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May 19, 2014Some will deplore the record for its relative lack of pop appeal, but for a massively popular band that has so often been derailed by its own lofty ambitions, there is a huge pleasure in hearing something that succeeds on such a small, modest, and humanized scale.
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May 14, 2014In many ways, Coldplay's sharp left turn is also its most listenable album in years, an evocative concoction of sullen phrases, sparse arrangements and powerful themes.
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May 19, 2014If your heart is shattered and you want to slide into self-pity, turn here. If you are feeling free and want to woo a new love, turn here. If you want to just enjoy every soft, supple turn a rock band could do, turn here. Coldplay are here for comfort, as Ghost Stories proves time and time again.
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May 20, 2014Coldplay is always going to be warm, nostalgic, melancholy, pleasant, innocent and good. They’re as much a warm word and an arm around the shoulder now as they were when they first showed up.
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May 19, 2014Rousing, downtempo pop to soothe a troubled soul.
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May 13, 2014In the scheme of Coldplay's career, Ghost Stories will likely be remembered as a transitional album. This is the sound of a band paying homage to their past--particularly 2011's hugely successful Mylo Xyloto--while pawing at the future.
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May 19, 2014On Ghost Stories, despite a near derailment, they "fly on," moving in fresh directions while keep the catharsis that gave them their audience in the first place.
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May 19, 2014Ghost Stories is set somewhere between depression and acceptance: While Martin sprints all the way out to the precipice, Coldplay--still the same four guys who brought you "Yellow" in 2000 and share equal credit on every track--don't slip over the edge.
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May 19, 2014Compared to the sleek, grandiose flash of Coldplay's last two albums—Viva La Vida and Mylo Xyloto, both underlined by help from Brian Eno--Ghost Stories feels as melancholically light and airy as Parachutes, while ironically sounding more like Eno.
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May 13, 2014Ghost Stories is a feeling more than a collection of songs, and takes a willing reception for granted. That feeling's not rancorous, it's bloodless and resigned, but touching as well.
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May 20, 2014Though a couple of songs feel undercooked—specifically “Another’s Arms” and album closer “O”--Ghost Stories mostly works.
Awards & Rankings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 327 out of 452
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Mixed: 83 out of 452
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Negative: 42 out of 452
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May 19, 2014
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May 19, 2014
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May 24, 2014