X&Y
by Coldplay
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Jun 7, 2005
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 711 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 574 out of 711
  2. Mixed: 75 out of 711
  3. Negative: 62 out of 711

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  1. Lars_Olav
    Nov 1, 2022
    10
    Almost perfect rock album, 1 medicore song (twisted logic). With this songs :
    Fix you, Talk, Square One, Speed of Sound, The Hardest Part, Swallow by the sea and Kingdom Come. Really great.
  2. modern_football
    Jan 14, 2022
    10
    If there's one thing I have never understood, it's why Coldplay's 2005 opus X&Y is nearly universally looked down upon as being their worst of that decade. This is not only my personal favorite from the band, but it is in my top 5 favorite albums of all time. While though the two albums that surrounded this one were pretty much perfect in their own right, X&Y still reigns supreme to me.If there's one thing I have never understood, it's why Coldplay's 2005 opus X&Y is nearly universally looked down upon as being their worst of that decade. This is not only my personal favorite from the band, but it is in my top 5 favorite albums of all time. While though the two albums that surrounded this one were pretty much perfect in their own right, X&Y still reigns supreme to me. Why? I guess it's just because the sound that the band went for on this particular project is my favorite I have ever heard from them. Right off the bat, you get a perfect example of this sound in "Square One". This album is very spacey, and this song is a great example of that. Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman and Will Champion all go SO hard on this album! "What If" gives us some more of those classic Coldplay pianos we all know and love but with a special twist. "White Shadows" has more fantastic guitar and vocal work. "Fix You" is a classic... nothing much to add on that one. "Talk" is another highlight. The instrumental interlude on that track is just killer. The title track just might be the spaciest song on here, very underrated. "Speed of Sound" is another Coldplay classic with fantastic piano and drum work. "A Message" is yet another one of the band's most underrated and flat out best songs. The way the acoustic guitars transition into the hard hitting hook is just amazing. "Low" is a great song even if the ending drags on just a bit. "The Hardest Part" remains underrated despite being a single. "Swallowed in the Sea" is great too, the instrumentation really just makes it sound like a song that takes place out at sea. "Twisted Logic" just might be Coldplay's hardest song to date, the band just absolutely shreds their instruments on this one and it's plain awesome. "Til Kingdom Come" doesn't add a ton but is still a nice closer as a hidden track. I do wonder what the Johnny Cash version would have sounded like...… Expand
  3. Mellowry
    Aug 12, 2021
    10
    I can understand this is not everybodies favorite, but here's why X&Y is the best album Coldplay ever put out in my opinion: Parachutes was a great debut, A Rush of Blood improved a lot of things but X&Y has these spacy notes and everything indeed sounds as you would imagine sound of space if it would have one, it is mystic, 'Square One' is probably the best example, listening to that inI can understand this is not everybodies favorite, but here's why X&Y is the best album Coldplay ever put out in my opinion: Parachutes was a great debut, A Rush of Blood improved a lot of things but X&Y has these spacy notes and everything indeed sounds as you would imagine sound of space if it would have one, it is mystic, 'Square One' is probably the best example, listening to that in the night especially looking to the stars gives you sort of feelings like "what is everything?". The slight voiced choruses, releasing in a sort of mid-epic to epic emotional hook with slight guitar work, just like 'What If' with it's slow and silent opening and a big chorus. it's improving what Coldplay did wrong in the first two albums, such as the Demo: It doesn't try too much to convince you. You can just listen along with a topic set from the first song, all the way through. I don't think the two predecessors where bad of course, but I also think, X&Y is not a bad album as well, it's just being experimental and that's what i really like about artist, if they manage to be experimentally interesting. I agree though, that twisted logic is probably the weakest song by far on this album, it's the only song i couldn't get behind that doesn't quite fit the track listing that well, but the rest is really an experience to listen to. Such as the other albums.… Expand
  4. Whyhelder
    Sep 24, 2020
    10
    I’m sure this is their best album even though many people dislike it - that includes the band. Their best lyrics and theis best instrumentals are in this album. Nothing has ever touched me so much as these songs. From the beginning to the end
  5. Macrofficial
    Apr 17, 2020
    9
    Released In 2005, X&Y Is an amazingly solid album.
    The Album Starts Off With 'Square One' Which Greatly Sets The Tone With It's High Paced Instrumentals. 'What If' and 'White Shadows' are both great songs that mix their vocals and instruments amazingly well (which goes for most of the songs on the album if I'm being honest). 'Fix You' is probably the most emotional and sad song on the    Released In 2005, X&Y Is an amazingly solid album.
    The Album Starts Off With 'Square One' Which Greatly Sets The Tone With It's High Paced Instrumentals. 'What If' and 'White Shadows' are both great songs that mix their vocals and instruments amazingly well (which goes for most of the songs on the album if I'm being honest). 'Fix You' is probably the most emotional and sad song on the album which I love! 'Talk' is lyrically pristine and the vocals and instrumentals are very fitting. 'X&Y', the song, has a certain vibe too it which makes you feel like your floating around underwater or in space, which is ironic because one of the lines is literally "You and me are drifting into outer space" TOGETHERRR! Speed Of Sound is a Good song, but I do think it is overrated, there's nothing bad about it it's just one of the more popular songs on the album, even though it's not as good as most of the other songs on X&Y. 'A Message' is a good middle tier song (compared to the other songs on the album) on the album and the thing I really like about this song is the electric guitar that goes in between your ears if you're wearing headphones, which I know a lot of songs do but I especially like it on this track. 'Low' Has some of the best instrumentals on the whole album, very upbeat. 'The Hardest Part' Has some of the best vocals on the album. 'Swallowed in the Sea' is a song that I don't really like, It doesn't make me hate the album, but it is a song that probably made me give the album a 9 instead of a 10 (leading reason not the ONLY reason) Lyrically, it's just a little corny and it feels a little out of place on the album. 'Twisted Logic' is a song that gives off a feeling of being in a movie or movie trailer, it just sounds like a track that would be good in a movie if used right. and finally, too end off the album it's 'Til Kingdom Come' which is a beautiful and honestly perfect way too end off an amazing album, it's a type of song that would be perfect on a 3AM playlist. I feel that X&Y is better than coldplay's debut album, 'Parachutes', and their sophomore album, 'A Rush of Blood to the Head', which are both great albums, it's just not Vocally, Instrumentally, and Lyricly as good as X&Y. My favourite tracks on this album would have too be Fix You, Low, and Til Kingdom Come.    … Expand
  6. IvanCriticKTC
    Apr 16, 2020
    9
    An alternative name for the album: Coldplay's masterpiece. The best album by Coldplay to date. Great production, great vocals delayed by Martin, cohesive, and it has one of the best songs ever (if not the best) by Coldplay: Fix You. Some of you would not agree with me, some of you love this album, some of you got disappointed for this album, this is not a disappointment, this is evolution.An alternative name for the album: Coldplay's masterpiece. The best album by Coldplay to date. Great production, great vocals delayed by Martin, cohesive, and it has one of the best songs ever (if not the best) by Coldplay: Fix You. Some of you would not agree with me, some of you love this album, some of you got disappointed for this album, this is not a disappointment, this is evolution. I don't know if I could be acclaiming this album like this if I were a Coldplayer before X&Y, I heard this album in 2020 and it sounds timeless, I heard A rush of blood to the head and it's timeless too. So, I just can say: this is art, but some people will not recognize it.… Expand
  7. NolanLundgaard
    Apr 7, 2020
    10
    X&Y by Coldplay: 9.25

    Square One: 1 :) What If: 1 White Shadows: 1 :) Fix You: 1 Talk: 1 :) X&Y: 0.75 Speed of Sound: 1 :) A Message: 1 Low: 1 The Hardest Part: 1 :) Swallowed in the Sea: 1 :) Twisted Logic: 0.75 Til Kingdom Come: 1 :) 12.5/13 ~ .962 -> 9.25 In my ratings, it is certainly not easy to get a 10/10, as this is the second album I’ve reviewed out of over    X&Y by Coldplay: 9.25

    Square One: 1 :)
    What If: 1
    White Shadows: 1 :)
    Fix You: 1
    Talk: 1 :)
    X&Y: 0.75
    Speed of Sound: 1 :)
    A Message: 1
    Low: 1
    The Hardest Part: 1 :)
    Swallowed in the Sea: 1 :)
    Twisted Logic: 0.75
    Til Kingdom Come: 1 :)

    12.5/13 ~ .962 -> 9.25

    In my ratings, it is certainly not easy to get a 10/10, as this is the second album I’ve reviewed out of over 50 to earn this rating. What’s even harder, though, is getting the best score yet, which X&Y has accomplished. Besides the hit-or-miss Parachutes album, I have really enjoyed what Coldplay has released. Their third album is no exception. X&Y is pretty much the perfect album, as almost all of its songs got a perfect score, and I still really liked the two that didn’t as well. On the album is The Hardest Part and Speed Of Sound, which are perhaps two of my absolute favorite songs. I have no complaints, and I wish all albums were like X&Y. I recommend Coldplay’s third to everyone who loves quality music. Highlights: Square One, What If, White Shadows, Fix You, Talk, Speed of Sound, A Message, Low, The Hardest Part, Swallowed in the Sea, and Til Kingdom Come.    … Expand
  8. EddieHokie
    Nov 27, 2019
    4
    Coldplay does U2 arena rock! The worst album in their catalogue and it isn’t really close. Tons of filler here and everything to everyone type of lyrics (What If). Speed of Sound is a rehash of what’s been done before. Talk is the worst single they have released. Hardest Part is the only good song on the back half of the record. It’s saving grace is arguably their best song in Fix YouColdplay does U2 arena rock! The worst album in their catalogue and it isn’t really close. Tons of filler here and everything to everyone type of lyrics (What If). Speed of Sound is a rehash of what’s been done before. Talk is the worst single they have released. Hardest Part is the only good song on the back half of the record. It’s saving grace is arguably their best song in Fix You (gives me chills almost every time it kicks into gear) and White Shadows with some synthy funk feel. This is the only Coldplay album I would recommend passing on… Expand
  9. Equalizer_77
    Nov 24, 2019
    10
    An excellent album of my favorites, great melodies that stay stuck in the head, an exquisite sound.
  10. jivagoachkar
    Nov 6, 2019
    8
    Álbum da turnê de 2007, quando a banda veio ao Brasil pela segunda vez. Foi o primeiro grande show que eu fui na minha vida. Tinha apenas 17 anos, e tudo aquilo era novo para mim. Um grande espetáculo e X&Y foi o último grande álbum do Coldplay que me emocionou.
  11. Ricko
    Sep 29, 2019
    8
    After critical and commercial success with their first two albums, this was the difficult third album for Coldplay. Expectations were very high from everyone and EMI were banking on it to save their year in 2005. The band delayed the release of it several times but were under pressure to get it out. It shows, much like U2's (underrated) POP album, a few more months working on it couldAfter critical and commercial success with their first two albums, this was the difficult third album for Coldplay. Expectations were very high from everyone and EMI were banking on it to save their year in 2005. The band delayed the release of it several times but were under pressure to get it out. It shows, much like U2's (underrated) POP album, a few more months working on it could have turned this into a classic. Don't get me wrong, "X & Y" is very good and has some of the best songs the band have produced on it, but it's quite probably two tracks too long and at times the songs are produced to such an extent that their innate magic is diluted. **Update** I still listen to this 14 years or so after its initial release and it has some of my favourite Coldplay tracks, especially on the second half. The view that this was a missed opportunity to produce a classic still stands.… Expand
  12. SuchiB14
    Mar 23, 2019
    10
    I used to hear Coldplay a lot when I was younger due to my parents. I discovered them again only recently. X&Y is a classic, no doubt. The album has a relaxed, chilled tone and every song seems to just fit the overall mood. The hidden track - 'Til Kingdom Come' - had a very nice vibe to it that made for a perfect ending. Yet another brilliant Coldplay record. 10 out of 10.
  13. Timolovemusic
    Dec 9, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I love this album, the best coldplay album, i love the sounds, and lyrics, i love all of the album, the best coldplay album, for ever, 10/10… Expand
  14. BrainAndS0ul
    Aug 8, 2017
    7
    Coldplay were trying to find something new during the whole album just to find out that the best songs of the record ("Fix You" and my absolute coldplay favourite "Speed of Sound") were written using pretty much the old formulas of their last album
  15. sambuu
    Aug 12, 2016
    10
    Hands down, this album is most underrated Coldplay album ever. X&Y earned so many commercial success but this isn't enough for this album. Every tracks on this album are very good. More guitar riffs, more meaningful lyrics written by Chris Martin.
  16. LeoDiCaprioFan
    Jun 5, 2016
    8
    Really good album. It's so experimental and emotional. This made me like Coldplay even more. "Fix You" is probably the best song because I liked it since I was a little kid.
  17. CharlieBetterIs
    Dec 31, 2015
    10
    Simplesmente uma bíblia, o melhor trabalho do Coldplay! Letras lindas e bem escritas, soturno na sua medida, instrumental muito bem trabalhada e o vocal perfeito do Chris deram uma magia especial pro álbum. Perfeito!

    Pontos altíssimos: Low, Talk, Fix You
  18. cryhardhumor
    Dec 9, 2015
    9
    An album rich in tone and beautifully consistent in its story and instrumentation. The melodies are simple but catchy if not sometimes drawn out a little too long. Chris Martin's performance brings the album to even higher heights with his off kilter vocals and soothing falsetto.
    CHECK IT OUT?- Absolutely!!
    BEST SONG- Swallowed By The Sea
    WORST SONG- X&Y
  19. Fati95
    May 1, 2015
    10
    This was the first Coldplay album that I bought. I remember that I couldn't stop listening to it from the beginning to the end. Certain songs of it still make me cry and give me lots of feelings, such as "Swallowed in the sea" and "Til kingdom come". X&Y has a deep meaning for me and it made me fully love this band.
  20. alecvl08
    Dec 19, 2014
    6
    This album definitely does not have the quality of the previous two Coldplay albums. The songs aren't horrible, but there are a few that are too loud for too long or get lost in themselves. The lyrics don't connect at all, and the album has a hard time figuring itself out. Best track is Square One.
  21. philosophorse
    Aug 4, 2014
    8
    The sounds to this album can make you feel like you're billions of kilometers into empty space, the opposite of what this bloated album is. It's unnecessarily long, but captivating and emotionally resonant. Lyrics are still... problematic, and they don't do a Viva La Vida to cliche. It's not easy to ignore "ignite your bones".
  22. DrewtheDude85
    Mar 31, 2014
    7
    While slightly beating Mylo Xyloto, I think X&Y is honestly one of the weaker albums in my opinion. It definitely had some very good songs but really I think there was only one song that I just really liked overall of them. Most of the songs just seemed a little above average to be honest, but it's still and alright album. My favorite songs would probably have to be "What If", "Fix You"While slightly beating Mylo Xyloto, I think X&Y is honestly one of the weaker albums in my opinion. It definitely had some very good songs but really I think there was only one song that I just really liked overall of them. Most of the songs just seemed a little above average to be honest, but it's still and alright album. My favorite songs would probably have to be "What If", "Fix You" (My favorite of all) and the bonus track: "Til Kingdom Come."… Expand
  23. Grabacr
    Jan 7, 2014
    9
    This is probably my favorite Coldplay album, along with Parachutes and Rush of Blood to the Head. It's really good, in my opinion, although the average reviews don't agree with me.
  24. thejanxxmaster
    Sep 21, 2013
    10
    X&Y is another Coldplay masterpiece staying on par with the majesty of their previous record and in many ways expanding its horizon. Fix You, Speed of Sound, The Hardest Part, Talk, and White Shadows as well as many others are gripping, beautifully written and musically engrossing.
  25. PatrickSousa
    Dec 19, 2012
    10
    This is an amazing album. I really like songs like Speed of Sound and Talk, including, these 2 songs made me be in love with Coldplay. Anyway, the best Coldplay's songs ever are in this album.
  26. squidgee
    Dec 16, 2012
    8
    Grabbed me from the very start with it's meaningful lyrics and more upbeat songs. Twisted Logic sounded awful but that's about it. A great album by Coldplay which should appeal to every fan.
  27. moonman1994
    Dec 15, 2012
    7
    X&Y isn't a bad album it's just a disappointment after A Rush of Blood to the Head. It relies to heavily on Chris Martin's falsetto. It has some great songs on it but overall it lacks the variety of other Coldplay albums. It's good just not great.
  28. Akaforty
    Sep 22, 2012
    10
    My personal favourite, a brilliantly crafted piece of art that holds their best hits up to date, slow or fast, sad or upbeat, it's there and I love it.
  29. axelkoch
    Sep 18, 2012
    9
    Love it! They experimented intelligently with many kinds of instruments and finally released this piece of art. 'Square One', 'Talk' and 'Fix You' are the highlights.
  30. shakersonic
    Sep 7, 2012
    6
    Probably the worst Coldplay Album. When I talk of solid album, I'm talking about a set of tracks that are listenable from beggining to end. Sadly, X&Y feels so over-produced, but more importantly several songs feel like they lack a structure. I don't know If I make sense, but what I mean is that the middle-way between the choruses feel rushed. Nevertheless it still got songs like Fix You or Talk.
  31. getardid
    Jan 15, 2012
    9
    First of all, before I've heard 'Fix You' on this album, I've had no interest in owning a Coldplay album, and thought they were utter trash. Turns out I was wrong, and after listening to the rest of this album, starting off with 'Square One,' 'What If,' and 'Talk.' After hearing these tracks I was in dire need for more. I listened to the rest of the album was completely interested in theFirst of all, before I've heard 'Fix You' on this album, I've had no interest in owning a Coldplay album, and thought they were utter trash. Turns out I was wrong, and after listening to the rest of this album, starting off with 'Square One,' 'What If,' and 'Talk.' After hearing these tracks I was in dire need for more. I listened to the rest of the album was completely interested in the band and their music. If you haven't listened to Coldplay yet, and really want some nice relaxing good music, I suggest you get this.… Expand
  32. House0fWolves_
    Dec 16, 2011
    10
    Beautiful clash of sentimentality and rock. Dreamy, yet capturing. 'Fix You' was the first song I ever heard of Coldplay - I have never forgotten the moment.
  33. JawsPapi87
    Oct 28, 2011
    8
    This album is not quite on the same level as Rush Of Blood To The Head because of the lack of lyrical strength and similar sounding songs, but there are some good songs on this album, as always, like "Fix You", "The Hardest Part" and "Speed of Sound".
  34. jos95
    Sep 8, 2011
    5
    I loved Rush of Blood, but this is easily Coldplay's weakest album. Most of the songs are pretty average with a few standouts (Fix You, White Shadows, Talk) I'd give it credit for being less piano based than Rush of Blood, but the lyrics are mainly empty. Coldplay are still a talented group but this isn't their greatest work.
  35. manurock
    Aug 6, 2011
    5
    A weaker album. It seems that they weren't as inspired as in their two previous; they had ran out of ideas (this is proved later in the change of sound of Viva la Vida). Still, a few songs like "fix you" or "speed of sound" make this album good enough to listen for Coldplay fans (by no means should a non-coldplay fan start with this album)
  36. Verbal
    Jun 21, 2011
    2
    Before this album, I was a massive Coldplay fan. This was a HUGE disappointment! Fame clearly went to their heads and they thought they could release any sappy nursery rhyme and the world would eat it up. Unfortunately, that's what happened. Honestly, I can't tell if they were trying too hard or too little with this album.

    I've come back to this album several times, months apart, and    Before this album, I was a massive Coldplay fan. This was a HUGE disappointment! Fame clearly went to their heads and they thought they could release any sappy nursery rhyme and the world would eat it up. Unfortunately, that's what happened. Honestly, I can't tell if they were trying too hard or too little with this album.

    I've come back to this album several times, months apart, and get nauseous with all but two tracks: White Shadows and Speed of Sound. Those are more what I expected from the album, earning it the two points I give it. No I didn't give up hope on Coldplay, and think they've redeemed themselves with 'Viva la Vida'. Let's only hope that 'The Bakery' delivers, as well ...    … Expand
  37. jfred7
    Jan 5, 2011
    3
    Coldplay's tendency to water down their albums with mediocre filler is most apparent on this album. While a cohesive, unified sound can work quite well in some cases, it hurts Coldplay here. This comes off as a timid effort from a band that has an aversion to genuine risk-taking.
  38. dude
    Oct 10, 2010
    8
    It isnt as powerful and dark as the second album....and its just full of decent ballads. i feel the loss of some heavier tracks . but their change of style in each album is admirable and there is steel some memorable tracks (like fix you , twisted logic,low & square one) but it seems to me that some tracks are something between chris and his wife and theyre not for the listeners...!!!It isnt as powerful and dark as the second album....and its just full of decent ballads. i feel the loss of some heavier tracks . but their change of style in each album is admirable and there is steel some memorable tracks (like fix you , twisted logic,low & square one) but it seems to me that some tracks are something between chris and his wife and theyre not for the listeners...!!! third album of a good band is always so important...it can make them legendary (the examples are Radiohead, muse, The White Stripes &......) or it can make them just a good band which have many fans. I think X&Y was a good album which made Coldplay more popular than more respectable.… Expand
  39. babaganush96
    Oct 8, 2010
    6
    While I believe X and Y is marginally a stronger album than A Rush of Blood to the Head, it's still not the smashing album I had hoped for. There are some standout tracks, but some seem either too similar to another, or are just thee to fill the album.
  40. Joaoalien
    Apr 20, 2008
    10
    best album ever made
  41. AlexS.
    Nov 20, 2007
    10
    One of the best music albums of all time to my taste. Coldplay is the most sophisticated group there is. The lyrics, the music... they're on another planet!
  42. SophieM
    Oct 17, 2007
    4
    I think 'Parachutes' was a very good album (8/10) and fantastic for a debut album, and 'A Rush Of Blood To The Head' is a wonderful album (9/10 and maybe even 10), but I'm afraid that to me personally every track feels like it has done better before on one of the older Coldplay albums. There is no doubt that Chris and co are talented musicians who can create great I think 'Parachutes' was a very good album (8/10) and fantastic for a debut album, and 'A Rush Of Blood To The Head' is a wonderful album (9/10 and maybe even 10), but I'm afraid that to me personally every track feels like it has done better before on one of the older Coldplay albums. There is no doubt that Chris and co are talented musicians who can create great songs: but they have not taken any big risks with this one and it's disappointing for me. I played it and it just felt emotionless to me. None of the singles did anything for me either. Not awful by any standard, but mediocre. 2/5.… Expand
  43. mark
    Oct 10, 2007
    4
    Woefully mediocre. How records this flawed can get perfect hundreds is beyond me. It's too long, has terrible sequencing, and there's not enough boldness. It has some nice guitars, but the excellent Square One and Talk barely redeem it.
  44. MusicLover
    Sep 8, 2007
    4
    The reason I've given such a low rating to this album is that I feel it lacked consistency. Like they say, the highs were high, but the lows were low. On one hand, you have truly deep songs like "A Message" & "Fix You", but then you have other songs that don't even come close to that level. After listening to the whole album, I felt like only a few songs really showed how much The reason I've given such a low rating to this album is that I feel it lacked consistency. Like they say, the highs were high, but the lows were low. On one hand, you have truly deep songs like "A Message" & "Fix You", but then you have other songs that don't even come close to that level. After listening to the whole album, I felt like only a few songs really showed how much talent Coldplay has. I still love Coldplay, though.… Expand
  45. JacekA.
    Sep 7, 2007
    8
    This is first really alternative music coldplay's album , its an superb ambitious experiment ,first real contact of romantic lyricks and cold, calculated rock-electronic music which rings In Your ears for a long long time after You listen to this for the first time.Moving stuff!
  46. scottw.
    Aug 19, 2007
    7
    I think they could of done much better. Its still all right though, just not as good as the last ones.You still get some good songs, and is still a good buy.
  47. andiev
    Jul 2, 2007
    10
    the best coldplay album out of the three. i was very disspointed that they're not gonna make a fourth album. i gave x and y a ten out of ten because i like all the songs on the album, unlike some artists where you like only seven or eight songs and there's always one or two songs you just don't like at all. Coldplay forever!!!
  48. ErwinK
    Jun 7, 2007
    2
    Just plain dreary. Alternative musak. There is no way they are going to topple U2 - U2 have at least totally re-invented themselves a number of times. Coldplay have moved nowhere in almost ten years... their music still sounds like Starbucks.
  49. ixata
    May 6, 2007
    3
    typical coldplay sound, very ambitious butnever reaches its goal. and martin's voice is just too painful, all the falsettos, and stuffs.. speed of sound is the only bright moment here.. others, shud be made renditions instead
  50. VeronikaL
    Feb 18, 2007
    9
    It is very good-that is my opinion.I love them!
  51. AlexP.
    Feb 13, 2007
    10
    Absolutely Coldplay's best album - the depth, scope, and undefinable epicness of songs such as Square One, Fix You, Talk surpass their masterpieces 'Clocks' and 'Yellow'. This whole album flows so darn smoothly, chocolate to the ears that rock you on relentlessly. The genius of A Rush of Blood and Parachutes is carried on but with a heightened sense of granduer - Absolutely Coldplay's best album - the depth, scope, and undefinable epicness of songs such as Square One, Fix You, Talk surpass their masterpieces 'Clocks' and 'Yellow'. This whole album flows so darn smoothly, chocolate to the ears that rock you on relentlessly. The genius of A Rush of Blood and Parachutes is carried on but with a heightened sense of granduer - music by men who know that they're the best and are perfect in delivering ground breaking songs... on to topple U2!!… Expand
  52. BrunoI
    Dec 1, 2006
    10
    This album of Coldplay is masterpiece,and i heard that Coldplay work on they new album
  53. IbanL
    Oct 5, 2006
    0
    Unforgivably bad. They try to exploit the same modus operandi over and over again, showing that they've got run out of ideas, if they someday had any. Avoiding this could be a great idea.
  54. PassItnow
    Sep 20, 2006
    10
    Not as good as parachutes or x&y but definately more upbeat.still as thought provoking as ever. u might hate them. u might hate chris, but u still know them and u can still name their songs. All up in ur brains!!!!! u gotta love it
  55. Myles#13
    Sep 6, 2006
    10
    Where to begin... well, 'Square One' starts off the album. It's hard to believe, but I used to hate Coldplay... this song got me hooked and brought me to actually listen to the whole album. Now I LOVE Coldplay! For a band to hit 3 homeruns on their first 3 albums... they are truly great! My other fav's are 'Fix You', 'Low', 'Message', and Where to begin... well, 'Square One' starts off the album. It's hard to believe, but I used to hate Coldplay... this song got me hooked and brought me to actually listen to the whole album. Now I LOVE Coldplay! For a band to hit 3 homeruns on their first 3 albums... they are truly great! My other fav's are 'Fix You', 'Low', 'Message', and 'Til Kingdom Come'... great album, go buy it right now!… Expand
  56. BruinsFan247
    Aug 7, 2006
    9
    I am appauled at some of the negative reviews of this album. It sounds like the old "my favorite band isnt underground anymore" syndrome. Dont be bitter because everyone else now likes you music. This album is a pure stroke of genious. Is it better than Rush of Blood To The Head or Parachutes? maybe not, but its still a great album.
  57. RyanS
    Jul 24, 2006
    9
    Every once in a while there's a band that screams chemistry. A band that obviously has a supreme amount of talent, with each band member contributing in their own, special way. One of those bands, is Coldplay, and they've sounded better with their most recent album, "X&Y" . Capturing slick bass lines, riveting guitar parts, intense drumming, and simply put, beautiful music that Every once in a while there's a band that screams chemistry. A band that obviously has a supreme amount of talent, with each band member contributing in their own, special way. One of those bands, is Coldplay, and they've sounded better with their most recent album, "X&Y" . Capturing slick bass lines, riveting guitar parts, intense drumming, and simply put, beautiful music that could easy shed a tear or two. Although the music in general isn't as great as "A Rush of Blood to the Head", the emotions here are somewhat deeper and more powerful . Even though some listeners may find Chirs Martin's lyrics on the edge of platitude, no one will regret the fact it's beautiful. If you're into heartfelt songs above love and heartache, "X&Y" is definitely the album for you.… Expand
  58. robb
    Jun 19, 2006
    6
    Easily the weakest of their three albums. Consistent with a band that became too big too soon. If they don't right the ship with their next album I'm outta here.
  59. TyeN.
    Jun 16, 2006
    10
    Is it better than "A Rush of Blood to the Head"? No. But you know what? It's still an excellent album. However, what it packs sonically, it lacks in emotional depth and lyrical depth. Yet, regardless of these flaws, it's still my favorite album of 2005. "Square One", "What If", "White Shadows", "Fix You", "Speed of Sound", "Low", and "'Til Kingdom Come" are tops. "Fix You", Is it better than "A Rush of Blood to the Head"? No. But you know what? It's still an excellent album. However, what it packs sonically, it lacks in emotional depth and lyrical depth. Yet, regardless of these flaws, it's still my favorite album of 2005. "Square One", "What If", "White Shadows", "Fix You", "Speed of Sound", "Low", and "'Til Kingdom Come" are tops. "Fix You", for me, was the best song of 2005. If they can blend what they've done here sonically, with the emotional and lyrical depth of "A Rush of Blood to the Head", they'll have the greatest album ever. Hopefully their fourth effort will be that album.… Expand
  60. JennaP
    Jun 11, 2006
    7
    Coldplay is my all-time favorite band. Let's get that out of the way first. Thus, it irks me to give them this mediocre rating but X+Y surprisingly gets it wrong more than it gets it right. The production is either too sparse or too heavy-handed in a few places which annoys me for some inexplicable reason because I don't usually mind production--or lack thereof. All in all, X+Y Coldplay is my all-time favorite band. Let's get that out of the way first. Thus, it irks me to give them this mediocre rating but X+Y surprisingly gets it wrong more than it gets it right. The production is either too sparse or too heavy-handed in a few places which annoys me for some inexplicable reason because I don't usually mind production--or lack thereof. All in all, X+Y is extremely top-heavy. The first five songs are all brilliant (for Coldplay's standards at least). Then you get the title track which is truly filler and then the boring, recycled Speed of Sound. The birds go flying at the speed of sound to show you where it all began.....what?! A Message is the last glimmer of hope for the rest of the record. After that none of the songs stick, regretfully. Chris tries to meander into Radiohead territory with Twisted Logic but fails. The impromptu 'Til Kingdom Come is ironically one of the best songs on the whole record even if it is a 'hidden track'. But alas Coldplay, I still forgive you and will be enjoying Talk for years to come. X+Y is a misstep but no one's careers have been totally illustrious.… Expand
  61. MichaelH
    Jun 2, 2006
    10
    Masterful.
  62. JohnN
    May 16, 2006
    3
    My God this may be the most boring sleep inducing album ever after the excellent Rush of blood to the head they release this rubbish on the world and like U2 and the RHCP no matter how bad it is people will still pretend they like it and anyone who gives it a 10 is a stone cold lying to themselves.
  63. Carillon
    Apr 8, 2006
    10
    A certainly underrated album! I love every single song on it even though they needed some time to reveal their beauty. But aren't those the best ones? I love albums that have to grow, because they are the most lasting ... I could listen to it over and over again and it wouldn't get boring at all
  64. stevec
    Apr 6, 2006
    7
    i agree wit the critics lovely tunes - occasionally good lyrics - very listenable but lacks personality
  65. RBrown
    Mar 14, 2006
    3
    passive. Would be sleep inducing if it weren't irritatingly whiny.
  66. JuliaT
    Mar 9, 2006
    10
    It's perfect. Coldplay is the band for a new generation and yet they reach back to the signs of past epic masterpeices as "Dark Side of the Moon".. Proiduction and engineering on "X&Y" are flawless. This is the first band that I've actually liked in the past 20 years, and will continue to follow them..
  67. DavidC
    Feb 1, 2006
    10
    absolutaly wonderfull
  68. CrystalH
    Jan 25, 2006
    10
    This is a great album for U2 fans and well...coldplay fans abviously.
  69. coldplayfan
    Jan 23, 2006
    10
    By this stage, I don't see how anybody can't hate coldplay. You may call them boring, and you may call them overplayed, but that's all a load of crap. Their songs are a huge inspiration to the world. A message has to be one of the best songs ever. One of the reviews say that the songs never take off at the beginning, but he doesn't know that in order to be a true By this stage, I don't see how anybody can't hate coldplay. You may call them boring, and you may call them overplayed, but that's all a load of crap. Their songs are a huge inspiration to the world. A message has to be one of the best songs ever. One of the reviews say that the songs never take off at the beginning, but he doesn't know that in order to be a true coldplayer, you have to listen to the entire song. There is true aggression in every last one of their songs. In my opinion, they are the next big Cream (minus the incredible drums, and incredible guitar), only I think they will last way longer. They are all friends, and that is the equation that equals success. Can't wait for their new release, whenever it may be...… Expand
  70. AlejandroS
    Jan 17, 2006
    8
    There are many great songs in this album, and I don't mind the "progression" with all those weird sounds but let's face it an romantic Radiohead will NEVER work, from X1 to Y6 it's a masterpiece but after that... the equation doesn't make the cut
  71. BooYah
    Jan 12, 2006
    8
    I'm taking off a point for the generally un-noteworthy lyrics, and a point for a couple of lackluster songs near the end of the album. Otherwise, I think this album has that vibe I remember from Parachutes. The songs are evocative and the instrumentation makes them sound familiar and new all at once. Highly recommended. Just a note to those of you who think this album is derivative: I'm taking off a point for the generally un-noteworthy lyrics, and a point for a couple of lackluster songs near the end of the album. Otherwise, I think this album has that vibe I remember from Parachutes. The songs are evocative and the instrumentation makes them sound familiar and new all at once. Highly recommended. Just a note to those of you who think this album is derivative: Everything is! Stop ruining a perfectly good listening experience with your unreasonable expectations. Oh, and YOU try writing an album this consistent. Good luck with that, Superstar...… Expand
  72. IanB
    Jan 10, 2006
    9
    In places, there are predictable harmonies. However,Mark's metaphors, melodies, and talent that is all performed in a Techo, alternative, and pop style is just fabulous and it makes you ask about the earth and what is truly real through those interesting metaphors. My father, my mother, and I love this CD.( I live my parents because i am only 12 so I'm not an adult who In places, there are predictable harmonies. However,Mark's metaphors, melodies, and talent that is all performed in a Techo, alternative, and pop style is just fabulous and it makes you ask about the earth and what is truly real through those interesting metaphors. My father, my mother, and I love this CD.( I live my parents because i am only 12 so I'm not an adult who unfortunately has to live with his parents.) i got it at best buy and it's worth $20.00 as opposed to $14.00.… Expand
  73. DiegoA
    Jan 7, 2006
    10
    This album rocks fuck thatr gay album "Smile" by brian wilson.
  74. alyssac
    Jan 6, 2006
    10
    AWE-INSPIRING. Although AROBTTH still remains my favourite Coldplay album, x&y breaks new ground. You have to give it time to sink in and to get used to it, but when you do, it's worth it. Coldplay will always be my favourite band, with lyrics, creativity, and talent that I don't think I'll find anywhere else.
  75. GazR
    Jan 3, 2006
    9
    Fantastic. The only things that bring it down are the sad facts it doesn't quite compete with parachues and a rush of blood to the head. Otherwise brilliant, a masterpice in song writing. the X part of the ablbum is near perfection! but sadly the Y part of X&Y lets the album down a bit, with the exeption of speed of sound(which i loved at first but has died on me) and swallowed in Fantastic. The only things that bring it down are the sad facts it doesn't quite compete with parachues and a rush of blood to the head. Otherwise brilliant, a masterpice in song writing. the X part of the ablbum is near perfection! but sadly the Y part of X&Y lets the album down a bit, with the exeption of speed of sound(which i loved at first but has died on me) and swallowed in the sea. Definatly worth getting. Fixyou is such a beautiful song, possibly he most under-rated song ever? Alongside Shiver in parachutes! Other good songs are square one, a message and low. Other geat songs are What if Talk X&Y white shadows.… Expand
  76. NickS
    Jan 2, 2006
    9
    People have slammed this because it's not as great as A Rush Of Blood To The Head...but nothing ever will be. This one takes lots of repeated play throughs before you understand and feel the album - something many critics will never do. It takes time, and if you push on with it, you'll finally get it and realise how great it is. It's let down by a few songs, namely A People have slammed this because it's not as great as A Rush Of Blood To The Head...but nothing ever will be. This one takes lots of repeated play throughs before you understand and feel the album - something many critics will never do. It takes time, and if you push on with it, you'll finally get it and realise how great it is. It's let down by a few songs, namely A Message, but shines with Low, Twisted Logic, Talk and the title track, X&Y.… Expand
  77. DubM
    Dec 25, 2005
    10
    FUCK YEAH! People haven't been giving X&Y all the credit that it deserves.
  78. BlakeT
    Dec 24, 2005
    6
    I'm new to Coldplay. I go the CD and did enjoy it. I can see what others mean when they say uninspired. It isn't brilliant or that creative. But, some of the songs have merit and it is worth a listen. I wonder if the band is experiencing the Yoko Ono effect after the birth of their baby Orange.
  79. ShaneK
    Dec 22, 2005
    10
    Best album of 2005.
  80. JK
    Dec 19, 2005
    0
    GACK!!!!! i hate coldplay... 100% yawn-fest.... k thats all
  81. EffE
    Dec 19, 2005
    7
    C'mon, all of you Coldplay haters, this is POP music we're talking about here !!! Pop bands don't have to reinvent music everytime they make an album, they just need to write nice tunes. And Coldplay has for this one. Not perfect and not as good as their first two, but still better than many thinks.
  82. kazzas
    Dec 11, 2005
    6
    The first Coldplay album i disliked with the exception of Trouble and Shiver. Rush of Blood... was a class album, one of my favourites. When i heard Speed of Sound i thought that this album might beat the high standards of its predocessor, but NO. I got the album and was seriously disappointed. Square One, Talk, Speed of Sound and What If are the only tracks which i would consider putting The first Coldplay album i disliked with the exception of Trouble and Shiver. Rush of Blood... was a class album, one of my favourites. When i heard Speed of Sound i thought that this album might beat the high standards of its predocessor, but NO. I got the album and was seriously disappointed. Square One, Talk, Speed of Sound and What If are the only tracks which i would consider putting on the last album. The second half of the album is appualing. After Speed of Sound you may as well press off. I seriously believe that the BE HERE NOW affect may hit Coldplay. They may be one of the worlds' biggest bands but clearly a long way off the best.… Expand
  83. serg
    Dec 3, 2005
    5
    coldplay does not have the sharping, effecting and strong sides of the music.. there is no work of guitar there is no interesting melody or a creative sound.. nothing.. it is just for the music listeners who wants to listen simple pop melodies.. sorry coldplay, so far away from radiohead. it is not fair that coldplay claimed themselves as the best music band in the world. for God sake.. coldplay does not have the sharping, effecting and strong sides of the music.. there is no work of guitar there is no interesting melody or a creative sound.. nothing.. it is just for the music listeners who wants to listen simple pop melodies.. sorry coldplay, so far away from radiohead. it is not fair that coldplay claimed themselves as the best music band in the world. for God sake.. how can they decide this.. I do not hear a "best band" in this album.. please do not exaggerate..… Expand
  84. JonR
    Nov 19, 2005
    6
    X&Y was the first Coldplay album I bought thanks to my addiction to the Fix You video from Live 8 when AOL still had it up. Really lovely stuff. But as a whole this album drowns itself out. Theres very little (if any) contrast in pacing or atmosphere from song to song, which kills the album. Sure it has some highlights, White Shadows, the formentioned Fix You and the final three tracks X&Y was the first Coldplay album I bought thanks to my addiction to the Fix You video from Live 8 when AOL still had it up. Really lovely stuff. But as a whole this album drowns itself out. Theres very little (if any) contrast in pacing or atmosphere from song to song, which kills the album. Sure it has some highlights, White Shadows, the formentioned Fix You and the final three tracks come to mind. Most of the rest is rather blah, average. I have no problem with falsetto vocals either (hell I love Radiohead and Muse) so don't go into that. Basically this albums has 5 great songs and then a collection of a couple "good" ones and many without any zip.… Expand
  85. JasperB
    Nov 13, 2005
    8
    The thing that hurts it is that it's worse than Parachutes and A Rush of Blood to the Head.
  86. TysonH
    Nov 9, 2005
    9
    its great. its not perfect, but still fantastic.
  87. BeckyD
    Nov 6, 2005
    10
    The first time I listened to this CD, I wasn't too thrilled. But since then, I've found myself listening to it once or more everyday.
  88. rubyha
    Nov 1, 2005
    10
    this is the most soothing album i have heard in my life.
  89. CarolB
    Oct 31, 2005
    7
    A good effort, but doesn't live up to the hype. "Fix You" is great. But the album as a whole feels a bit repetitive and bland. Definitely not a "Masterpiece" as Blender calls it. Maybe I'm just not too into Chris Martin's falsetto vocals.
  90. Al.ck.
    Oct 28, 2005
    9
    You can't possibly hate this album coz it;s damn good.
  91. MarioC
    Oct 11, 2005
    6
    A little deception...
  92. PeterM
    Oct 5, 2005
    8
    yeah, alot of the lyrics are crap, but its a grower. probably 8 good tracks. There's just a great, spirit and vibe here, especially on `Kingdon Come` and `Swallowed by the Sea`. The chorus on `What if` is awful though - worst I've heard in years.
  93. mikeb
    Oct 3, 2005
    10
    I liked it! Good music to study to... or a long trip! ha
  94. MichelleB
    Sep 29, 2005
    9
    Was disappointed for the first few listenings. Put it down for a week. Picked it back up. Got stuck on Square One for another week. Then really listened to the whole album - now I find I can't stop listening to it. Every time I listen, I hear more -- I might even make my husband a Coldplay fan!
  95. JenW
    Sep 28, 2005
    6
    I'm lukewarm, although there are some musically satisfying bits and pieces in this album. Overall I can't find one song that feels like a coherent whole, perhaps with exception to "The Hardest Part"; there seems to be something simple and pulled together about that one. I keep playing the album, feverently looking for an answer to their "code", but coming up with nothing in the end.
  96. obi-wankenobi
    Sep 28, 2005
    9
    the best album of 2005 by far
  97. BenS
    Sep 23, 2005
    5
    I hate to break the party but I am unconvinced by this album. The lyrics aren't 'crap', but are sadly, dull. Love ballads about nothing-in-particurlar are in I know but after an excellent 'fix you', 'what if', and 'a message' are a bit boring really. There is nothing to match the extreme catchiness of 'clocks', no ballad that has ever I hate to break the party but I am unconvinced by this album. The lyrics aren't 'crap', but are sadly, dull. Love ballads about nothing-in-particurlar are in I know but after an excellent 'fix you', 'what if', and 'a message' are a bit boring really. There is nothing to match the extreme catchiness of 'clocks', no ballad that has ever bettered 'yellow', in fact CMs voice seems to have lost some of its once appealing personality, ho hum… Expand
  98. Patrick
    Sep 19, 2005
    9
    This is a very good album. There isnt really much to say about it, its almost perfection. Speed of sound, the most played track of the album on TV, is really a masterpiece people will look back in twenty years and say, atleast the 2000s has some good music ;)
  99. PhilT
    Sep 19, 2005
    2
    This album is cliched, sentimental and formulaic. The more I listen the more annoyed I become. This isn't the greatness it should/could have been.
  100. Dale
    Sep 16, 2005
    9
    Some very harsh words have been said against what is arguably the best British band going at present. To say the lyrics are 'crappy' and the songs are a 'Radiohead spin-off' really shows some of you lot obviously don't use your ears to listen to music. Coldplay scrapped a staggering 60 songs to make the album as good as possible, and I would say they've Some very harsh words have been said against what is arguably the best British band going at present. To say the lyrics are 'crappy' and the songs are a 'Radiohead spin-off' really shows some of you lot obviously don't use your ears to listen to music. Coldplay scrapped a staggering 60 songs to make the album as good as possible, and I would say they've succeeded. Yes, they have incorperated some electronic sounding into the album, but by no means does this make the songs sound exactly like Radiohead. Songs like 'Square One', 'Talk' and 'White Shadows' demonstrate some beautiful riffs, drum beats and inspirational music, whilst the album killers (Speed of Sound, Fix You being the main offerings) are truly excellent songs. Yes, the album is overatted by the media, and yes this isn't a Parachutes, but without a doubt this is a superb delicacy of passion which Chris and the lads should be proud of.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Most Discussed Album of 2005
13
#13 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 33
  3. Negative: 1 out of 33
  1. Blender
    100
    [Coldplay] have made their masterpiece. [Jun 2005, p.112]
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    90
    Confident, bold, ambitious, bunged with singles and impossible to contain, ‘X&Y’ doesn’t reinvent the wheel but it does reinforce Coldplay as the band of their time.
    Read full review
  3. The Guardian
    60
    They have chosen to opt for the standard formula: it's elegiac, mid-tempo, stadium-friendly ballads all the way.
    Read full review
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