User Score
Universal acclaim- based on 605 Ratings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 534 out of 605
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Mixed: 36 out of 605
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Negative: 35 out of 605
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Jul 15, 2011
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Nov 13, 2011fantastic work,war,peace,love,hate,darkest coldplay album and the most experimental album since parachute.I would argue this is Coldplay's finest album aside from Rush of blood to the head. A much more relaxed, soothing vibe that is sharply contrasted from their other albums. Feels like they aren't trying to stand out with any of their songs but just create great sounding music.
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Oct 24, 2013Their best album yet, not one song on it was bad. Each song complimented the other songs really well. Although my initial reaction after listening to it for the first time was pretty negative. I thought it was one of their weaker albums, but after a few more listens it really grew on me. Excellent album.
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Oct 28, 2011I think this album is a masterpiece and is definitely underrated. Some really beautiful songs like "Death and All His Friends", "42", "Cemeteries of London" and "Lost". I really could name any song. There are no weak ones that stand out. Coldplay strikes again
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Sep 5, 2011
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Sep 7, 2012
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Dec 15, 2012This album is amazing! It's pretty much the epitome of variety. Also the songs aren't "typical Coldplay" They're all really different than previous albums yet they still retain the feel of Coldplay songs that we know and love. It's a must buy!
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May 3, 2013Everyone gives so much praise to A Rush of Blood to the Head, but in my opinion it's only second best when compared the other albums of Coldplay. Viva la Vida has more great songs and the entire theme is more in depth and complete. I don't think their is a single song on this album I don't like. Their future albums will have a pretty tough time matching the great talent shown in this one.
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Oct 15, 2011Perfection: one of the best albums released in the past few years. Coldplay teamed up with Brian Eno and came out with something they have never showed us before. An album with a story-like feeling, left in the dark, slowly transitioning to the light. Brilliant.
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Apr 30, 2016
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Feb 16, 2015I love this album, and Coldplay seriously benefitted from the production of geniuses like Brian Eno and Jon Hopkins. Every track is good in some way. Best Coldplay album.
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Jun 11, 2015
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Feb 8, 2011Experimentation 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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Aug 9, 20167.0
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz -
thehamsterJan 18, 2009
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ChrisM.Jul 3, 2008Who wants a quiet revolution! how about throw a little Genesis in the bag?
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LGF.Oct 25, 2008this album is horrible! having 1 and only ONE hit-single/very catchy tune does not translate into a quality album, as a whole, this album flops, such a shame because Coldplay had a streak of good record going, doubt they care since they have sold millions but hey, im just saying.
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PetrK.Jun 17, 2008Coldplay for several years clearlly struggling with writing a simple, strong, understandable song - where they are best. They made second album, boring with giutar layers and complicated melodies. Its oveproduced as well. Just wasting of their tallent and listeners time.
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AndrewP.Jun 26, 2008I'm a dad, I'm 42 and wouldn't even listen two tracks of this album son.
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JohanE.Jul 7, 2008Apart from Yes and the title track this album is the same old, bland coldplay. I'm not interested in love, peace and war. i just want coldplay to rock out with the amps on 11. I'm very disappointed. They are trying to be U2 and they will never be as good as them. I cant wait for the real best band in the world to return. OASIS - October 2008 - BEWARE.
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KateB.Aug 4, 2008
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hasinurrMar 3, 2009They are increasingly getting worse.
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JohnG.Jun 27, 2008Joy division > u2 radiohead > coldplay let's celebrate mediocrity!
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StuartMApr 11, 2009
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DaveMNov 23, 2008Average album I would say. Sounds like a poor mans U2.
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n.s.Nov 27, 2008I hate Coldplay.
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Aug 17, 2010I have zero respect for reviewers who would give this anything higher than a 4/10 and that's being generous. There isn't a single honest emotion on this album. It's not as if Coldplay have ever been good, but they actually sound like a tacky U2 tribute act now. This is strictly for the sorts of people who buy one album a year from Tesco.
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Oct 8, 2010While some songs are wonderful (Lovers in Japan, Violet Hill) there's something incomplete about Viva La Vida. It seems as though the bulk are mere album fillers, as though Coldplay are depending on Viva La Vida and Violet Hill to carry it. The engineering and production are fine, this is just lacking the oomph of A Rush of Blood to the Head and Parachutes.
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Nov 26, 2011Boring and lame, Coldplay doesn't deserve to even be called rock. Their boring impossible hard to comprehend lyrics and stupid slow paced music and sound with no sign or root or any form of rock. I was completely pissed when they won a grammy over other talented rock artists who actually play rock, overall terrible album, boring, and who do I recommend this album to?.......Old People
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Jul 17, 2016This album is really boring. Only "Viva La Vida" is the only best on this album. The other songs are unbearably boring. I pretty much prefer the old Coldplay very much.
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ValJun 18, 2008This album is near perfect! An epic sonic journey with celestial music. You will be flying with every track. Superb!
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JordanF.Jun 20, 2008I would argue this is Coldplay's finest album aside from Rush of blood to the head. A much more relaxed, soothing vibe that is sharply contrasted from their other albums. Feels like they aren't trying to stand out with any of their songs but just create great sounding music.
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DavidS.Jun 20, 2008A very good album that I am enjoying more and more. I would probably rank Violent Hill the weakest song. A great album to listen to from start to end with some nice instrumental tracks. At the end of the day, this is a pop album that should appeal to their huge fan base.
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JuhZJun 20, 2008Amazing concept album.
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SamF.Jun 23, 2008Coldplay's best album to date sounds like a swirling mess of Brian Eno at first, but with repeated listens you can hear the greatness and you're left with easily;y the best album of the year so far...quite a masterpiece.
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SadafA.Jul 2, 2008
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AndyJul 5, 2008This 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".
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SamV.Jul 7, 2008Coldplay return to the originality of Parachutes and A Rush of Blood to the Head, albeit in a different direction. A welcome break from the near pure commercialism of X&Y.
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CraigR.Jul 9, 2008A few good tracks and a lot of murky half baked ideas.
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MPSep 22, 2008
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VashaDDec 20, 2008Now add Prospekt March to the whole album
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WichoP.Oct 28, 2008
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MeganT.Oct 30, 2008My favorite of all their work. I think this is the best representation of how much they have grown as a group.
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DannyVanderSpekJun 17, 2008Viva La Vida has renewed my faith in the band that I loved with Parachutes and AROBTTH, but lost in X&Y. I think most publications and websites are trying to be extra cautious about their rating for Viva La Vida because of overinflated grades given to X&Y. Given some time, I think this album will prove to be a keeper.
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DarrenD.Jun 18, 2008
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ErikM.Jun 18, 2008
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JoshNJun 19, 2008Easily the best Coldplay album I've ever heard. Lost is an amazing track, and this album is definitely worth the money. Go get it!
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AndrewBJun 20, 2008Colplay changes it up a bit after making three successively blander albums, probably due to Brian Eno's involvment. Its a little different from their past stuff, but I would hardly call it experimental. Its their best album yet, though.
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WilliamM.Jun 20, 2008Excellent album, interestingly different from their usuall style.
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JosephAJun 27, 2008Overrated. I Cant believe the stuff people like.
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PatrickS.Jun 28, 2008Great album that you need to listen minimum 3 times to hear how good it really is ! Looking forward tot the concert in Paris & Antwerp.
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MattGJun 30, 2008I'm 40, not a dad, and think Arcade Fire the most brilliant band this decade. And whilst this album doesn't match the greatness of AF, it has many moments of pure pop bliss. I feel sorry for those who can't find at least some enjoyment within, and for the morons who give it 0 - no doubt without even listening to it - just go put on your no name records and stop wasting our time.
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MusicMavenJun 30, 2008If you're a fan, this is disappointing. If you're not, there's no reason to start here. Coldplay do nothing to counter arguments that they are all sound and fury signifying nothing.
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SusieQJul 1, 2008I'm always surprised when people don't like Coldplay. I think this album is fantastic, I loved it right away (as opposed to X&Y which I didn't like right away and learned to love). Coldplay stays consistent, which some people might find a turnoff, but for me, makes me anticipate all their albums.
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SebHJul 2, 2008
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ZiaziaJul 20, 2008
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DiegoM.Jul 25, 2008I recommend listen first to viva la vida track, it`s an excellent album, better than XY.
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vonThunderboltJul 30, 2008
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DeclanM.Jul 7, 2008This is the most disappointing album of the year 1 good song the rest is complete rubbish go buy radiohead in rainbows instead if you want real music coldplay have left me cold.
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EdgeTriggerCoolCatSep 4, 2008This 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.
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jimmyoJul 3, 2009Coldplay 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.
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AaronGNov 13, 2008
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IanCDec 2, 2008I usually listen to older music, but this honestly isn't bad. 4/5 for quality melodies, delicious production and instrumentation on most songs. Eno helps them take a more mature turn, and although they have always been good, this is perhaps their best. Not amazing. Not incredible. Not OMG TTLY AWSOME. But good. Which is rare in todays music realm.
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jimyjimJun 17, 2008Excellent disc, a work mestra, is a beauty they are the gods of the humanity.
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DukeChallengerJun 17, 2008
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FelipeP.Jun 17, 2008Their best album yet, fantastic textures.
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JeffO.Jun 17, 2008Nearly perfect! Their best album to date.
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StephenM.Jun 17, 2008Surprisingly interesting.
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DavidA.Jun 17, 2008Another good outing from Coldplay. Great from the first listen. If you like Coldplay, you will like this, if you don't like them, then you won't.
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BusterBJun 18, 2008Majestic 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.
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JoseP.Jun 18, 2008Coldplay 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.
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MeganWJun 19, 2008A melodic ride and a wonderful album that takes us through varied lows and highs, before delivering us calmly back on silent shores.
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JoeCJun 19, 2008Quite hard to get into, nothing immediately catchy until Viva La Vida. Hopefully it will grow on me.
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JeremiC.Jun 20, 2008I really started thinking bad things about the band when they released X&Y which was an overratted radio album and the fact that Chris Martin started tp remind me of Bono (which I hate). But this album is genuine, moving and very cheerful. With no doubt, this is their best album up to date!!
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RobertRJun 24, 2008I'm sure that 40 year old dad's around the world are overjoyed with this album as they mow the front lawn. If you want adventurous, listen to Eno and Arcade Fire - you'll find it there.
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DamianA.Jun 24, 2008Pretty good album, I have to say their best since A Rush Of Blood To The Head, all of their songs are great from beginning to the end, definely one of the albums of the entire year
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ZiaJun 25, 2008After being a Coldplay maniac all these years, I was frankly disappointed with this album. I waited so much for this and it had nothing to offer. It was too loud without substance. No depth at all compared to their previous classics. I am heartbroken. Maybe they will patch it up next time!
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ColinT.Jun 27, 2008It's just short of "rush of blood to the head" but that aside it's superb. They have grown since "x&y". Time will show this to be a classic. Stand out tracks for me, 42, yes and viva la Vida. Ive read about soldiers having to soldier, critics having a go. "I used to roll the dice, feel the fear in my enemies eyes". Go figure!!.
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RobbieCJun 28, 2008Better than X&Y by a large margin... there are still lame-ass songs on here. But "Lost!" and "Violet Hill" are two of their best songs ever. If X&Y didn't exist, this would probably get a worse rating, but that was such a horrible record that this is a welcome return to creative form.
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[Anonymous]Jun 29, 2008Not a 'rock' album by any means. It is a 45 minute long dream state that is highly entertaining within the correct state of mind.
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CezarM.Jun 30, 2008
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LyleSJul 11, 2008Much better than x&y.
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RathiR.Jul 14, 2008What da marvelous album....should be album of the year!
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AdamR.Jul 3, 2008Absolutely Stunning Album! It makes everything they've done previously seem so minute.
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DeborahS.Jul 4, 2008Addictive: can't wait for more!
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ScottWApr 30, 2009
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stevenpDec 1, 2008This is a really great album, it shows alot of style that coldplay lovers aren't used to, but oh so good! live the life!
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TomMOct 27, 2008Pretty good overall. I've always though of Coldplay as decent, certainly far above average for a group getting heavy pop radio airplay. The new album sounds like their past work, but is a little more adventurous. It gets an 8 in recognition of progress and in the hope that their next one continues the trend, and does something truly interesing and fresh.
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DanielR.Jun 16, 2008Coldplay is the best!!! I love the entire album, it has an instrumental music and melodies amazing. Love it!!
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DarkCloudJun 16, 2008
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StevieG.Jun 16, 2008After 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.
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AhmadB.Jun 16, 2008Ok, 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.
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ChrisJun 17, 2008This is a very good album. There are few misfires, but many of the tracks are excellent.
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ColinB.Jun 17, 2008
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JoshM.Jun 17, 2008I really like this album, more than X+Y, maybe even more than A rush of blood... Lovers in Japan and Lost were standout tracks, the title track is great. The first single, Violet Hill, is the least impressive song on the album but still not bad. Brian Eno's producing has a profound effect on this album. Change has definitely been good to Coldplay.
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DavidPJun 19, 2008Brilliant and a new direction for an already talented band.
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WillH.Jun 21, 2008
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EdAJun 23, 2008Bolder than anything else Coldplay has made but not completely different. This album does confirm that they actually know how to play instruments better than beginners. "Yes!" is a song to check out if you want to see their new musical direction. "Lost" is solid too.
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JayL.Jun 23, 2008Stand out tracks for me were Violet Hill, Yes, and 42. Cemeteries of London and Lovers in Japan sounded too U2-ish to me, especially the latter, but I guess that's what you get when you have Brian Eno producing. They still have yet to beat A Rush of Blood to the Head in my eyes, but this is still a good listen.
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EmilyW.Jun 24, 2008
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Awards & Rankings
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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?
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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.
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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.