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. JuhZ
    Jun 20, 2008
    10
    Amazing concept album.
  2. Andy
    Jul 5, 2008
    10
    This album is very good. Not quite their best(A Rush of Blood to the Head), but very good. The standout tracks for me include "viva la vida", "chinese sleep chant", "strawberry swing", and "death and all of his friends".
  3. VashaD
    Dec 20, 2008
    10
    Now add Prospekt March to the whole album
  4. JoshN
    Jun 19, 2008
    10
    Easily the best Coldplay album I've ever heard. Lost is an amazing track, and this album is definitely worth the money. Go get it!
  5. WilliamM.
    Jun 20, 2008
    10
    Excellent album, interestingly different from their usuall style.
  6. SebH
    Jul 2, 2008
    10
    It seems strange that people are saying this album sounds like Arcade Fire ... obviously, when you get in Arcade Fire's producers there're gonna be some similarities. It's like saying, "Win Butler played guitar on this album, it sounds too much like Arcade Fire". That aside, this is a brilliant piece of work - who cares if it's not a total reinvention so long as it It seems strange that people are saying this album sounds like Arcade Fire ... obviously, when you get in Arcade Fire's producers there're gonna be some similarities. It's like saying, "Win Butler played guitar on this album, it sounds too much like Arcade Fire". That aside, this is a brilliant piece of work - who cares if it's not a total reinvention so long as it sounds good? And, for the record, it does, I don't think anyone can deny the quality of the music here. But it's also down-to-earth and artistic in comparison to the old albums. It's just, hands down, an excellent album and it's artistic pop in the same spirit as The Beatles… Expand
  7. EdgeTriggerCoolCat
    Sep 4, 2008
    10
    This is a instant classic, at first listen it is different than Coldplay's previous work. Like any great band their style is improving over time, like U2, The Beatles. By the 3 listen of the entire CD, I can stop listening, it is a work of art.
  8. jimmyo
    Jul 3, 2009
    10
    Coldplay is one of those bands that truly brings the word "music" to a whole different level! There are people that do not get the greatness of this kind of music, but that is only a pitty for them. coldplay is, and will always be, the kings of alternative.
  9. jimyjim
    Jun 17, 2008
    10
    Excellent disc, a work mestra, is a beauty they are the gods of the humanity.
  10. DukeChallenger
    Jun 17, 2008
    10
    Viva La Vida is the best Coldplay album by far. They now do whatever they want to in songs, arranging so many different parts in them. They are no longer looking for hit singles, just making a masterful album. The highlight of the album is the second part of the album's title (Not Viva La Vida) due to its lyrics and emotion. The low is "Lost" because its chorus sounds a little bit Viva La Vida is the best Coldplay album by far. They now do whatever they want to in songs, arranging so many different parts in them. They are no longer looking for hit singles, just making a masterful album. The highlight of the album is the second part of the album's title (Not Viva La Vida) due to its lyrics and emotion. The low is "Lost" because its chorus sounds a little bit like Sarah McGlocklen, whom I do not like. Coldplay still has not created an album as good as U2's masterpiece's, though, they are definitely on the same level.… Expand
  11. FelipeP.
    Jun 17, 2008
    10
    Their best album yet, fantastic textures.
  12. JeffO.
    Jun 17, 2008
    10
    Nearly perfect! Their best album to date.
  13. BusterB
    Jun 18, 2008
    10
    Majestic and beautiful. The best track is the title track, a nice little itunes jingle. The other tracks are absolutely breathtaking. Coldplay is successful in creating and blending a new sound that takes them away from the norm. Well done.
  14. JoseP.
    Jun 18, 2008
    10
    Coldplay is absolutely amazing in this. I loved "A Rush of Blood To The Head" but was somewhat disappointed with "X & Y". This album however is thoroughly satisfying, from the upbeat and cheerful "Viva la Vida" to the inspiring and emotional "Lost!". Well done boys, a fantastic album.
  15. RathiR.
    Jul 14, 2008
    10
    What da marvelous album....should be album of the year!
  16. AdamR.
    Jul 3, 2008
    10
    Absolutely Stunning Album! It makes everything they've done previously seem so minute.
  17. DeborahS.
    Jul 4, 2008
    10
    Addictive: can't wait for more!
  18. DanielR.
    Jun 16, 2008
    10
    Coldplay is the best!!! I love the entire album, it has an instrumental music and melodies amazing. Love it!!
  19. DarkCloud
    Jun 16, 2008
    10
    Most diverse album yet. Explores elements of Life and Death while shifting from light to dark every other song. The questions Martin raised throughout the album about afterlife is confirmed when the album dies (DEATH and All His Friends) and is resurrected with The Escapist which borrows the beginning of the first track (LIFE in Technicolor). Truly an art form in the conceptual sense and Most diverse album yet. Explores elements of Life and Death while shifting from light to dark every other song. The questions Martin raised throughout the album about afterlife is confirmed when the album dies (DEATH and All His Friends) and is resurrected with The Escapist which borrows the beginning of the first track (LIFE in Technicolor). Truly an art form in the conceptual sense and a masterpiece in the musical sense, even if it does deface itself (album art).… Expand
  20. StevieG.
    Jun 16, 2008
    10
    After the disappointing X&Y this was a remarkable return to form for Coldplay. 'Viva la Vida', 'Lovers in Japan' and 'Strawberry Swing' are absolute classics. Because they are arguably now the biggest band in the world, people are quick to criticise anything they release. But make no mistake, this is a quality album, not one bad song on it.
  21. AhmadB.
    Jun 16, 2008
    10
    Ok, so, first off, you need to know, that this is, by far, Coldplay's best effort by far, suffice to say that it is one of their best albums. if you didn't like their previous efforts, you won't like this one. But, its definitely worth a listen, for any rock fan. Give them a chance, its an album that will stick with you.
  22. WillH.
    Jun 21, 2008
    10
    Few artists have evolved like Coldplay, and this new album is a prime example of what the boys can do when they're not hounded by a record label. It doesn't seem like Coldplay's trying to please everyone on the new album - it seems like they made a "We Don't Give a Damn!" album, and it works. Aside from the low points found in "Violet Hill" and "Chinese Sleep Chant", Few artists have evolved like Coldplay, and this new album is a prime example of what the boys can do when they're not hounded by a record label. It doesn't seem like Coldplay's trying to please everyone on the new album - it seems like they made a "We Don't Give a Damn!" album, and it works. Aside from the low points found in "Violet Hill" and "Chinese Sleep Chant", the rest of the album is as solid as they come. The album gives off an aura of greatness, and it's about time it stopped being uncool to be a Coldplay fan. All hail Coldplay.… Expand
  23. SteveO
    Jun 27, 2008
    10
    I'm guessing "Zia" is a girl... yeah don't listen to girls, pick up this cd. It's worth it. It isn't girl rock.
  24. LeandroC.
    Jul 11, 2008
    10
    The best album of the year!
  25. angel
    Jul 17, 2008
    10
    I can't stop listening to it its beautiful and moving I haven't been a coldplay fan since Parachutes.
  26. PaulL.
    Jul 18, 2008
    10
    Best album yet. Brilliant song writing and performance.
  27. ZachB
    Feb 12, 2009
    10
    This is, honestly, one of the best albums that I have ever listened to. The first track goes perfectly with the last track with the sort of synthy sound and coming back with that at the end of the album. It gave me goosebumps. Then, Viva la Vida is one of my favorite songs of all time. Violet Hill and Cemeteries of London also bring dimensions of Coldplay in which has not really been seen This is, honestly, one of the best albums that I have ever listened to. The first track goes perfectly with the last track with the sort of synthy sound and coming back with that at the end of the album. It gave me goosebumps. Then, Viva la Vida is one of my favorite songs of all time. Violet Hill and Cemeteries of London also bring dimensions of Coldplay in which has not really been seen before in other albums, but is still fantastic. The Chinese Sleep Chant after Yes is a song that mesmorizes and is a wonderful addition. While this does sound U2'ish, that is not a bad thing. U2 is one of the most established bands of all time and to say that it sounds like U2 is a compliment more than anything else.… Expand
  28. ColdplaymeCokdplayme
    Nov 12, 2008
    10
    Amazing a rare album , youll never hear in years , instant classiic, anyone should get their hands on.. Its like an artwork wherein first you say okay.. then the more you visit it the more you start appreciating it until youve completely fallen in love with it. Coldplay have never been more consistent as a band ! All their albums are amazing keep it up!!! Although AROBTTH is still a Amazing a rare album , youll never hear in years , instant classiic, anyone should get their hands on.. Its like an artwork wherein first you say okay.. then the more you visit it the more you start appreciating it until youve completely fallen in love with it. Coldplay have never been more consistent as a band ! All their albums are amazing keep it up!!! Although AROBTTH is still a contender also is X&Y.....THe new BEATLES they are.… Expand
  29. GabrielM
    Nov 23, 2008
    10
    Great album, the best of coldplay!
  30. Zorgly
    Feb 8, 2011
    10
    Experimentation pays off. I wish more mainstream bands would try new things like coldplay do here. Beautiful album from start to finish. Coldplay have officially secured their spot as one of my favourite bands.
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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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