A Rush Of Blood To The Head
by Coldplay
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Aug 27, 2002
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 590 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 544 out of 590
  2. Mixed: 25 out of 590
  3. Negative: 21 out of 590

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  1. LeftyRightyGuy
    Nov 4, 2011
    10
    Best album by Coldplay to this day. Its the best tracks are "A Rush of Blood to the Head," "Green Eyes," "Scientist," and "Clocks." I recommend this masterpiece to anyone who wants to hear good music.
  2. shakersonic
    Sep 29, 2012
    10
    This is Coldplay's masterpiece. "Politik" and "God Put A Smile Upon Your Face" are quality rock songs, the "The Scientist" and "Warning Sign" are some of the best melancholic songs you will hear, the sophisticated indie tracks, "Daylight" and "Whisper", are addictive, however, the best song on here is "Clocks". The hypnotic piano riff is heavenly. Breathtaking.
  3. squidgee
    Dec 9, 2012
    8
    Not completely flawless but definitely Coldplay's finest album to date. Some of Coldplay's classics such as "Clocks" are in here amongst other tracks that are meaningful and sound great. Rush of Blood to the Head also finishes the album off wonderfully with the conclusive "Amsterdam".
  4. TexasRez
    Apr 22, 2012
    9
    A great album with great, relaxing songs on it, makes you just want to put it on repeat. I do find these songs catchy, and 'A Rush of Blood to the Head' may just be Coldplay's defining album. Key tracks: "In My Place", "The Scientist", "Clocks", "Warning Sign"
  5. moonman1994
    Dec 15, 2012
    9
    A simply amazing album filled with tons of great songs. It's songs have variety, the lyrics are emotional, and all the songs are well balanced. This is an album that nearly anyone can enjoy and that I always enjoy singing along with. I would highly recommend it!
  6. AnalyDewa
    Nov 15, 2015
    9
    Parecido com ''Parachutes'', mas ainda assim se distanciando mais de Radiohead e criando uma própria personalidade a banda, ''A Rush of Blood to the Head'' vem todo lapidado por vocais melancólicos, versos de fácil acesso e detalhes pequenos e transformações ao longo de cada canção que prendem o ouvinte até ao fim de cada faixa.
    ''A Rush of Blood to the Head'' vem com papel fundamental,    Parecido com ''Parachutes'', mas ainda assim se distanciando mais de Radiohead e criando uma própria personalidade a banda, ''A Rush of Blood to the Head'' vem todo lapidado por vocais melancólicos, versos de fácil acesso e detalhes pequenos e transformações ao longo de cada canção que prendem o ouvinte até ao fim de cada faixa.
    ''A Rush of Blood to the Head'' vem com papel fundamental, não só de firmar a banda dentro da indústria musical, mas de firmar o disco como um dos mais influentes e aclamados deste século.    … Expand
  7. EddieHokie
    Nov 27, 2019
    8
    The most well reviewed album in the Coldplay discography is good but overrated. It is a giant leap forward from Parachutes in terms of creativity and taking chances. Unlike Parachutes, there are a couple duds and the general tone is icy and a bit jumbled. The highs here are higher than the debut (Scientist, God Put a Smile, Warning Sign) but the lows are lower (Daylight, Whisper).The most well reviewed album in the Coldplay discography is good but overrated. It is a giant leap forward from Parachutes in terms of creativity and taking chances. Unlike Parachutes, there are a couple duds and the general tone is icy and a bit jumbled. The highs here are higher than the debut (Scientist, God Put a Smile, Warning Sign) but the lows are lower (Daylight, Whisper). The initial surprise in growth gave this album some early love but I think Parachutes has aged better. They are both fine albums.… Expand
  8. kellyn
    Feb 4, 2014
    9
    Born in 1996, Coldplay didn’t mess around. They got right down to business making music and building a fan base that would continue to flourish more than a decade after first sitting down in Parlophone Studios to record their journey through powerful piano ballads and haunting hi-hats.
    From their signature paint-splattered piano to lead singer Chris Martin’s British charm, Coldplay    Born in 1996, Coldplay didn’t mess around. They got right down to business making music and building a fan base that would continue to flourish more than a decade after first sitting down in Parlophone Studios to record their journey through powerful piano ballads and haunting hi-hats.
    From their signature paint-splattered piano to lead singer Chris Martin’s British charm, Coldplay stepped into the spotlight in 2000 with the release of their single “Yellow.” If you weren’t able to see past the pantsuits and razor scooters of the early 2000s, you may have missed the early days of Coldplay. Not only did they cultivate their talents early, but they incubated ideas for years to come.
    Let’s take a look at their second album ever released, A Rush Of Blood To The Head. Opening with the track “Politik,” we can assume from the raging pulse of the drums and guitar that this album has a statement to make. The song begs its listener to “open up your eyes.” Sounding almost mechanical, this intense song is a change in sound from Coldplay’s previous album.
    As the album progresses, we move from eager rhythms to a more relaxed sound, a characteristic of Coldplay’s mellow yellow soul. Things slow down with the quixotic tune, “Clocks,” where Chris flexes his vocal chords to hit the higher notes. Again, there is a very distinct, driving rhythm that keeps you grounded in the song.
    By the time we get to “Green Eyes,” we’re more than half way through this eleven-track album. Coldplay couldn’t help but go back to their heart-warming roots. “Green Eyes” is a sincere acoustic ballad with subtle yet effective harmonies. It’s a nice break from the first few in-your-face tracks, but it’s also the turning point of the album.
    A Rush Of Blood To The Head is almost an emotional journey, laced with love, confusion and introspection. Once we’ve passed the emerald gem that is “Green Eyes,” things slow down even more with the echoing riffs of “Warning Sign,” which has a nostalgic sound we haven’t yet encountered in the album. “Warning Sign” pairs gentle riffs with a roaring truth, “I miss you.”
    The tracks from here on out are much more intimate and heart wrenching. The title track, “A Rush Of Blood To The Head,” rings with longing and desire. The song and album title itself are a good summary for the over-all effect of the album: a rush of blood to the head, an epiphany, an intensity.
    A Rush of Blood To The Head is more mechanical sounding than Coldplay’s first album, Parachutes. The golden-lit spinning globe on the album cover is a good indication of Parachutes’ warm acoustic sounds and dreamy melodies. Their first album was a great start to building their image as a British rock band, and it was almost more inviting in sound than A Rush Of Blood To The Head-— but I think that’s the point.
    While “Parachutes” is comparable to a dimly-lit café with the faint sounds of Sinatra drifting under the smell of freshly baked croissants, A Rush Of Blood To The Head is more like sitting in a fluorescently lit room in a mass-produced, lightly padded chair. While this may sound a little uncomfortable, it has impact, and that is the point of the album. Being cozy has its perks, but being uncomfortable can provoke important questions and evoke a whole new set of emotions.
    If you enjoyed the emotional progressions of A Rush Of Blood To The Head, I encourage you to listen to their other five, start to finish, and marvel at the emotional and mental journey they will take you on.    … Expand
  9. philosophorse
    Jun 4, 2014
    10
    Beautiful. Simply beautiful. Chris Martin, although slightly unadept in writing lyrics, and his band of musicians, never fails to amuse and amaze for the second time. The best album of Coldplay, behind it is Viva La Vida.
  10. sambuu
    Aug 12, 2016
    10
    Since they released Parachutes, everyone's waiting for new album from Coldplay. Finally, waiting is over and they released this (a rush of blood to the head). This album is become bigger, better than Parachutes. The Scientist, In My Place, Clocks are best songs of 2002 and maybe 2000s and 21st century. But on this albums have so many hidden gems including A Rush of Blood to The Head, GreenSince they released Parachutes, everyone's waiting for new album from Coldplay. Finally, waiting is over and they released this (a rush of blood to the head). This album is become bigger, better than Parachutes. The Scientist, In My Place, Clocks are best songs of 2002 and maybe 2000s and 21st century. But on this albums have so many hidden gems including A Rush of Blood to The Head, Green Eyes, Politik etc. If you don't know Coldplay, and interested on this album. You should've listen. You're not disappoint… Expand
  11. normankant
    Jun 11, 2015
    9
    This record is the best from Coldplay. It has catchy melodies, great songs that are moving in their simplicity and unique vocals. A rush of blood to the head is the portrait of a band at the top of their game, a band that thanks to this record will start to be a worldwide famous act.
  12. alecvl08
    Oct 14, 2014
    8
    A pretty good album, not as good as Parachutes, but still good enough for me. It just bothers me that an album that seems so conceptual from the outside has no real theme or message running through it, but it's fun to listen to nonetheless. Some musical choices also confused me, such as the tracks Clocks and Daylight. They are both great songs, but they are consecutive on the album and useA pretty good album, not as good as Parachutes, but still good enough for me. It just bothers me that an album that seems so conceptual from the outside has no real theme or message running through it, but it's fun to listen to nonetheless. Some musical choices also confused me, such as the tracks Clocks and Daylight. They are both great songs, but they are consecutive on the album and use the same drum rhythm for their duration. I just didn't get that. Overall, great style and some tracks are great. Favorite track: A Rush of Blood to the Head… Expand
  13. Sheva02
    Jun 15, 2018
    10
    A thoughtful, provoking album about urgency. Coldplay managed to create a timeless album.
  14. Dmason89
    Feb 23, 2016
    10
    One of the greatest albums of all time by one of the greatest bands of all time. A Rush of Blood to the Head goes from gentle piano ballads to harder rock/alternative. The album carries beautiful melodies and thoughtful lyrics. A true classic!
  15. LeoDiCaprioFan
    Jul 17, 2016
    7
    Quite good album!, "The Scientist" and "Clocks" are the best songs out of this album. The others songs are kinda meh. It's not really worthy for me. :
  16. alejandro970
    Dec 3, 2017
    10
    One of biggest achievements of british band commanded by Chris Martin in this new millenium. In shortly words is charming from A to Z. Particullarly in songs like The scientist, Yellow and Clocks.
  17. tino_bandito
    Jan 23, 2017
    10
    Easily one of their top three albums, a big contender for best album, and one of the best albums of the decade. This is when they hit it big and showed the world their creativity. They didn't seem to be trying to be a 'pop' band and while there were hints of other greats (like U2) in their music, they made their own style and showed who they would be for the next 10 years in this great.
  18. CamdenRendell
    Jan 29, 2018
    9
    A staple in 2000s rock. Strong lyrics. Coldplay's best. Highly recommended album.
  19. groupie
    Aug 16, 2017
    10
    es un buen álbum, agradable de inicio a fin, te puede acompañar a donde vayas y jamás te cansarás de escucharlo, porque es perfecto para cualquier ocasión.
  20. musicreviews7
    Dec 15, 2019
    10
    It's closing in to the 20 year anniversary for A Rush Of Blood To The Head, and the album is certainly one of the greatest brit-rock albums the last 20 years, if not the best. The melodies are great, the songwriting sincere and it's probably the only Coldplay-album without any fillers. If you haven't been listening to Daylight and A Whisper – do it, they're great. Almost all the otherIt's closing in to the 20 year anniversary for A Rush Of Blood To The Head, and the album is certainly one of the greatest brit-rock albums the last 20 years, if not the best. The melodies are great, the songwriting sincere and it's probably the only Coldplay-album without any fillers. If you haven't been listening to Daylight and A Whisper – do it, they're great. Almost all the other songs are classics, both in terms of quality and commercial success. This is probably the highest point in Coldplay's career, even though Viva La Vida (album) are close.

    Best tracks: The Scientist, In My Place, Green Eyes, Clocks
    Worst: Daylight    … Expand
  21. BrainAndS0ul
    Aug 8, 2017
    10
    Easily the best Coldplay album, which defined the band as we remember it. Have to mention the beautiful composition of an album with In My Place being a fantastic #2 song and Amsterdam being a great closing song for this legendary record
  22. Stefffan
    Aug 8, 2017
    10
    One of the best albums of 2000s and of all time. It's definetely Coldplay's best album, also, singles from the album are just perfect. That piano easily brings you memories.
  23. willpaz1105
    Mar 12, 2023
    10
    This forever is one of my favorite albums of all time. Every song has an extraordinary place in my heart. Their sound is their best on this record. The scientist, Clocks, God put a smile upon my face, A rush of blood to the head authentical masterpieces. It's melancholy, raw, pure, and sophisticated.
  24. AustinfVermilli
    Dec 4, 2019
    10
    Easily thier best this is thier Masterpiece just a mix of emotion and amazing sounds Politik stands out
  25. NolanLundgaard
    Apr 6, 2020
    9
    A Rush of Blood to the Head by Coldplay: 8.26

    Politik: 0.75 In My Place: 1 God Put a Smile Upon Your Face: 1 :) The Scientist: 1 :) Clocks: 1 Daylight: 1 :) Green Eyes: 1 :) Warning Sign: 1 A Whisper: 0.75 A Rush of Blood to the Head: 0.5 Amsterdam: 1 10/11 ~ .909 -> 8.26 Wow, such a great album; it’s one of the best I’ve reviewed. I grew up listening to A Rush of Blood    A Rush of Blood to the Head by Coldplay: 8.26

    Politik: 0.75
    In My Place: 1
    God Put a Smile Upon Your Face: 1 :)
    The Scientist: 1 :)
    Clocks: 1
    Daylight: 1 :)
    Green Eyes: 1 :)
    Warning Sign: 1
    A Whisper: 0.75
    A Rush of Blood to the Head: 0.5
    Amsterdam: 1

    10/11 ~ .909 -> 8.26

    Wow, such a great album; it’s one of the best I’ve reviewed. I grew up listening to A Rush of Blood to the Head so a lot of the songs from this album are my favorites, and God Put a Smile Upon Your Face is one of my favorite songs of all time. I really don’t have any complaints about this album except the song A Rush of Blood to the Head was a little bland musically. Besides that, I was really happy with what I heard. Coldplay is such a great band, and this may be when they were at their best. A Rush of Blood to the Head is a significant improvement over its predecessor, Parachutes, and it's fun to go back in time and see Coldplay develop into the amazing and popular band that they have become! Highlights: In My Place, God Put a Smile Upon Your Face, The Scientist, Clocks, Daylight, Green Eyes, Warning Sign, and Amsterdam.    … Expand
  26. alphabetdisas
    Oct 13, 2018
    10
    El álbum accede a una gama de sonidos que tienen una armonía y sucesión que se comienzan a elevar o cambiar de una manera que el álbum se convierte en una obra de diversidad que no se vuelve igual y sencillamente permite que el disfrute el disco sea potenciado, sin una canción que no se convierta en aburrida, pues coldplay maneja con maestría la sucesión y siempre capta el sonido exacto yEl álbum accede a una gama de sonidos que tienen una armonía y sucesión que se comienzan a elevar o cambiar de una manera que el álbum se convierte en una obra de diversidad que no se vuelve igual y sencillamente permite que el disfrute el disco sea potenciado, sin una canción que no se convierta en aburrida, pues coldplay maneja con maestría la sucesión y siempre capta el sonido exacto y lo combina con los otros instrumentos, en ciertos casos las canciones revitalizan al álbum y dan un toque de frescura a los oídos después de un intervalo de tiempo.

    Coldplay ha manejado su potencia para rehacer una nueva obra, politik representa eso de diferentes maneras, pues la cancion maneja la armonía de la voz del vocalista y añade elementos pulcros para recrear a una obra de toques rebeldes y un final hermoso, daylight lo hace de una manera que el álbum se torna experimental cayendo constantemente en un sonido que revitaliza a el álbum, clocks accede a la manipulación del piano para ofrecer un talento de armonía que no causa malas expectativas,por ultimo, the scientist es una cancion vuelve al uso del piano como base del todo, se vuelve una cancion que no decepciona y se roba protagonismo a green eyes y le llega a la cancion a rush of blood o the head.

    Coldplay a través de este álbum muestra que la perfección del sonido llega a formar una obra maestra, que sus canciones llegan a la altura d banas como radiohead y llegando a perfeccionar su estilo al punto de igualarlo, politik ha sido una de mis canciones favoritas y una de las mejores que he escuchado en un gran lapso de tiempo, combina la energía de sus canciones con su toque moderno y no se desvía de su objetivo, y concuerdo con crazy rythms al poner al disco como uno de los mejores de la historia, pues ofrece un potencial que no se había visto durante mucho tiempo, el mejor de coldplay y si esto no basta para considerarlo así, es mejor la interpretación personal, pues uno brinda su propio concepto y no te debes basar en algo que no entiendes.

    Al disco le otorgare una calificación mas alta, le daré un 100/100 y considerado como obra maestra, coldplay termina con su mejor disco y su legado va a perdurar en la década y en la historia de la música.    … Expand
  27. davifontenelle
    Mar 17, 2023
    10
    Coldplay’s sophomore album, “A Rush of Blood to the Head” gave the band a space on the music industry and skyrocketed their popularity. This record is as great as it’s predecessor, but now it feels rather mainstream with more elaborated production of the songs, such as “Clocks” winner of the Grammy’s category “Song Of the Year”.
  28. Rammos
    Sep 28, 2019
    10
    A obra-prima do Coldplay e um dos melhores álbuns de rock dos anos 2000. Sem mais.
  29. dromanenko23
    Oct 4, 2019
    9
    A beautiful, powerful, exciting, well-constructed alt rock record that you surely won't forget. Although A Rush Of Blood to the Head isn't anything TOO special, it's still a unique and enjoyable listening experience that features many memorable tracks such as "Politik", "God Put a Smile Upon Your Face", "The Scientist", "Clocks", "Daylight", and the title track.
  30. Kopje13
    Nov 26, 2019
    10
    Coldplay almost at its best.
    Compositions are wonderful.
    An all-time classic.
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Awards & Rankings

48
#48 Best Album of 2002
3
#3 Most Discussed Album of 2002
6
#6 Most Shared Album of 2002

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 25
  3. Negative: 2 out of 25
  1. CultureDose.net
    60
    Without the emotional resonance of Martin's voice at its most free, Coldplay's brilliantly minimal musical foundation has nothing to support. So it falters.
    Read full review
  2. Village Voice
    70
    Coldplay's new record is a little edgier, trancier, and more conversational than their last. It is called A Rush of Blood to the Head, and in waves and swells of major tunes and frisky then looping time signatures, that's just about the effect it has.
    Read full review
  3. Pitchfork
    51
    But while the sound of this album is more expansive, the influences a bit less obvious, and the approach more varied, the guys forgot to tote along their initial strength: the songs.
    Read full review
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