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. Ricko
    Nov 16, 2011
    8
    A very solid album. Not quite as good as Viva La Vida overall. It has a lot more pop and is a lot more straightforward and as a result is not as exciting. Having said that it still has plenty of great tracks and it all comes together pretty well. The musical interludes work really well. UFO and Us against the World are weak and Princess of China goes so well until Rhianna or whatever herA very solid album. Not quite as good as Viva La Vida overall. It has a lot more pop and is a lot more straightforward and as a result is not as exciting. Having said that it still has plenty of great tracks and it all comes together pretty well. The musical interludes work really well. UFO and Us against the World are weak and Princess of China goes so well until Rhianna or whatever her name is gets involved. The thing about Coldplays best albums were that there were no real weak tracks. Everything else here is as good as anything they've done up to now.… Expand
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. chidime
    Apr 30, 2016
    7
    Not Coldplay's best, but not their worst (though it was their worst-till-date when it was released 5 years ago). It lacks that emotional core that made Coldplay the go-to-band, and this album marks the beginning of their disappointing sub-par pop phase. Songs like Paradise and Princess of China, while not being Coldplay staples are fun and nice to listen to. Every Teardrop... is nice too.Not Coldplay's best, but not their worst (though it was their worst-till-date when it was released 5 years ago). It lacks that emotional core that made Coldplay the go-to-band, and this album marks the beginning of their disappointing sub-par pop phase. Songs like Paradise and Princess of China, while not being Coldplay staples are fun and nice to listen to. Every Teardrop... is nice too. Overall, a little better than OK album, but definitely not bad or average.… Expand
  5. iamanicon
    Nov 12, 2011
    7
    I have always had an undying hatred for coldplay. This album has turned me, slightly.
  6. Zanessa250QI
    Apr 4, 2016
    10
    A Great Album, from Coldplay.............................................................................................................................................
  7. clinteastwoo
    May 11, 2016
    10
    ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................a Great Coldplay Album
  8. JawsPapi87
    Oct 24, 2011
    8
    It's not Coldplay's best but the critics are overlooking the beauty of the new sound that this album brings. I feel like a change in any band's traditional style is now frowned upon.
  9. 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.
  10. Marcbackman
    Oct 24, 2011
    8
    It's a really solid album that hooks you on your first listen. Standout tracks such as 'Hurts Like heaven', 'Paradise', and 'Don't Let it Break Your Heart' are classic Coldplay songs, and while they are very poppy, they are also experimenting with new sounds - most of which are electronic. The production is top notch (thank you Brian Eno yet again), and overall it is another 'typical'It's a really solid album that hooks you on your first listen. Standout tracks such as 'Hurts Like heaven', 'Paradise', and 'Don't Let it Break Your Heart' are classic Coldplay songs, and while they are very poppy, they are also experimenting with new sounds - most of which are electronic. The production is top notch (thank you Brian Eno yet again), and overall it is another 'typical' Coldplay release; consistent, instantly enjoyable, not taking too many risks, and will likely be enjoyed by music snobs and the mainstream alike. The collaboration with Rhianna is unexpected but not a disaster as many people are saying. No doubt this albums singles are obvious and have big sounds all over them (paradise most noticeably), but underneath this sheen there are some really enjoyable songs on this disk. I really commend Coldplay for creating such high quality and consistently good music for such a long time. Highly recommended.… Expand
  11. dharma
    Nov 16, 2011
    8
    Mylo Xyloto is Coldplay finally being comfortable as a ''pop' band. They took their experimentation in Viva La Vida and took it into a more 'digestible' body of work. The end result sits above 'X&Y' but still below 'A Rush of Blood to the Head'. Is it the best album of the year? Maybe not. Is it one of the most enjoyable? I certainly think so.
  12. BrunoZrZr
    Mar 9, 2013
    9
    What's in the critic minds? The album is focused, in great and enjoying songs, Coldplay it's bringing a brand new style, based on the old style of the band, but converted to this epoch.
  13. 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
  14. jos95
    Oct 24, 2011
    10
    After listening to Viva La Vida, it's hard to see how Coldplay could possibly top themselves, but they just have! It is their biggest, brashest and most ambitious album yet. I've been needing to listen an optimistic album with meaningful lyrics for a long time, because all meaningful songs seem to be so negative. The standout tracks are 'Hurts Like Heaven', 'Charlie Brown', 'Major Minus'After listening to Viva La Vida, it's hard to see how Coldplay could possibly top themselves, but they just have! It is their biggest, brashest and most ambitious album yet. I've been needing to listen an optimistic album with meaningful lyrics for a long time, because all meaningful songs seem to be so negative. The standout tracks are 'Hurts Like Heaven', 'Charlie Brown', 'Major Minus' and 'Princess of China' with Rihanna. Many of the album's tracks have a lot of rock edge in them which should please the most rock-laden skeptics. This is a sensational album which I would recommend to anyone with all sorts of tastes!… Expand
  15. CRL
    Nov 6, 2011
    9
    Most albums have one or two songs you love more than the rest, a favorite that elevates an album full of filler. Mylo Xyloto does not have that favorite... but I can honestly say there is not a single bad song on this album. Every song is amazing in its own right, from the ridiculously catchy Hurts Like Heaven, to the hook-laced Charlie Brown, to the acoustic masterpiece of UFO and theMost albums have one or two songs you love more than the rest, a favorite that elevates an album full of filler. Mylo Xyloto does not have that favorite... but I can honestly say there is not a single bad song on this album. Every song is amazing in its own right, from the ridiculously catchy Hurts Like Heaven, to the hook-laced Charlie Brown, to the acoustic masterpiece of UFO and the simplistic majesty of Up in Flames. And then there's the rest of the album, laced with great songs like Paradise, Major Minus, Princess of China, and Don't Let it Break Your Heart. There's only one real problem with Coldplay's fifth studio album; it lacks that final piece that could make it a masterpiece. Maybe it's the lack of a coherent concept that holds it back. Maybe its that, occasionally, the lyrics just come a little too short. In the end there are fantastic albums, and then there are masterpieces. Mylo Xyloto is a fantastic album. But it's not a masterpiece.… Expand
  16. CyyChi
    Oct 24, 2011
    7
    Strong album. I was a bit disappointed though... It stands out from X&Y and A Rush Of Blood To The Head by it's genre, while being a continuity of Viva La Vida, a continuity with a whole different sound. They went more electronic using synth which gives the album both a modern and a 80's sound, which is... special... without taking away the Coldplay unique sound. A few songs stands outStrong album. I was a bit disappointed though... It stands out from X&Y and A Rush Of Blood To The Head by it's genre, while being a continuity of Viva La Vida, a continuity with a whole different sound. They went more electronic using synth which gives the album both a modern and a 80's sound, which is... special... without taking away the Coldplay unique sound. A few songs stands out from Mylo Xyloto, I can barely spot songs that'll be hits, but as a whole, Mylo Xyloto is fluid, light, complex and impressive. It is worth your money, but do not expect this to be the album of the year...… Expand
  17. 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
  18. shakersonic
    Oct 24, 2011
    7
    Hhmmmm I wonder why Metacritic only posts the bad reviews. I think Mylo Xyloto is a solid album and is up with Viva La Vida and A Rush Of Blood. The variety throughout MX is what makes it good. You got songs like Hurts Like Heaven and Up With The birds which I think they're some of the best work that Coldplay has done. Maybe what critics and fans don't like is the overproduction and use ofHhmmmm I wonder why Metacritic only posts the bad reviews. I think Mylo Xyloto is a solid album and is up with Viva La Vida and A Rush Of Blood. The variety throughout MX is what makes it good. You got songs like Hurts Like Heaven and Up With The birds which I think they're some of the best work that Coldplay has done. Maybe what critics and fans don't like is the overproduction and use of electronica something very different from Coldplay.… Expand
  19. 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.
  20. mekaindy
    Oct 26, 2011
    9
    Excellent album, one can really appreciate the blood, sweat and tears which has gone into to the production of this album. Coldplay take pride in their work, they want to be the best. They have delivered a great great album!
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. Pep_D
    Oct 25, 2011
    7
    A little disappointing. Very uneven album. There are a lot of transition tracks that should have just been added to the song after them. Not their best, but certainly not their worst. The best track is Major Minus. I still can't believe that song was a B-side.
  24. Terg
    May 5, 2012
    10
    Another beautiful album by Coldplay. They manage to continue experimenting without straying too far from what made them great. This album really jumps right into the groove with Hurts Like Heaven and sucks you in. You are taken on a heavenly journey ending up on the beautiful last piano notes of Up With The Birds. Its extremely uplifting and will leave you a different person.

    Best    Another beautiful album by Coldplay. They manage to continue experimenting without straying too far from what made them great. This album really jumps right into the groove with Hurts Like Heaven and sucks you in. You are taken on a heavenly journey ending up on the beautiful last piano notes of Up With The Birds. Its extremely uplifting and will leave you a different person.

    Best tracks: Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall, Major Minus, Charlie Brown, Don't Let It Break Your Heart.

    10/10    … Expand
  25. LeftyRightyGuy
    Oct 24, 2011
    10
    Absolute genius. Best Tracks,
    "Hurts Like Heaven"
    "Paradise"
    "Charlie Brown"
    "Us Against the World"
    "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall"
    "U.F.O."
    "Don't Let it Break your Heart"
    All of them are great
  26. Sil3nt
    Jun 11, 2015
    7
    The album is a sensational background music. A concept album that is extremely successful in delivering the atmosphere using electronic influences yet sticking to rock/alternative roots of Coldplay. Magical Songs like "Paradise", "Charlie Brown" and record-definers like "Every teardrop is a Waterfall" or "Princess of China" give the album lots of spirituality. However the band gets way tooThe album is a sensational background music. A concept album that is extremely successful in delivering the atmosphere using electronic influences yet sticking to rock/alternative roots of Coldplay. Magical Songs like "Paradise", "Charlie Brown" and record-definers like "Every teardrop is a Waterfall" or "Princess of China" give the album lots of spirituality. However the band gets way too "mainstream" in Mylo Xyloto. Overall the experience is close to pop music however has the magic of all Coldplay albums. Listenable, Active and Energetic. However, not an honor in an impressive discography.… Expand
  27. thejanxxmaster
    Sep 21, 2013
    9
    Mylo Xyloto continues Coldplay's excellence at evolving musically even if one or two tracks don't quite hit the spot. Paradise, Up in Flames, Charlie Brown,Every Teardrop is a Waterfall, and Hurts Like Heaven are triumphs that elevate the immense quality of this album.
  28. 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."
  29. 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
  30. 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
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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.
    Read full review
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