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Parachutes Image
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 395 Ratings

  • Summary: The debut album from the London quartet earned the band a Mercury Music Prize nomination and frequent comparisons to Jeff Buckley and Travis.

Top Track

Yellow
Look at the stars Look how they shine for you And everything you do Yeah, they were all yellow I came along I wrote a song for you And all the... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 20
  2. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. All told, it's incredible this is a debut album. Accomplished, yet subtle, it works perfectly as a whole in a way all the production skills in the world couldn't replicate.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    This is dreamy, regretful pop with melodies that dog you like a missed opportunity. [11/17/2000, p.127]
  3. Their debut album's secret arsenal comprises frontman Chris Martin's voice - prematurely aged for someone in their early twenties - and some supple, persuasive melodies. That and a great big side order of melancholy.
  4. Revolver
    70
    Nearly perfectly formed, a confident showing of pristine, heartfelt songs that stand up alone and gain greater strength in the context of the full album, which ebbs and flows in a great purge of emotions. [#3, p.120]
  5. Once you fall for "Yellow," the rest of the album will kick in, and fast.
  6. Although "Parachutes" brings nothing new to the table, Coldplay seems talented enough to transcend this early identity crisis.
  7. Magnet
    20
    Musically, the quartet is borderline worthless. [#48, p.84]

See all 20 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 60 out of 66
  2. Negative: 3 out of 66
  1. AMRTOW
    Apr 3, 2008
    10
    One of the most romantic albums I have heard. i loved Spies, Easy to Please, Trouble and Beautiful World.
  2. Sep 12, 2017
    10
    This album is a perfect example for the whole being greater than the sum of it’s parts. Each track compliments the one before it as theyThis album is a perfect example for the whole being greater than the sum of it’s parts. Each track compliments the one before it as they compile together to create a beautiful ode to missed opportunity and lost love. Martin’s vocals haunting while perfectly blending with the rest of the quartet. This album is perfect.
    Favorite Tracks: “Shiver”; “Spies”; “We Never Change”
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  3. Sep 14, 2014
    10
    This is one of the best record of the decade. After this, Coldplay had never sound the same again. They were real and true to their projectThis is one of the best record of the decade. After this, Coldplay had never sound the same again. They were real and true to their project the rest are good records but not like this one. Some of the others you cannot fell their essence i admit they are evolving. Expand
  4. shyman
    Feb 18, 2006
    9
    This is probably the most complex, intimate, dark and in general terms the best album this British band has come up with out of the tree This is probably the most complex, intimate, dark and in general terms the best album this British band has come up with out of the tree until date. I think the main reason to explain this is because this album lacks of any commercial pretension its followers (specially X & Y) seem to be more focused on. On this record we find the strongest and most atmospheric guitar work this band has ever accomplished and also Chris Martin's vocals appear as sincere and appropiate as ever. Then, for me, this is probably their finest or at least their most personal and honest work to date. Expand
  5. Aug 29, 2010
    9
    Fine little syinthesis. Lyrically not very strong, but the level of consistency is so high that it's almost impossible for a debut album.Fine little syinthesis. Lyrically not very strong, but the level of consistency is so high that it's almost impossible for a debut album. Recommended tracks: "Don't Panic", "Spies", "Trouble" Expand
  6. Apr 15, 2020
    8
    Coldplay's Debut Album! This album manages to tap into all of the emotions! 'Don't Panic' Is A Great Opening Track Too Introduce The Album.Coldplay's Debut Album! This album manages to tap into all of the emotions! 'Don't Panic' Is A Great Opening Track Too Introduce The Album. 'Shiver' Is The Most Energetic feeling album on the album, it's one of those songs where you want to scream the lyrics. 'Spies' might be my least favourite track on the album, it's not a bad song, it just seems a little average compared too the rest of the songs on this album. 'Sparks' may be the saddest song on the album, with amazing sounding acoustic and tear jerking vocals. 'Yellow' is a great mix between an energetic song and a sad song, making it a perfect fit on the album. 'Trouble', even though there's nothing special to say about it, sounds really nice. 'Parachutes' is a nice little song near the end of the album, once again nothing special, but it sounds great. 'High Speed' and 'We Never Change' are both great tracks that lead to a great last song of a great album, and that song would be 'Everything's Not Lost'. My Favourite Tracks on this album would have too be Shiver, Sparks, and Trouble. Expand
  7. Bi
    Jan 3, 2005
    0
    Over-rated!

See all 66 User Reviews