A Head Full of Dreams
by Coldplay
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Dec 4, 2015
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 27
  3. Negative: 2 out of 27
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  1. Q Magazine
    Dec 9, 2015
    80
    This warm and busy album pursues pop as a democratic ideal. The uplift isn't subtle--the tracklisting looks like something you'd come up with after a wrap of MDMA-- but it's infectious. [Jan 2016, p.110]
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  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    Dec 7, 2015
    80
    If A Head Full of Dreams really is to be Coldplay’s last hurrah, then they’ve gone out with a flashbang of colour and catharsis.
  3. Rolling Stone
    Dec 7, 2015
    80
    [Chris Martin's] hinted that this could be Coldplay's last album; if so, they're going out on a sustained note of grace.
  5. Billboard.com
    Dec 7, 2015
    70
    More than any previous Coldplay release, A Head Full of Dreams sounds like a pop record; the band has never been catchier.
  6. AllMusic
    Dec 7, 2015
    70
    Coldplay cheerfully embrace the cheese, ratcheting up both the sparkle and the sentiment so the album feels genuine in its embrace of eternal middle-aged clichés.
  7. Boston Globe
    Dec 4, 2015
    70
    Clearly, the members of Coldplay haven’t completely shaken off their ghosts. But just as clearly, they’ve found joy again in “Dreams.”
  8. The New York Times
    Dec 2, 2015
    70
    Blissful even at its most bittersweet, it’s an album on which three songs make lyrical references to diamonds--as in, “We are diamonds”--and every surface contentedly gleams.... Mr. Martin, who has rediscovered the radiant properties of his voice, gilds a lot of lyrical treacle and borderline nonsense here.
  9. Pretty Much Amazing
    Dec 7, 2015
    67
    The album doesn’t always work, but more often than not it sounds enough like vintage Coldplay to satisfy both diehards and casual listeners.

Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Most Discussed Album of 2015
14
#14 Most Shared Album of 2015

User Reviews

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User Score
6.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 461 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 275 out of 461
  2. Mixed: 121 out of 461
  3. Negative: 65 out of 461
  1. Talhamid
    Dec 4, 2015
    10
    Now it is established: even if Coldplay come up with Sgt Peppers, critics will still hate them. Their lyrics are deeply scrutinized and theirNow it is established: even if Coldplay come up with Sgt Peppers, critics will still hate them. Their lyrics are deeply scrutinized and their attempt at reinventing themselves on every album is seen as aping other bands. By contrast they go gaga over Taylor Swift. Oasis were forgiven through the biggest bad-album streak in history yet Coldplay, a band whose worst album IMHO (Mylo Xyloto) is still leagues better than the rest, are never given a chance. Good thing the general public disagrees. I can't praise this album enough; have a feeling in a few years time this will be regarded as one of the great albums. Neatly bookended by the title track (a track that reminds one of U2's triumphant start to The Unforgettable Fire, A Sort of Homecoming) and the closing track Up and Up, which is haunting, glorious, epic, and melacholy at the same time (with nothing less than a gleaming guitar solo from former scoffer Gallagher), and containing unexpected, shimmering melodies in between, this album works for anyone, Coldplay fan or not. So my message is: NEVER MIND THE BOLLOCKS, give this album a listen and you will love it. Guaranteed… Full Review »
  2. RobertoElDiablo
    Dec 4, 2015
    6
    After hearing the first single I thought that this album would be like a second Mylo Xyloto. And this is kind of true. Except "A head full ofAfter hearing the first single I thought that this album would be like a second Mylo Xyloto. And this is kind of true. Except "A head full of dreams", and "Everglow", that are really good songs, the rest of the album is a catchy, colorful pot-pourrit of common pop songs. I will listen to it, because it is still quite good, but like I said, it is common. Any correct pop group could do this, and if it wasn't for the voice of Chris Martin, this album could be anyone's. I find it disappointing because I know the can compose amazing songs, and I exept something different from them.… Full Review »
  3. badgerfan21
    Dec 4, 2015
    3
    This is just ... not very good. I suppose if you started as a 15 year old with this album, you might like it. if you've paid attention toThis is just ... not very good. I suppose if you started as a 15 year old with this album, you might like it. if you've paid attention to this from their EP days, this feels like a cynical cash-in; an attempt to satisfy an album deal as quickly as possible. It reminds me of the MOR approach U2 turned to after POP, but without the tunes. Avoid.… Full Review »
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