic, and when they’re taken as a whole, they’re instantly elevated to a whole new level of sonic awesomeness. This album really does make me miss when Coldplay’s music was actually good, infused with EnoxificationMylo Xyloto is Coldplay’s indisputable magnum opus. I honestly couldn’t have asked for a finer collection of songs. Each one is strong enough to stand on its own as a unique classic, and when they’re taken as a whole, they’re instantly elevated to a whole new level of sonic awesomeness. This album really does make me miss when Coldplay’s music was actually good, infused with Enoxification and full of colour, joy and life, back before they teamed up with the pop producer Max Martin to create the mindless cash-grab Music of the Spheres and rode BTS all the way to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in a shameless sell-out disguised as a “genuine collaboration”.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Most Discussed Album of 2011
17
#17 Most Shared Album of 2011

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 39 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 39
  3. Negative: 2 out of 39
  1. Under The Radar
    Nov 28, 2011
    70
    Mylo Xyloto feels like it was created by an actual rock band, with each player stepping up his game.
    Read full review
  2. Sputnikmusic
    Nov 14, 2011
    100
    Mylo Xyloto proves that Coldplay are quite simply the best pop band in the world, bar none.
    Read full review
  3. Filter
    Nov 8, 2011
    70
    With all the bells and whistles in prominent display, Coldplay may have made their most enjoyable album. I only hope the sourpusses enjoy it.
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