Viva La Vida
by Coldplay
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Jun 17, 2008
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 605 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 534 out of 605
  2. Mixed: 36 out of 605
  3. Negative: 35 out of 605

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  1. EddieHokie
    Nov 27, 2019
    10
    Coldplay 4 is probably the best of their albums in terms of blending creativity and mainstream success into one cohesive album. It has hits (Lost!, Viva la Vida, Violet Hill) It has excellent deep cuts (Death and all his Friends, Lovers in Japan). It has different and out in left field success (Yes, Strawberry Swing). Arguably their best album, though I personally prefer Ghost Stories.
  2. Telerama
    Feb 3, 2014
    7
    Coldplay, in each of their albums, find the way to stand out from the ordinary, thanks to two or three really great songs. It is the case in this one, with "Violet Hill", a really beautiful rock hit. But we can remember something else this time : much more than in their previous albums, Coldplay seem to have wanted to renew their style, making more complex and varied songs. In this album,Coldplay, in each of their albums, find the way to stand out from the ordinary, thanks to two or three really great songs. It is the case in this one, with "Violet Hill", a really beautiful rock hit. But we can remember something else this time : much more than in their previous albums, Coldplay seem to have wanted to renew their style, making more complex and varied songs. In this album, the group surprises, in the right way.… Expand
  3. philosophorse
    May 24, 2014
    10
    It was a mistake giving this album below 10. I regret it with all my life. Because this album lifts me up high and just makes me happy whenever I listen to it. Death and All His Friends is absolutely one of the best records I have ever heard. I love how Coldplay transforms cliched lines like 'Big fish in a little pond' into musical masterpiece. They simply breathe life to such lifeless andIt was a mistake giving this album below 10. I regret it with all my life. Because this album lifts me up high and just makes me happy whenever I listen to it. Death and All His Friends is absolutely one of the best records I have ever heard. I love how Coldplay transforms cliched lines like 'Big fish in a little pond' into musical masterpiece. They simply breathe life to such lifeless and corny words. This album proves they are simply one of the best bands in modern generation. If not, the entire history of music.… Expand
  4. DrewtheDude85
    Mar 30, 2014
    9
    This is an Amazing album. Coldplay performs some of their best work on this album, of course there are a couple of what I may call "fillers" but it was such a good album. I know that there was however some long time CP fans from back in the days of Parachutes and Rush of Blood to the Head that were not a fan of this feeling like some of the music sounding "different" however I totallyThis is an Amazing album. Coldplay performs some of their best work on this album, of course there are a couple of what I may call "fillers" but it was such a good album. I know that there was however some long time CP fans from back in the days of Parachutes and Rush of Blood to the Head that were not a fan of this feeling like some of the music sounding "different" however I totally disagree, besides what's wrong with a bit of change from time to time? I would defiantly recommend this album; my favorite songs were "Life in Technicolor", "Lovers In Japan/Reign of Love" and "Viva La Vida" (some very powerful lyrics right there!).… Expand
  5. sambuu
    Aug 12, 2016
    10
    Coldplay has so much changed on this album. But changed for good. I liked theirs new music direction. This album like book including so many chapter. Every song of this album is like chapter of one book. This album for me not just only music album. Viva la Vida is Death and All His Friends is most artistic album i have ever listen
  6. tino_bandito
    Jan 23, 2017
    10
    I still consider this one of Coldplay's best albums, at least in the top three, but maybe their best. I love that you can listen from start to finish and it leave it on repeat with seamless transition from last track to first track. They kept the classic Coldplay guitar riffs and didn't stray too far away from their origins with this album. I'd say this was the last album before theirI still consider this one of Coldplay's best albums, at least in the top three, but maybe their best. I love that you can listen from start to finish and it leave it on repeat with seamless transition from last track to first track. They kept the classic Coldplay guitar riffs and didn't stray too far away from their origins with this album. I'd say this was the last album before their transition to more of a 'pop' type band where they started to experiment more...with some experimenting is not my favorite.… Expand
  7. musicreviews7
    Aug 3, 2018
    10
    Now, 10 years later, this album has passed the test of time. Similar to Sgt. Peppers by The Beatles, this album contains a lot of experimental songs which all togheter becomes a unique unity. In years to come, this album will be living it's on life in the musical universe – just like Sgt. Peppers.

    Viva La Vida, Strawberry Swing and Violet Hill are all songs that Beatles could've been    Now, 10 years later, this album has passed the test of time. Similar to Sgt. Peppers by The Beatles, this album contains a lot of experimental songs which all togheter becomes a unique unity. In years to come, this album will be living it's on life in the musical universe – just like Sgt. Peppers.

    Viva La Vida, Strawberry Swing and Violet Hill are all songs that Beatles could've been jealous of.

    Coldplay's masterpiece along with A Rush of Blood to the Head.    … Expand
  8. BrainAndS0ul
    Aug 8, 2017
    9
    An overall mediocre album was saved with such bangers as Lost!, Violet Hill and, of course, single Viva La Vida. One of the most experemintal Coldplay's records - flawed at some places, but still rewarding.
  9. Stefffan
    Aug 8, 2017
    9
    Classic! This band is uniqe and Chris Martin have unique voice - one of the best of our generation. Favorite tracks: Viva La Vida, Violet Hill and DEFINETELY Cemetries of London! That song is from another planet.
  10. AlbusChaleis
    Apr 8, 2018
    10
    A truly phenomenal album and the one Coldplay album that sticks in my mind above all their other (also fantastic) records. This really is something special and is one of the most cohesive and beautifully written pieces of art i have ever listened to. If you dislike Coldplay because you think it's "cool" or love Radiohead too much to give the Coldplay lads a try, I really suggest youA truly phenomenal album and the one Coldplay album that sticks in my mind above all their other (also fantastic) records. This really is something special and is one of the most cohesive and beautifully written pieces of art i have ever listened to. If you dislike Coldplay because you think it's "cool" or love Radiohead too much to give the Coldplay lads a try, I really suggest you rethink because this album will no doubt stand the test of time!… Expand
  11. NolanLundgaard
    Apr 7, 2020
    8
    Viva La Vida by Coldplay: 7.52

    Life in Technicolor: 1 (Original: 1, ii: 1 :)) Cemeteries in London: 1 Lost!: 0.75 (Original: 1 :), Lost+: 0.5) 42: 1 Lovers in Japan: 0.75 (LiJ = 1 :), RoL = 0.5) Yes: 0.75 Viva La Vida: 1 :) Violet Hill: 1 :) Strawberry Swing: 1 Death and All His Friends: 0.75 (DaAHF = 0.75, TE = 1) Postcards from Far Away: 0.75 Glass of Water: 1 :) Rainy    Viva La Vida by Coldplay: 7.52

    Life in Technicolor: 1 (Original: 1, ii: 1 :))
    Cemeteries in London: 1
    Lost!: 0.75 (Original: 1 :), Lost+: 0.5)
    42: 1
    Lovers in Japan: 0.75 (LiJ = 1 :), RoL = 0.5)
    Yes: 0.75
    Viva La Vida: 1 :)
    Violet Hill: 1 :)
    Strawberry Swing: 1
    Death and All His Friends: 0.75 (DaAHF = 0.75, TE = 1)
    Postcards from Far Away: 0.75
    Glass of Water: 1 :)
    Rainy Day: 1 :)
    Prospekt’s March / Poppyfields: 0.5
    Now My Feet Won’t Touch the Ground: 0.75

    13/15 ~ .867 -> 7.52

    While not the knock-your-socks-off album that X&Y was, Viva La Vida is still a huge success and will satisfy all Coldplay fans. The songs, especially the titular track, are wonderfully catchy. There weren’t any songs specifically that I had problems with, but a few of the tracks are more quiet, which is fine, but the lyrics were also kinda meh in those songs. For the most part though (and that’s a big most since there are very few songs in here that don’t exactly apply), I had an amazing time listening to Viva La Vida and I’m excited to listen to Mylo Xyloto. Highlights: Life In Technicolor (both versions, though I am partial to the second version), Cemeteries in London, Lost! (Original), 42, Lovers In Japan (first track), Viva La Vida, Violet Hill, Strawberry Swing, The Escapist, Glass of Water, and Rainy Day.    … Expand
  12. dromanenko23
    Oct 4, 2019
    9
    A highly unique and incredible album. Every single track on Viva la Vida is memorable, exciting, and completely unique from the last one. The lyrics are very well-written, and the instrumentals are highly unique, while still maintaining an alt rock vibe. My only critique is that some songs have instrumentals that are a little bit too simple and predictable. However, this is still, in myA highly unique and incredible album. Every single track on Viva la Vida is memorable, exciting, and completely unique from the last one. The lyrics are very well-written, and the instrumentals are highly unique, while still maintaining an alt rock vibe. My only critique is that some songs have instrumentals that are a little bit too simple and predictable. However, this is still, in my opinion, Coldplay's best album to date.… Expand
  13. camila_moon
    Nov 23, 2019
    10
    I can say with complete certainty that Viva la Vida is hands down Coldplay's best album to date and one of the most ambitious album's of the last couple decades. Absolutely brilliant.
  14. Kopje13
    Nov 26, 2019
    10
    I needed to get used to this album, because it was completely different of what they made until that moment.
    But after a couple of plays, it became clear.
    The best Coldplay album made...
    From beginning to end, every song,...
    A must have.
  15. NKey34
    Jan 9, 2020
    9
    Coldplay's darkest, strongest, and most epic performance since A Rush of Blood to the Head and perhaps even finer as well, but that is up for debate. "Death and all his Friends" concludes an amazing orchestra of compositions that Martin provides with Eno.
  16. Macrofficial
    Apr 18, 2020
    7
    Coldplay's 4th Album! Although It's not as good as the 3 albums before this one, It's still a pretty solid record. The album starts off with 'Life in Technicolor', A song that may not have vocals, but they're not even needed anyways, this song does a good job at giving you an idea of how the album is going to feel. 'Cemeteries of London' and 'Lost!' are both songs that are just mediocreColdplay's 4th Album! Although It's not as good as the 3 albums before this one, It's still a pretty solid record. The album starts off with 'Life in Technicolor', A song that may not have vocals, but they're not even needed anyways, this song does a good job at giving you an idea of how the album is going to feel. 'Cemeteries of London' and 'Lost!' are both songs that are just mediocre too me, not bad, just ok. I love the haunting chorus on '42', other than that most of the song is just mediocre. 'Lovers in Japan' Is a 2 part song, both parts are very good, but I probably like the first part only a little better. 'Yes' has some good parts of the song, but of 75% the time it's just a little boring, I think. It's also a 2 part song, and I prefer the 2nd part a little bit more too the first. 'Viva La Vida' is very strong in the vocal, instrument, and lyric department. It's a song that fits perfectly with the albums theme. 'Violet Hill' is quite unique compared too the other songs on the album, which to be honest applies too a lot of other songs on this album, it's just that this one is especially unique. It's a great song. 'Strawberry Swing' is a beautiful track, a song that gets you into your emotions. I feel like it would've been a good final track on the album, but 'Death and All His Friends' had the honour of that roll, which is just another mediocre song on the album, so I don't know if I can say it fits all that well at the end. overall, this album has a lot of amazing songs, but there are also a few meh songs on the album, which none of them are really bad, if I had too choose the worst song on this album it'd probably be 'Death and All His Friends' but that doesn't mean it's a terrible song. The 2nd half of the album is stronger than the 1st half admittedly, if the whole album was like the 2nd half then the record may have gotten an 8 from me. My Top 3 Favourite tracks were: Viva La Vida, Violet Hill, and Strawberry Swing...which are coincidentally all next too each other in order when you listen too them haha.… Expand
  17. Donkey_Kong_Jr
    May 3, 2021
    10
    In my opinion, it's the greatest album ever made by anyone. All of the songs are, at least, good and There also are 4 songs on here, which I would count as being some of my most favourite songs of all time. These are: Viva La Vida, Death And All His Friends, Violet Hill and Cemeteries Of London. It is a perfect mixture of a few different styles of music, which aren't too different to makeIn my opinion, it's the greatest album ever made by anyone. All of the songs are, at least, good and There also are 4 songs on here, which I would count as being some of my most favourite songs of all time. These are: Viva La Vida, Death And All His Friends, Violet Hill and Cemeteries Of London. It is a perfect mixture of a few different styles of music, which aren't too different to make this album sound like a random collection of songs, because they all have a certain undertone, which connects them all together.… Expand
  18. Alexander838
    Sep 28, 2021
    10
    10/10 *********************************************************************
  19. nkatz16
    Aug 2, 2021
    10
    Zenith of Coldplay's career, by far their best album, could only be improved if Prospekt's March songs were added
  20. SolaireMengao
    Mar 17, 2022
    10
    Beautiful and meaningful music which showed all of their creativity. One of the best alternative rock records of all time.
  21. fjwiojfewoi
    Nov 2, 2022
    10
    This is THE best song ever made. It is an absolute masterpiece and is probably going to be sung until the end of time. If you haven't listened to this you haven't like. This song seems like it was crafted by God himself. The lyrics, the vocals, the instrumentals are all superlative.
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Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Most Discussed Album of 2008
14
#14 Most Shared Album of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. Paste Magazine
    40
    Given Eno’s quarter-century of Bono-fides, this isn’t surprising. Martin’s interests are frequently vague--on 'Lovers in Japan/Reign of Love' he sings about soldiers who must soldier on and runners who must run until the race is won. Seriously?
    Read full review
  2. AllMusic
    80
    The greatest thing Coldplay may have learned from Eno is his work ethic, as they demonstrate a focused concentration throughout this tight album--it's only 47 minutes yet covers more ground than "X&Y" and arguably "A Rush of Blood to the Head"--that turns Viva la Vida into something quietly satisfying.
    Read full review
  3. Drowned In Sound
    60
    They try hard, Coldplay, but it just isn't enough; their fourth album might just be their best yet, but it's still a long way from being the epochal classic that Chris Martin is desperate to create.
    Read full review
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