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

best album ever made

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.

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.

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.

passive. Would be sleep inducing if it weren't irritatingly whiny.

There are very few albums that grab you in the first few seconds of a song. You need to listen several times and let it seep in. Coldplay is that kind of band, and this is that kind of album. It may be a bit "boring" to some, but the melodies are there, you just need to listen. In this MTV age, we've been dumbed down by repetitive hooks and driving beats that many people don't recognize a great song when they hear it. Just listen to "Fix You" three or four times before you pass judgment on this album. Listening to "Fix You" is a similar revelatory experience to listening to "The Scientist". It gets better with every listen. This is a great album by a great band. Just give it a chance.… Expand

First off, people should except the fact that bands (especially ones that have staying power) change their sound and evolve from album to album. If they didn't, well where would the creativity be? X&Y is a beautifully crafted album that blends perfectly. Changing producers is not an easy thing to do, espeically when the last album was such a smash. "Fix You" is a masterpiece and hopefully the second single to be released. While other tracks such as "The Hardest Part" and "What If? trademark Coldplay's sound. Well done and looks like this album will silence some critics as to whether this Brits have what it takes to take on U2.… Expand

This album is by far their best album yet! The music is perfect for emotions. It makes you happy when you want to be happy and sad when you want to be sad. The songs are deep and cause you to think. This band gets better and better as the years progress! I recommend you buy it as soon as you can. It's awsome.

a masterpiece.

Its a good album, but definitely not in the league of Rush of Blood, which was a masterpiece. But, its still heaps then all those Coldplay copier bands out there. Ignore them and get this album.

meh. More of the same. Avoid.

my previous interest in coldplay was based soley upon the song "the scientist." a little trite perhaps, particularly compared to what i normally listen to, but screw it, i loved the song. loved loved loved. bought that album, enjoyed 3 or 4 cuts almost as much, but generally felt the album was pretty spotty, which is forgiveable with such great songs thrown in. No forgiveness on this one, though. I moderately enjoyed the single and the first cut on the album, but the rest simply felt like a band who couldn't hit the songwriting side of the barn, so they dressed up all of the songs with typical coldplay things to the max. all the falsetto you can handle, as many spooky ambient synths as their recording gear let them fit (thanks, eno), and that same freaking guitar line and sound OVER and OVER; and they do this for a whole hour! it's the sound of a band missing the mark, of frustration. and, to me, that's frustrating, too, when i've seen the highs this band is capable off.… Expand

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.

wow, this has got to be the most over hyped album of ALL TIME. I have listened to it twice and have failed to get ANYTHING from it. It's a boring piece of crap and not one song did anything for me. 4-5 of the songs are shameless rip offs of Clocks, with that same plodding rhythm/bass line combo. Crappy melody the first time and crappy the next 5 times. The rest of the songs are boring piano songs with NO melody. And when i say NO melody i mean nothing. Please don't waste your money on this drivel.… Expand

I agree 100 percent with arnab m. This is not their best album. I do like it but the past two were strong, memorable, and ground breaking. x&y has a strong start but flatlined at the end. Its a bit of a downer in a way. Read the lyrics! Theres no dought in my mind that Chris Martin has major talent but where were they during the last couple of years. It would seem that they themselves have taken to heart many global issues which makes for a depressing and sorrow filled ending. They could have taken a different direction. Nevertheless it was a good album, not the best. They definitely could do better.… Expand

This rules. A little overproduced but the songs in themselves are just spectacular. Songs such as A MESSAGE and SWALLOWED IN THE SEA make this album irresistable.

this is an awsome record, period.....

Though I may be biast towards britpop albums in general, I full heartedly feel that this trancends genre titles. This will be hailed as a classic. Its focoused layered honest and brillaint. Dont belive the bad reviews.

This is by far the best album to date of Coldplay with some of their songs taking a new direction , the first sone on the album especially sounding very like U2 and that cant be a bad thing can it . The more you listen to this album the more addicted you will become this CD is one habbit i definatly dont want to beat .

best album ever, by the best band ever

It's disappointing to see Coldplay take such a huge step back. Parachutes was a solid album with some great singles(8) but then came A Rush Of Blood To The Head which was near perfect and established Coldplay as a band that not only appeals to indie and british rock lovers, but to teenage girls and middle-aged businessmen as well. Now they make us wait three years and the best that they can come up with is X&Y, a cheesy, cliche-ridden album that features at least seven tracks that are blatantly and shamelessly either ripping off or trying to aspire to the same style of U2 (Lord knows why Coldplay would want to try and copy them). Any distinctiveness and originality that Coldplay once had is almost completely lost. The only bright spots are Fix You, which is an insant classic and if Colplay is smart they will make it their second single, Talk, and the first single Speed of Sound. It's sad being a Coldplay fan for so long (ever since I heard an EP with Bigger, Stronger on it five years ago) only to have them release such a mundane third, and possibly final album.… Expand

Easily thier best album to date. Thats really all there is to say, its a masterpiece.

I just cannot get into this album, no matter how much I want to. It's background music, my mind just wanders away. As a fan I'm feeling a bit let down. I expected more, I expected a step forward. This does not feel like that. The glimmer of a highlight: "Fix You".

simply amazing. enough said.

I don't care what anybody else thinks, but to me, this is the most beautiful music I've ever heard.

very solid, the tracks are genuine and touching

Phenomenal

This Coldplay at the top of their game. The music swirls and cascades into your soul. Definitely their most commercial effort to date.

They just keep getting better. People are going to hate them or love them which has been the same for any hugely successful band that has ever come before them. For those that love them, this album is a treat.

bland, unoffensive, takes very little risks. a huge step backwards for this band that started with so much promise.

After waiting 18 months now we received our prize! Very good album.

Yeah they may have gotten uber popular, but for people like me who don't use that as a reason to distance myself from artists, the album is still good. If you enjoyed Parachutes more than Rush of Blood you will probably be pleasantly pleased with Coldplays newest outing. Big swells, nice warm reverb(y) production, and back to more falsetto rich choruses, what more could you ask for. Even though they're as pop as all get get out, they're still good and surely doing their own thing.… Expand

Another insipid collection of downer tunes to play with your lame art house girlfriend (or boyfriend). Lighten up, boys - life's short - have some fun.

I always have high expectations for this band, but this suprisingly exceeded them. There are many classic albums I've collected over the years and this sits right up there with the best of them.

This is a beautifully ambient album. Most of the songs are pretty solid, especially the first four. I think the only one to stay away from is "talk." Great album.

Listen to it through 3 times. It just keeps getting better

No ratings or reviews should be accepted on any album until at least 5 listens to complete album. Like so many classics they take a little getting used to. This album is no different. Yes the album is U2ish but a better U2 than U2. Is it perfect...nothing is and music is personal. Is rare a quality album has commercial success in this day of corporate radio (Remember it's not Payola if you own the source)… Expand

Too bad Elliott M does not know what he is talking about. He makes reference to one song, Speed of Sound which is rediculous to base a whole CD off of one song. When people say that it sounds like 'Clocks' they obviously hear only a piano rift in the beginning. Clocks to me, is more fast paced than Speed of Sound. The difference between X&Y and AROBTTH, is that there are more guitar rifts in X&Y, making the sound different than AROBTTH. There are many piano solos in AROBTTH, such as Scientist, clocks and Amsterdam. The best new songs are Square One, White Shadows, Talk, Low and for all those love starving souls, Fix You. Coldplay does a great job of mixing up the speed of the song and lyrics. Most definate 10… Expand

Coldplay has taken what it does well and perfected it. This album has songs (Square One, Fix You) that remind you that Coldplay is the best band out there right now.

todavia no se si comprarlo o no. me lo baje y lo escucho seguido.. pero......ABURRE UN POCO!!

What a pile of gick,only good if you want to jump off a building.

an extraordinary follow-up to 'A Rush of Blood to the Head'

yawn....zzzzzzz.....

A great album. Don't listen to the negativity, this is absolutely gorgeous especially Side X. White Shadows and Square One are probably the best songs Coldplay have written so far.

this is a very very good cd and i can't wait to get it

amazing... genious...

I usually try to provide a little more explanation than this when I reject a record, but this was just really really really boring. It doesn't really invite any further scrutiny. The second CD was better.

this album takes work to enjoy. i didn't like it on first listen but it kind of snakes around in your head and you keep listening to it. there are some absolutely brilliant songs on here like 'fix you' and 'a message'. my favorite track...right now...is 'white shadows', although i seem to find a new favorite song every few days. My biggest complaint about this album is that i am always thinking this album COULD have been one of the greatest ever and it just fals a bit short. there are too many spots where songs just never build from a nice beginning...they kind of drone away and you forget you are even listening to them. i will say this: after the very first time that i listened to this album, the first thought that popped into my head was that the NEXT Coldplay album will be a instant classic. i still think that and i guess that sums up how i feel about this album.… Expand

This is a huge disapointment. The lyrcis are so crappy and they're all cliches (Every step that you take/Could be yourbiggest mistake/It could bend or it could break/ But that's the risk that you take). Pure crap! And the transition into a more electronic style is pathetic (prob trying to be compared again with Radiohead). They should stick with they're old stuff.

I've never listened to Coldplay before, but this Album is the best I have listened to in a long time. Listen to it on headphones really loud and it gets a whole new sound! I cannot understand it gets bad reviews. This is simply great music. Isn't it all a totally subjective question of taste and mood, anyway, How can anyone be in a position to trash it officially???

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

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..

i agree wit the critics lovely tunes - occasionally good lyrics - very listenable but lacks personality

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

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

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!!!

FUCK YEAH! People haven't been giving X&Y all the credit that it deserves.

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.

...I'm a tough critic...I have over 6500 songs of different genres on my Jukebox...I love "Rush of Blood.." and "Warning Sign" still gives me goosebumps...I loved each song..."Low" and "X&Y" take a few listens to grow on you..."Talk" and "Kingdom Come" are so powerful...I love the older U2/Kraftwerk references and "borrowed" musical lines...Pick it up...along with "Atomic Bomb", the best album possibly this year...people love to hate the best out there...enjoy...… Expand

Album Comparison: "X&Y," in my humble opinion, is worth 8 out of 10 (And I have heard the entire LP multiple times, unlike some those who say they hate before they actually listen to all the songs). The album is not particularly varied (minus two points) but there are many wonderful tracks, such as the opening track and a track near the end titled "Low" which show that Coldplay is trying new things and are willing to break from the formula of verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus. I feel this is more artsy than their "AROBTTH" fans would want, but I am enjoying this album, and I think Parachutes fans will, too. "X&Y" is well worth the money I would say. The song titled "Low" is up there with Radiohead's stuff. One more thing, Coldplay is vocally better than Radiohead, but I will admit Radiohead is more adventurous instrumentally. Kid A and Amnesiac are each worth 9 out of 10 in my opinion. I considered "AROBTTH" to be a waste of money, worth only 5 out of 10 at best. "Clocks" and the title track "AROBTTH" are all I listen to off that album now. I wish they would have included Moses. That was a good song live. Parachutes is worth a 10 out of 10 because the vocals were perfect, the compositional instrumentation was varied, and "High Speed," "Spies," "Don't Panic" and all the rest of the songs that didn't make it to radio were wonderful. I recommend people listen to entire album before you judge. Another album I would give a 10 out of 10 is "Mmhmm" by Relient K. They are still a baby band (not even on metacritic yet).… Expand

To start, I was never a huge Coldplay fan, they simply weren't the type of music I listened to, but I am listening now. And the more I listen to this cd, the more I love every minute of it. And to everyone who says that the lyrics are unoriginal, show me the songs that they ripped off. And if it is so unoriginal, let me take a look at some of your material, because I doubt any of you could write anything nearly as poetic as this. U2 can definitely rest assured that their torch will be passed on to capable hands! This is one of the best albums of the year so far!! Musically, this album puts you in almost a dream state, and the lyrics are easily relateable, yet moving all the same. Just give a listen to Fix You, a song I was told was writen about Gwyneth's late father, if you are not moved to tears, then you are emotionally inept. If you are a fan of music that is good on all levels, pick up this cd, it will NOT disappoint.… Expand

Coldplay does it again! I loved Coldplay since their first hit "Yellow" came out. Tthis entire CD is amazing and carries Coldplay's defining essence.

I love Coldplay, a true old-school fan, I'm proud to say, seen them several times in concert and last month at the Fillmore in San Francisco. Anyways, this album is a step backward from any standpoint other than commercial. Chris' lyrics are really trite and cliche on this record. Such as "the next step you take, could be your biggest mistake, but thats the risk you take". Another "tears stream down your face". I've heard this kind of stuff in boy band songs for gosh's sake. My buddy said it best, this record has no guts, no balls. It's a big let down from wonderful songs like God Put a Smile, Clocks, and In my Place. There gonna have a masterpiece of an album, but this certainly isn't it.… Expand

it was just great! Music in its true form!

i think this album could be a masterpiece of a lifetime but it seems like big names like rolling stone magazine and spin contradict themselves by calling the last 2 albums quote the work of a small band trying to act like a big band when at the time this two previous critics called both of the albums and the band itself like (gods)

Wow... all i can say is that this album is amazing. Yes, Martin's voice alone is nothing amazing. The lyrics easily forgetable. And the riffs easily lost. However, when all three are combined it leaves an album that is simply amazing. Very soothing, introspective, out of this world type experience. Highlights on the album include square one, fix you, my personal favorite talk, and swallowed in the sea. Most intresting on the album is the not-so-hidden track til' kingdom come, having a country feel to it (makes sense considering it was originally written for the late Johnny Cash). Definetely a must if you have enjoyed other Coldplay efforts… Expand

I really like the songs on this CD. They're the best.

not as good as their 2 previous albums but still good

Coldplay have moved on from Rush Of Blood and are making their way towards greatness... this isn't their peak, this is just a teaser for the albums they're going to make. It's a damn fine record, and "Fix You" in particular makes me break out into a broad smile. I can't help but feel that everything is going to be okay when I hear it. Thanks, boys. N

Not as strong as their previous releases, but still better than most of what you hear in todays top 40 radio.

solid rock album, many hooks, some minor Martin whining. A feminine U2 album

so, with this album, Coldplay did not use its chance to make its large audiance listen to something challengig. U2 did it, Pink Floyd did it, Raidohead did it, PJH did it in their careers, many names... why did these people take risks at least in one period of their lives ? were they crazy ? no... they just had the vision for music. and it got inspirational for many other names. but this album showed that Coldplay do not have the courage for their music journey so it will be a nice journey maybe but not interesting. sorrunding in the same places. . and what is important for Coldplay ? the sales are guaranteed, the awards maybe guaranteed, the popularity is guaranteed. so what's left for the rest, what about music evolution ? Just do not ask. I hope other bands do not take it as example, then they do something interesting.… Expand

i think this album is great, and that everyone wants coldplay to do a ok computer, but i like x and y very much , especially fix you, swallowed in the sea and twisted logic

martin says the band gave it thier best; i think they are experimenting with something new. after rush of blood, i guess i was hoping for an extension of that album. Put aside your preconceptions and listen, there are some real jewels on this album.

Just like their first 2 albums, this one'll grow on you. I don't know exactly why this is, but oh well. Musically, the album is great, with a few songs being extremely catchy, and progression in their sound is noticable. The areas where "X&Y" gets its demerits are lyrics and number of tracks on the album. Lyrically, the album is not so great. Martin covered a more diverse array of topics on "A Rush of Blood to the Head." All he writes about here is love, romance, and his feelings. I would have liked to see more lyrical diversity. As for number of songs, "Twisted Logic" and "Low" shouldn't have made the cut. The album should have been 11 songs long. Also, it just doesn't sound as fresh or as simplistically beautiful as "A Rush of Blood to the Head" did when it first came out. However, "X&Y" still delivers the goods. It's very solid and very consistent. And hey, it's still great, just not exceptional like "A Rush of Blood to the Head" was.… Expand

This one'll take more time to get used to... But "Talk," "Fix You," "Swept in the Sea," and the single are early favorites.

typical coldplay. not original and not different. boring

this album was so influnced by the record company it's not funny! Coldplay fans will pick and choose their song and take what they want. Although it still has a strong sinigle, a sloppy but loveable piano ballad and good starting (i.e. Polik) which all coldplay albums have had. It good but not that good and even more mainsteam then before. It so safe at times it's offesive. Next ablum be better but this album is great for the first few times ut will then is useless… Expand

Yuck! You will immediately forget this album after hearing. THE most pedestrian stuff I've heard in a while.

i love so much colplay but this new album is horrible i don't like because is too seem at them old albums

The best new release so far this year! Coldplay has an album that will stand up for a long time.

Well, I guess the sales numbers prove that suspense and over-hype really do work. I don't know what Coldplay were thinking. The ballads on this album are sappy and the hard(er) songs never really rock. Very disappointing as I adored AROBTTH. However, the biggest weakness is the lyrics. Heart-felt is fine, but don't club us over the head with it. We get it! -- you love your wife and she's been through a hard time It will be very interesting to see whether Coldplay can get back what they've obviously lost on this one.… Expand

well I read most of the comments that were posted here and I also took a chance and bought the CD for myself since I am a major Coldplay fan. I listened to it and in my opinion it was great. whoever said that the more you listen the more you like it was right but I think that all their CDs have done that to me. Though it does have many cliches and isn't as great as Rush of blood is..im no music critic but I do know what I like and I like this CD and for those who trash it, you are entitled to your opinion but do remember that everyone is different and everyone is not going to like the same things. there would be no fun in it and the world would be boring, not to mention a very 'outter limits'/ 'twilight zone' kind of place… Expand

Amazing! So many rock and pop bands put out so much thoughtless crap. This is a refreshing change

This is a very good album, not a complete departure, but an evolution. While it will be compared to U2 and others, I see a possible lineage, perhaps unintended, to John Lennon. The melodies, harmonies, suggest an affinity.

this album is as good if not better then the previous 2 coldplay produced.!!!!!!!!!!!!

This album could be called "Coldplay Takes No Chances" or "Empty, Slice-of-Life Platitudes" and the the single that's a total rehash of "Clocks" is unforgiveable.

This is an excellent cd! It is near flawless and very good quality music, possibly my favorite album of all time. Speed of Sound, Fix You, Square One and White Shadows are some of the highlights. Coldplay is now officially my favorite band.

Square One, Speed of Sound and Talk are great songs, but too many of the rest are mediocre, run-of-the-mill. A decent album, but nowhere near as good as Rush of Blood

"What If" and "Talk" are two tracks on this CD that actually stand up and say for the band "See? We CAN be good but choose to be sleepy and boring instead! Take that!" If this CD only had those two songs on it, I'd give it a 10. Too bad.

What an ugly piece of work. Yikes!

I really like this CD. It did take a few times to get use to it (being a veteran Coldplay fan). They do tend to fall the last few songs (kind of sappy Gwenyth songs). I do believe alot of the critics are trying to compare this to Parachutes and A Rush... but, you cannot. Just like you could not compare A Rush.. to Parachutes. They all have there place. I do however think that 'Fix you' should have been put on the CD last. It would've followed the pattern they had created with the last songs on there prior CD's. This is definatley worth picking up . The first 9 songs on the album are worth it!… Expand

This is one of those albums you come to appreciate over time. It isn't as easy to take hold of as "A rush of blood to the head" or as mellow has "Parachutes" it takes a second listen and becomes better and better. Often the falsetto's Martin gives birth to are criticised for being sung before. Although that is the his sound, and he puts his own twist to it, especially on this album. Songs like Square One are new and innovative without losing that authentic Coldplay sound. I think that most of us don't really care for it to be innovative, we just want more coldplay......… Expand

Good but not great. "Low" and "Talk" are the tracks that stand out as opposed to the lame sappy nonsense of "Fix You " or " What If?". But really this is no different that the last two albums. Neither were masterpieces by any stretch. This is music for your mother.

They smothered the whole record in three kinds of cheese: 80s Yanni synths, cliches-as-lyrics pretending to mean something, and fake U2 guitar. Still, it sounds good, and has a lot of beautiful tunes. A big step back artistically. Probably a big step forward commercially.

If by saying: "This is the album we've all been waiting for..." You really mean: "Here's a boring album for you! Please don't buy it!" Or: "I waited for 15 years to hear my father tell me he loved me and all I got was this stupid album." Then I would agree with you;.

It soars, it drops, it leaves you wanting more, it leaves you wishing that Johnny Cash sang "Til Kingdom Come"...most of all it leaves you with that warm feeling that all good albums do. Has great lines "my song is love, love unkown and I've got to get that message home", songs about angst, songs about love, songs about loss, songs about today...it just fits and you will love listening to it front to back, which is the true test of a good album.… Expand