Ghost Stories
by Coldplay
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: May 19, 2014
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 452 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 327 out of 452
  2. Mixed: 83 out of 452
  3. Negative: 42 out of 452
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  1. BryantL
    May 19, 2014
    10
    I am a greatest fan of Coldplay since Parachutes, and i think this album is so emotional, wonderful and takes you to other dimension.. i have to admit that this album is not the best, i believe that A Rush Blood To Head is their best album... But still are a Beautiful album, better than Mylo Xyloto
  2. LanzJoshua
    Nov 24, 2014
    8
    As a Coldplay an myself I've got to say that this isn't their best album but still is a good compilation of songs you should listen to. First of all the inspiration of this album is from the fact that Chris Martin recently separated from Gwyneth Palthrow, making Chris Martin write songs that give feelings like sadness, reassurance and hope. But overall the album is generally anAs a Coldplay an myself I've got to say that this isn't their best album but still is a good compilation of songs you should listen to. First of all the inspiration of this album is from the fact that Chris Martin recently separated from Gwyneth Palthrow, making Chris Martin write songs that give feelings like sadness, reassurance and hope. But overall the album is generally an experimental because the album's genre isn't your typical alternative rock but rather an Electronica Pop if I were to say. Making this album in Electronica gives Chris Martin the opportunity to sing in an atmospheric and dynamic manner, given the song "Midnight" in this album which is both melodious and catchy. So bottom line for this review this album is worth listening too over and over again especially for those of you experiencing relationship issues, Coldplay is the band that will reassure you.… Expand
  3. showbizjunkie
    May 23, 2015
    7
    Ghost Stories is an interesting album. Overall, it flows beautifully from beginning to end. But take one of the songs by itself, and it's not particularly amazing. The general mood and ambience is addictive, though, and it's a welcome change from the fast-paced pop rock of Mylo Xyloto.
  4. PoeticDumpling
    May 23, 2014
    10
    Coldplay fan from the beginning here. Parachutes and AROBTTH have been their masterpieces prior. The others albums have seen my enthusiasm for them wane lower and then slowly rise again. X&Y has grown on me over the years, but I consider it their weakest of their catalogue. Viva and Mylo saw them explore bigger, more bombastic sounds in a hit and miss fashion for me (mostly hit, butColdplay fan from the beginning here. Parachutes and AROBTTH have been their masterpieces prior. The others albums have seen my enthusiasm for them wane lower and then slowly rise again. X&Y has grown on me over the years, but I consider it their weakest of their catalogue. Viva and Mylo saw them explore bigger, more bombastic sounds in a hit and miss fashion for me (mostly hit, but none rose to their first two). After viewing Chris' incredible interview with Zane Lowe about this album and hearing the singles my enthusiasm began to peak again like in the beginning era. I am pleased to say that personally this album is a success for me. I haven't wanted to hit Play immediately after the album is over so much since the first two albums. This album successfully marries the lower key, nocturnal tone of Parachutes with excellent pop sensibilities. Personally, I believe they still have three powerful singles left on this album. Ink, True Love, and Another's Arms are radio-ready and fantastic! True Love is currently my favorite tune. These tunes aren't just weepy tunes about love lost. They offer hopeful and uplifting perspectives as they explore romantic themes and sexy, sleek pop landscapes. The negativity is baffling me, but at the same time it isn't. I am discovering there seem to be more fans of their first two falling in love with this one than fans who came on board with the later albums. I believe the more commercial pop lovers would find this one accessible though so the tepid reception is a bit baffling. It is a winner for me and I am already feeling the impulse to play it again.… Expand
  5. TheFoxPhoenix
    Jun 3, 2014
    9
    Man, these first two singles were great, I personally liked more Magic than the A Sky full Of Stars, but the first single was enough to encourage me. Congrats Coldplay, you guys are doing a really good job.
  6. sambuu
    Sep 29, 2016
    10
    Best album from Coldplay in my opinion.They are always changing for good.This time Coldplay even more quite. Oceans and O(Fly On) are pure masterpiece songs like a old Coldplay.Personally, my best song is Midnight.A Sky Full of Stars makes me happy.Ink is my soul. Another's Arms another best song from Ghost Stories. Always in My Head and True Love are one of their best songs.
  7. Antreas
    Feb 1, 2015
    6
    It's a descent album but they have to put a terribly strong effort to achieve the heights of their first 2 albums. I loved them so much at the beginning ... :)
  8. Jai11elas
    Jun 3, 2014
    10
    Great Effort..Confessional and Heartfelt
    coldplay started with the blue room ep and songs like brothers and sisters..now they have created songs like viva la vida and up in flames..surely this album does not contain these marching anthems but it will still give you shivers..still make you like coldplya because above all we should call it "true love" for fans
    Highlight- Magic Midnight    Great Effort..Confessional and Heartfelt
    coldplay started with the blue room ep and songs like brothers and sisters..now they have created songs like viva la vida and up in flames..surely this album does not contain these marching anthems but it will still give you shivers..still make you like coldplya because above all we should call it "true love" for fans
    Highlight- Magic Midnight Another's Arms and Ink
    Low-O and A sky full of stars
    Buy the deluxe edition..the two new songs are amazing too..    … Expand
  9. Andkan1
    Jul 21, 2015
    9
    This album is quieter and more reserved than previous Coldplay albums (notably Viva La Vida and Mylo Xyloto) which isn't a bad thing. It definitely has a few average songs but overall it is a well put together layered album.
  10. Mannhorse
    Nov 14, 2015
    9
    Such a heartwrenching album... All of the songs here are flat-out amazing (except for A Sky Full of Stars which is fine). I don't get the hate this album has been getting, since this album is great!
  11. Movie-Freak-KK
    Nov 8, 2015
    9
    Sentimental and thought-provoking. Coldplay redefined soft-rock by replacing his tracks with a slow paced melody ( Magic, Midnight, A sky full of stars ) They did it again and hit me so hard !
  12. vikesh2206
    Nov 10, 2014
    6
    This album lacks the energy of Coldplay's previous albums and replaces them with slower paced love ballads. Some of these songs pay off (Magic, O), but the others feel to sappy and repetitive.
  13. elvenmeth
    May 19, 2014
    10
    Certainly a very different direction; this album won't be packed full of enough hits for some, but this is an album Chris must of really needed to get out of his system. Personally I think it's beautiful, but this album will keep garnering mixed reviews.
  14. germm
    May 19, 2014
    10
    Like many other well known, long-standing artists, Coldplay took a critics risk with Ghost Story. The rating of the album varies from critic to critic, but to true fans, the songs resonate to the soul. I find myself humming a different tune from the disc all day long. Ghost Stories did not disappoint. Coldplay can't remake "A Rush of Blood...." or "X&Y" as many would wish. Instead, theyLike many other well known, long-standing artists, Coldplay took a critics risk with Ghost Story. The rating of the album varies from critic to critic, but to true fans, the songs resonate to the soul. I find myself humming a different tune from the disc all day long. Ghost Stories did not disappoint. Coldplay can't remake "A Rush of Blood...." or "X&Y" as many would wish. Instead, they have progress far beyond those albums with their latest two...in my opinion.… Expand
  15. rklem
    May 19, 2014
    10
    I don't understand how people can be so cynical about this beautiful album. This is a breakup album and if you do not listen to this with that in mind then you really should reconsider your opinion about this album. There are so many emotions that come from this album and honestly, I can say that this is my favorite Coldplay album, as an album itself. None of these songs are necessarily myI don't understand how people can be so cynical about this beautiful album. This is a breakup album and if you do not listen to this with that in mind then you really should reconsider your opinion about this album. There are so many emotions that come from this album and honestly, I can say that this is my favorite Coldplay album, as an album itself. None of these songs are necessarily my favorite Coldplay songs (except maybe Midnight) and there really is not a completely memorable song on here compared to past albums, but in my opinion the album as a whole is such an amazing piece of art that it far surpasses every Coldplay album. Each song is perfectly placed and they compliment each other. The stories told and the messages spread throughout this album really hit the heart and it's nice to listen to, especially if you realize that this is a concept album. I think everyone is giving this low reviews because some simply troll the internet with Coldplay Hate, and others are not listening to this album with the right mindset… Expand
  16. Andy86
    May 19, 2014
    8
    This album is good. Certainly better than most the drivel out there. It almost sounds like a Chris Martin solo album and is more down tempo/depressing than their previous records outside of "Parachutes". The lyrics here are some of their strongest since "A Rush of Blood to the Head". True--that's not saying much--but an improvement nonetheless. But the album is far from a classic becauseThis album is good. Certainly better than most the drivel out there. It almost sounds like a Chris Martin solo album and is more down tempo/depressing than their previous records outside of "Parachutes". The lyrics here are some of their strongest since "A Rush of Blood to the Head". True--that's not saying much--but an improvement nonetheless. But the album is far from a classic because the melodies(Coldplay's strength) don't reach the heights of previous Coldplay albums(think Viva la Vida, Yellow, the Scientist), and "A Sky Full of Stars" messes up the rhythm of the album. Good effort, at least.… Expand
  17. ChewMcgoo
    May 19, 2014
    8
    Everyone giving this CD twos and zeros must not be true Coldplay fans. This may not be their best album, but to me its a perfect chill album that I will enjoy for months to come. Worth a listen for sure, just don't expect any huge hits. Enjoy!!
  18. synthesis88
    May 20, 2014
    8
    Say what you will about Coldplay, but it cannot be denied that Chris Martin is an extraordinary melodist, or that the band knows how to elevate his melodies to epic heights. Personally, I fell in love with them the very moment I first heard "Clocks". ROBTTH and Viva la Vida are among my favorite albums of all time, and I have thoroughly enjoyed X&Y and Parachutes. Mylo Xyloto almost lostSay what you will about Coldplay, but it cannot be denied that Chris Martin is an extraordinary melodist, or that the band knows how to elevate his melodies to epic heights. Personally, I fell in love with them the very moment I first heard "Clocks". ROBTTH and Viva la Vida are among my favorite albums of all time, and I have thoroughly enjoyed X&Y and Parachutes. Mylo Xyloto almost lost me, but eventually I found a certain enjoyment in it, although I still consider it to be their weakest effort. With their 6th LP, the band delivers 12 solid tunes (including the bonus tracks), each of which are clearly above average, melodically speaking. The instrumental supplementation is decidedly subdued and electronic this time around, leading to a crisply produced and spaciously atmospheric sonic landscape. It may not be particularly innovative or high energy, but few can deny that the sounds and melodies here have a certain beauty to them. They never quite reach the ecstatic heights of "Clocks", "Speed Of Sound", or "Paradise", but they manage to hit some pretty stunning melodic turns (especially during the second halves of each tune). These melodies take time to evolve and set in, and I found myself enjoying them more and more as I re-listened. Ultimately, it is Chris Martin, and his melodies prove to be a cut above most other musicians, at least in terms of consistency. His lyrics, however, suffer greatly from time to time on this LP. While there are some heart-turning moments, there are also some gut-turning ones. For instance, "Got a tattoo that said 2gether thru life" is perhaps one of the most cringe-worthy things Chris has ever written. Emotionally, some of these songs can hit pretty hard, while just a few I found lacking. This said, I haven't found it as emotionally compelling as ROBTTH or Viva la Vida, but considering the emotional weight of those albums, that isn't saying much. If Coldplay does it for you, this one is sure to move you in one way or another. So, to suffice, this album is a more subdued, electronic, and atmospheric Coldplay. It's full of lush melodies and emotional resonance, but it also lacks the energy and some of the meaningful lyrics of their previous work. Ultimately, if you enjoy Coldplay's melodies, you are sure to find something here.… Expand
  19. HonestAL
    May 19, 2014
    8
    For some, this album is great. For others, not so much. But despite the controversy, I'd like to take it as it is... a ghost story. The overall sound is refreshing, somber and reflective of past experiences of love, which is different. Although it still provides some of the sounds from previous albums, for example, Oceans would have fitted in well with Parachutes. It is safe, calm andFor some, this album is great. For others, not so much. But despite the controversy, I'd like to take it as it is... a ghost story. The overall sound is refreshing, somber and reflective of past experiences of love, which is different. Although it still provides some of the sounds from previous albums, for example, Oceans would have fitted in well with Parachutes. It is safe, calm and collected, it does not have such an adventurous tone. But, on the other hand, that is not necessarily a bad thing. Overall, it provides familiarity, as well as some new elements to produce an atmosphere of the past, love and separation.… Expand
  20. cryhardhumor
    Apr 27, 2015
    9
    Although people who aren't already Coldplay fans will for the most part be unimpressed and slightly bored by this album, those who are already steady listeners will love the smooth and emotional songs that have a nice mix of older Coldplay styles and steady electronic background music
  21. sebastianglz
    May 19, 2014
    8
    This is probably Coldplay's 2nd best album since "A Rush of Blood to the Head". Honestly, I was expecting something more acoustic, but when "A Sky Full of Stars" came out I knew this album will be like a remastered version. Coldplay's biggest essence is the sappy lyrics, and this album is not the exception. Better than Mylo Xyloto. But, spoiler, if you're expecting something like MyloThis is probably Coldplay's 2nd best album since "A Rush of Blood to the Head". Honestly, I was expecting something more acoustic, but when "A Sky Full of Stars" came out I knew this album will be like a remastered version. Coldplay's biggest essence is the sappy lyrics, and this album is not the exception. Better than Mylo Xyloto. But, spoiler, if you're expecting something like Mylo Xyloto, this is the wrong album. Is more like their first four albums together in one.… Expand
  22. WxJim
    May 19, 2014
    8
    I believe that, when their career eventually comes to a close...Coldplay will have an album to go with any time of day or year...and any type of emotion you may be feeling at the time. This is their night album, or their rainy day album. No, these songs don't reach the crescendos of Viva La Vida, or go as off the wall as MX. This album would have been more of a proper follow up to A RushI believe that, when their career eventually comes to a close...Coldplay will have an album to go with any time of day or year...and any type of emotion you may be feeling at the time. This is their night album, or their rainy day album. No, these songs don't reach the crescendos of Viva La Vida, or go as off the wall as MX. This album would have been more of a proper follow up to A Rush of Blood to the Head. However, you can see from their work with Eno, and through honing their craft through the previous two albums, they have really created a beautiful piece of art here...and what is arguably their most listenable album to date.

    Criticism seems to go two ways...either this wasn't heartfelt and sappy enough...or it was too heartfelt and sappy. To address the former...Chris Martin, despite the somber nature of his earlier work...has developed into a wide-eyed optimist of sorts. What is most moving about this album, in my opinion, is that you hear side of him break apart; you hear him teeter on the edge of losing his faith in the world. Nowhere is this more apparent than 'Oceans' and 'O'. 'Oceans' shows him looking over the edge, thinking about jumping. In 'O' he decides to step back...but not before letting out a chilling, emotional wail (OOOH...the title of the song after all). In that wail, you can hear his heart break. Moving stuff.

    For those hoping for another Viva or MX...this is not that...but that's okay. For those who, like myself, fell in love with Coldplay the first time you heard 'Clocks' or 'See You Soon', this album is refreshing, and very enjoyable.

    Of course the lyrics leave something to be desired...but really I think Chris Martin has come to terms with this and isn't really trying to improve that anymore. He, and Coldplay as a whole, know what they are. They are a universally loved, but also often mocked band that will never be a favorite of the critics; but it seems to me they've gotten past that. They know what music they want to make, and in this case, I believe they have made a solid, moving, well written album that will only get better with age.

    And, thankfully, Rihanna doesn't make an appearance this time.    … Expand
  23. Jakefiz
    May 19, 2014
    10
    I have been a Coldplay fan since AROBTTH, and I have to say, this album has redeemed them from Mylo. Every single song on this album flows perfectly to the next. It tells a beautiful story of love and loss. This is their best work since their bronze age of the early 2000's. I don't understand why they have been so lowly rated. It's a mx of their old and exploring some new. The Perfect mix.
  24. Chris71186
    May 19, 2014
    8
    I have to admire a band who goes against popular demand to produce something that hasn't been seen in almost 15 years. This album isnt quite up to scuff that Parachutes was but I've always liked the sound they had back than and I admire them for taking a brief step back into time. I think once X and Y came out, and with the exception of Viva La Vida it just went downhill from there endingI have to admire a band who goes against popular demand to produce something that hasn't been seen in almost 15 years. This album isnt quite up to scuff that Parachutes was but I've always liked the sound they had back than and I admire them for taking a brief step back into time. I think once X and Y came out, and with the exception of Viva La Vida it just went downhill from there ending with the disaster that was "Mylo Xyloto". There's something just Nostalgic about this album, it's a fresh breath of hope for me to see that the band has not forgotten it's roots just at the moment I thought they did.… Expand
  25. Timbeau58
    May 20, 2014
    10
    Well its all very amiable which is a bit unusual for Coldplay; its future-directed but reflective & there are nods to early musical influences; there is a pleasantly doleful undertow; its more comfortably middle of the road than in the verges; and the tone is suitably ethereal. I really liked it.
  26. silent_reaper
    May 21, 2014
    10
    I've never enjoyed Martin's lyrics more in my life. After just ending a five-year relationship, this is the kind of sad but optimistic music I needed. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, Martin's paints a picture of man who lost love and is ready and willing to find it again. It may seem more like the other band members aren't contributing as much but compared to previous records, there isI've never enjoyed Martin's lyrics more in my life. After just ending a five-year relationship, this is the kind of sad but optimistic music I needed. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, Martin's paints a picture of man who lost love and is ready and willing to find it again. It may seem more like the other band members aren't contributing as much but compared to previous records, there is more of an influence by each member in creating the emotion of the music. Their first single, "Magic", simply started life as a riff by bassist Guy Berryman. You can also hear his electronic and melancholy side-project, Apparatjik, on "Midnight". "Oceans" recalls some of their better early album b-sides, like "Proof." Their second single, "Sky Full of Stars" might be the only song is the only song I might dislike due to it feeling misplaced. But if you're the biggest pop-alternative band in the world releasing a less accessible album, then why not put an obvious pop hit to ensure money, it's a smart business move.
    Highlights on the album:
    The cool "Ink" that shows Peter Gabriel's Solsbury Hill
    "True Love" with its amazing Jonny Buckland out-of-tune guitar solo
    The finale "O" with its concept of falling out of love

    NOTE: The Target Deluxe Edition is worth the extra price, the songs included are definitely some of the best on the record.    … Expand
  27. mekaindy
    May 21, 2014
    9
    A highly charged album full of emotion and heartache. Ghost Stories is beautifully crafted and takes the listener on a journey from its sombre beginning to its euphoric conclusion.
  28. PatrickSousa
    May 19, 2014
    10
    One of the best Coldplay's album ever. I was waiting something like X&Y or A Rush of Blood to the Head, and they did a mix of both styles. All the songs are awesome!
  29. eagleeyeviking
    May 24, 2014
    6
    This album lacks the energy of Coldplay's previous albums and replaces them with slower paced love ballads. Some of these songs pay off (Magic, O), but the others feel to sappy and repetitive.
  30. baldeep_7
    May 19, 2014
    10
    In all honesty to Coldplay, this is one of there more mellow albums and that is saying something when you consider the genre of songs they usually produce, however I feel Chris and the boys have not let themselves down with the making of this album, and I feel they have proved what they set out to do with this album, and that was to produce an acoustic, more strip-backed album. It takesIn all honesty to Coldplay, this is one of there more mellow albums and that is saying something when you consider the genre of songs they usually produce, however I feel Chris and the boys have not let themselves down with the making of this album, and I feel they have proved what they set out to do with this album, and that was to produce an acoustic, more strip-backed album. It takes away the 'thematics' , noise and hustle bustle of mylo xyloto, and produces a more reflective, awe-inspiring album. Critics will have their views of everything sounding the same, and may describe the songs as lack-lustre, but I feel once again Chris and the boys have produced something that is quietly brilliant.… Expand
  31. Joe-A
    May 20, 2014
    8
    With the exception of "A Sky Full of Stars", the album is much moodier and somber than Mylo Xyloto and Viva La Vida with a tone much closer to Parachutes. Of course, Chris Martin's recent breakup hovers over the album, much like The Edge's did over Achtung Baby when it came out, but these two albums are nothing alike. Actually, I think it feels a little closer to Beck's Sea Change album inWith the exception of "A Sky Full of Stars", the album is much moodier and somber than Mylo Xyloto and Viva La Vida with a tone much closer to Parachutes. Of course, Chris Martin's recent breakup hovers over the album, much like The Edge's did over Achtung Baby when it came out, but these two albums are nothing alike. Actually, I think it feels a little closer to Beck's Sea Change album in feel and tone (also another breakup album). Because it's Coldplay, it will get played and played, which will annoy those who already hate them so much.

    At the moment, I'd give it a solid *** out of 4 stars, but over time that may change. History always treats some albums better than others.    … Expand
  32. bonyjose
    May 21, 2014
    10
    another great album from coldplay,my second favorite after AROBTH,the songs magic,another arms and ghost stories are simply superb,other songs are great too...thanks Chris and coldplay for this great album..
  33. alecvl08
    Oct 10, 2014
    7
    Hey! What do you know! It's pretty good! Each track has interesting production, and the lyrics, however short and direct, convey their message well. Midnight, produced by IDM genius Jon Hopkins, is a captivating track with almost no drums at all, and it's probably my favorite. Another's Arms with its sighing, pitch bending synths, is a great track as well. However, some of the fillerHey! What do you know! It's pretty good! Each track has interesting production, and the lyrics, however short and direct, convey their message well. Midnight, produced by IDM genius Jon Hopkins, is a captivating track with almost no drums at all, and it's probably my favorite. Another's Arms with its sighing, pitch bending synths, is a great track as well. However, some of the filler tracks such as Ink and True Love are a little bland for my taste. This album is definitely worth a listen, and while it's no masterpiece, it's interesting that Coldplay decided to the take this route for an album, and they actually pulled it off relatively well.… Expand
  34. Amrsalah77
    May 19, 2014
    10
    Romantic yet heartbreaking Album....The fact that coldplay takes sharp turns in every new album by making new and different sounds is just incredible...Give it time & it will grow on you.
  35. DownByTheRiver
    May 19, 2014
    6
    An ok album by Coldplay who are one of my favourite bands out there. A fairly weird feel for me for this album, Ghost Stories contains songs that are either fairly forgettable, or songs that I really enjoyed, nothing in between. Out of their 6 studio albums this ranks as number 5 to me (still above Parachutes) and I fell like they can do much better than this. Best song: Another's Arms.
  36. Jare
    May 19, 2014
    10
    it is one of their best albums. You can feel everything in this album like the A RUSH OF BLOOD TO THE HEAD feeling in Anothers Arms, PARACHUTES in Oceans, X&Y in Ghost Story, VIVA LA VIDA in All Your Friends and the MYLO XYLOTO in Sky Full Of Stars. this album is epic
  37. SimpleMethod
    May 19, 2014
    5
    It's not great. They tried that whiny, Bon Iver like approach and Martin's personal issues to charge this album and it just doesn't sound right. O is a good song, and it's about the only one. None of the tracks are trash, they just aren't unique or interesting, and for a break up album, it's half-assed.
  38. noco71
    May 20, 2014
    8
    This is a tightly put together album. No wasted or too self indulgent fillers. Easy to listen too with some great lyrics and vocals. A great listen from start to finish.
  39. rhp2014
    May 21, 2014
    3
    Coldplay stop trying to emulate Radiohead. Not even the likes of Jon Hopkins will make you a good band. You're simply a horrid band. There were a few surprisingly decent tracks on here, but not enough to save it from the mess of this album.
  40. aliceinwonderla
    Jul 18, 2015
    0
    It's so bad, it hurts! There's no such thing as "good music" in this. It's too slow, it lacks emotion and power in the lyrics, vocals and melodies. Don't listen to this, it's bad and totally forgetable.
  41. privatepaula
    May 19, 2014
    0
    i am a fan since the time between viva la vida or death and all his friends and mylo xyloto. Viva la Vida was a good experiment . Mylo Xyloto was great to sing along songs . But I also think that Parachutes was a very good album and "a rush of blood to the head" of one of the best albums ever , and this was by far the best of coldplay . you can´t do an album as a rush of blood to the headi am a fan since the time between viva la vida or death and all his friends and mylo xyloto. Viva la Vida was a good experiment . Mylo Xyloto was great to sing along songs . But I also think that Parachutes was a very good album and "a rush of blood to the head" of one of the best albums ever , and this was by far the best of coldplay . you can´t do an album as a rush of blood to the head every day or year, it is unique. x & y was crap except some tracks. Even though I got relatively late fan, the first two albums were the best. but if coldplay say that they now want to go back to their roots more , ghost stories is a total disaster. except for " oceans " there is not only one good song . neither magic nor any other song pulls your mind. not catchy , the songs are quickly forgotten , everything is full of electronic influences , chris martin apparently howling only still around, not like in previous songs where you were really sad about the loss of a great love, now is just crying. this is not a voice it is just a yowling . by far the worst album, even worse than x & y .… Expand
  42. kingkalle
    May 19, 2014
    0
    no good album, it is really one of the worst albums in 2014. coldplay did nothing to improve their sound. they created a monstrous, horrible, terrific sound. not the real coldplay.
  43. misterking65
    May 19, 2014
    0
    What a bad album, martin´s voice is snivelling, the songs are created equal, there is no real hit. not even "magic" or "oceans" are good. it is worse than x&y. the worst album of coldplay. they wanted to change back, "recalibrate", how champion said. it went wrong. hoping for the next album.
  44. CombustibleLerp
    May 19, 2014
    0
    I really hate this album. I really hate this band. I've been TRYING to like them, my friend loves this band but they are absolute crap. This is the WORST album I have listened to all year. I tried to like what my friend describes as their best album, A Rush of Blood to the Head, and that was also absolutely crap. All in all, this band needs to make good music, something tells me that they can.
  45. njuh
    May 19, 2014
    0
    this is nothing. coldplay destroyed themselves with this particularly bad album. i won´t buy any coldplay songs anymore. why should i, after this bad stuff?
  46. feliperodx
    May 19, 2014
    3
    For a record whose lyrics are meant to reflect a deeply personal music journey, the music finds Coldplay at the safest and most rote it has ever been.
  47. Ricko
    May 10, 2015
    8
    I have enjoyed everything that Coldplay have produced since their sparkling debut "Parachutes", especially "A Rush of Blood to the Head" and "Viva La Vida or Death and all his friends" and while "X and Y" and "Mylo Xyloto" were in need of some serious trimming down, they are still both full of excellent pop songwriting and are well put together albums. With "Ghost Stories", the band take aI have enjoyed everything that Coldplay have produced since their sparkling debut "Parachutes", especially "A Rush of Blood to the Head" and "Viva La Vida or Death and all his friends" and while "X and Y" and "Mylo Xyloto" were in need of some serious trimming down, they are still both full of excellent pop songwriting and are well put together albums. With "Ghost Stories", the band take a slight turn off their usual stadium pop rock route. While you couldn't say that "Ghost Stories" is a stripped down album, it certainly has a more delicate feel when compared to almost every album since their debut "Parachutes". As most people are aware, the album was fueled by the break up of lead man Chris Martin's marriage and while it doesn't quite rank among the greatest of the break up album, the lyrics and themes give an insight into the denial of and struggle against "uncoupling" process. Opener "Always In My Head" is reminiscent of "Strawberry Swing" but at a slower tempo. Its a downbeat track which cries out to be played at a quicker pace, however it sets the tone for the album. "Magic", one of the main singles from the album is a perfect piece of pop built around a simple, swerving bass line. "Ink" and "True Love" are standard Coldplay numbers, packing an effortless pop-rock punch. "Midnight" is one of the more curious tracks on the records with the Martin's vocals going all Bon Iver on us. "Anothers Arms" perfectly puts across the distress of thinking of your beloved with another before we get to the "Oceans", a track which could have been lifted straight off of their previously mentioned debut "Parachutes". This is followed by the anthemic but over produced and oddly out of place "A Sky Full of Stars". "O" brings things to a gentle and downbeat end. Another solid effort from the band, and a record that holds its own in a back catalog of colossal albums.… Expand
  48. Tremor2005
    May 23, 2014
    7
    Firstly - I genuinely don't get how people can give this either 10/10 or 0/10. I suspect (with some exceptions, of course) that the zero end of things would like to punch Chris Martin in the face and think all Coldplay fans are weaklings with no taste in music. Frankly, they can bugger off.

    As for the album itself - there's more good than bad and it's a definite grower. Whilst the    Firstly - I genuinely don't get how people can give this either 10/10 or 0/10. I suspect (with some exceptions, of course) that the zero end of things would like to punch Chris Martin in the face and think all Coldplay fans are weaklings with no taste in music. Frankly, they can bugger off.

    As for the album itself - there's more good than bad and it's a definite grower. Whilst the lyrics are, even by CM's standards, very heart-on-sleeve, the band's ear for a melody is still phenomenal. "Magic" is pretty much two chords (plus two transitional chords) throughout but sounds so much warmer. "Midnight" is a beautiful piece of soft electronica, whilst "Oceans" would sit very nicely as a second part to Parachutes' "We Never Change". Indeed, the pared-back nature of the album harks back to that first album, save for the synth flourishes that have grown from X&Y through to Mylo Xyloto. "O" sounds like an extended version of the gorgeous piano introduction to "Atlas" whilst "Ink" has a simple guitar phrase similar to "Strawberry Swing".

    On the down side: "A Sky Full Of Stars" is almost more of an Avicii song than a Coldplay one and "True Love" is utterly forgettable, save for the tender plea "tell me you love me, if you don't then lie". The one minute plus of ambient noise following both "Oceans" and "O" are also completely unnecessary.

    All in all a pleasant if slow album, a gentle reminder of the intimacy that Coldplay are so effortlessly capable of. It will be interesting how it converts to live shows, particularly if they go the stadium/arena route. In the meantime I'd recommend giving this album a couple of chances - it really is a grower.    … Expand
  49. seatownswagger
    May 20, 2014
    7
    The boy's are back. After a slightly disappointing album (not in my opinion, but the public's) in 2011's Mylo Xyloto, the Londoners make their return with the "stripped-down" Ghost Stories. Dealing with the pressures of a disintegrating relationship, Chris Martin sings of nothing but love on this 9 song, 40 minute album. Filled with the ambient production of Paul Epsworth and others (evenThe boy's are back. After a slightly disappointing album (not in my opinion, but the public's) in 2011's Mylo Xyloto, the Londoners make their return with the "stripped-down" Ghost Stories. Dealing with the pressures of a disintegrating relationship, Chris Martin sings of nothing but love on this 9 song, 40 minute album. Filled with the ambient production of Paul Epsworth and others (even including Timbaland and Avicii), the album has a very laid-back and casual feel to it. Most of these tracks aren't really stand-outs on their own, but as a whole they combine to create a lightweight and fresh feel.

    Opening with "Always in My Head", the light and delicate work of Jonny Buckland's guitar and the simple yet soothing sounds of Will Champion on the drum machine, the song has a airy and dreamy quality to it, which is maintained by the rest of the album.

    Two of my favorite tracks on the album, "Magic" and "Ink" both use thumping beats to create an upbeat and cheery feel. Lyrically neither of these songs, or the rest of the album for that matter, are anything really special. But with Coldplay, its the sum of the parts that counts, and the sum in this case is truly magnificent.

    "True Love" is an OK track that to me feels like "Ink" but with slightly less effort put into it, and a hell of a lot more annoying background sounds.

    Arguably the centerpiece of the album, "Midnight" is one of two songs that don't seem to fit into this album whatsoever, with "A Sky Full of Stars" being the other. "Midnight" is reminscent of Kid A by Radiohead mashed with Bon Iver's vocoder vocals.

    The weakest part of the album consists of the two songs "Another's Arms" and "Oceans". While "Oceans" does sound the closest to old Coldplay we get on this album, the incessant sound of a sonar like beep in the background ruins any and all atmosphere that is trying to be achieved. "Another's Arms" lyrically and musically is nothing special, here let Chris Martin's lyrics tell you:

    "Late night watching TV,
    used to be you here beside me"

    The best song on the album in my humble opinion is the simple yet striking piano ballad, "O". Sounding like a mashup of "Atlas" and "Clocks" it has neither the high production of those two songs, but retains all the emotion and sensitivity that those two have. It simply is the best piece of work that Coldplay have done in the last few years.

    Choice Picks: "Always In My Head", "Magic", "Ink", "Midnight", "O"    … Expand
  50. bsealy1
    May 20, 2014
    9
    I haven't enjoyed a Coldplay album this much since Parachutes. IMO this is Coldplay returning to form with an eye to the future. I love this cd. So much better than Viva la Vida and Mylo Xyloto - I could barely get thru those cds. This is quite, personal and haunting. Just beautiful.
  51. Mab_987
    Oct 16, 2014
    7
    While I don't think this is up there with Coldplay's first 4 albums, this still captures their more subdued side pretty well, which is refreshing after their decent but really overblown previous album. It's also one of their more diverse albums, going from Parachutes throwbacks to nice simple pop songs that tow the line between earnest & cheesy, to Bon Iver worship to EDM bangers. AndWhile I don't think this is up there with Coldplay's first 4 albums, this still captures their more subdued side pretty well, which is refreshing after their decent but really overblown previous album. It's also one of their more diverse albums, going from Parachutes throwbacks to nice simple pop songs that tow the line between earnest & cheesy, to Bon Iver worship to EDM bangers. And yet it still stays pretty cohesive all things considered, which the possible exception of said Avicii collab. The lyrics are also mostly pretty good, centering around themes of loneliness and grief & being pretty compelling at times. The real drawback of Ghost Stories are a few boring songs and occasional lyrics that can get questionably devoted, even by Coldplay standards. But it's still a pretty good album overall.

    (For a video where I talk about GS via a parody of "Sky Full of Stars", search "Spin It Reviews" on YouTube.)    … Expand
  52. PRT940
    May 21, 2014
    4
    "A Sky Full of Stars" is a great song. "Midnight" is pretty decent. "Another's Arms" is almost good. The rest of the album didn't do much for me. Coldplay is starting to sound less and less like Coldplay. I'm sure some people like that, but I prefer "anthem-like" songs like Clocks, Viva la Vida, Fix You, Speed of Sound, Yellow, etc.
  53. BENNEB
    May 24, 2014
    6
    The sharp left turn that Coldplay has taken has created their moodiest and most depressing album to date, with new sound of ambient synths experiments and spaced-out guitar melodies. While it is nice to the ears, it is unfortunately, not as memoriable as most of Coldplay's albums are.

    MUST HEAR TRACKS:
    MAGIC
    INK
    MIDNIGHT (PROBABLY THEIR BEST TRACK YET)

    AVOID TRACKS:
    A SKY FULL OF STARS
  54. Goodwill
    May 19, 2014
    9
    Powerful, thoughtful, and conscious. Coldplay's evolution from Parachutes to Ghost Stories has proven to be an educational journey. Picking up what works and leaving behind what doesn't is this bands specialty. Their best album since A Rush of Blood to the Head.
  55. MattCody18
    May 23, 2014
    3
    There was a time when X&Y was regarded as the worst Coldplay album by old fans, but now this album is the worst. I am truly disappointed, Mylo Xyloto was good after a few listens, but I just find this album unbearable to listen to, at all.
  56. philosophorse
    May 31, 2014
    10
    Breaks my heart all the time. Made me afraid of love. Chris Martin was never master of lyricism, but he and his team of adept musicians always breathe new life to simple wording like "leave a light on".
  57. jasharkowalski
    May 30, 2014
    10
    Thank you, Gwyneth, for such a great record Coldplay put out...." A Sky full of Stars" is an absolute hit for 2014 ! This is their best produced record ever, laying almost invisible electronic sounds upon the piano and subtle guitar walls.
  58. LJShelts
    May 19, 2014
    9
    One of the most chill out albums I've ever bought. I'm a big Coldplay fan, and with yet another album with mixed reactions I'll still have to say in my opinion they have hit a home-run once again! This album is completely different than Mylo Xyloto, and I think this is what makes Coldplay one of the greats. Creating a completely different album to the rest but yet still keeping it rootedOne of the most chill out albums I've ever bought. I'm a big Coldplay fan, and with yet another album with mixed reactions I'll still have to say in my opinion they have hit a home-run once again! This album is completely different than Mylo Xyloto, and I think this is what makes Coldplay one of the greats. Creating a completely different album to the rest but yet still keeping it rooted to their very own style.… Expand
  59. superblablo
    May 20, 2014
    7
    This is a good album with nice lyrics and interesting sounds that, as everybody noticed, remember to those of Bon Iver as well as those of the first album. However the album feels flat, boring and repetitive. The best songs are Midnight, Oceans and O.
  60. TiagoTeodoro
    Jun 13, 2014
    9
    Coldplay,oh for me,it's is Hotplay.
    This is **** good.
    The music,the voice,the production,ooooh i's make me scream.
    Applauses for Chris,best male voice in album of this year.
    A Grammy for us.
  61. ryanloveslana
    May 10, 2015
    3
    Weakest album to date. A disappointment for me, the album opens up with a beautiful ballad "Always in My Head", "Magic" is boring and typical, "Ink" is just a no for me, "True Love" is another gorgeous Alternative-RNB ballad that's is peacefully relaxing, "Midnight" doesn't even sound like a Coldplay song, "Another's Arms" is another typical/boring song, "Oceans" is positively reminiscentWeakest album to date. A disappointment for me, the album opens up with a beautiful ballad "Always in My Head", "Magic" is boring and typical, "Ink" is just a no for me, "True Love" is another gorgeous Alternative-RNB ballad that's is peacefully relaxing, "Midnight" doesn't even sound like a Coldplay song, "Another's Arms" is another typical/boring song, "Oceans" is positively reminiscent of "Green Eyes" from A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002), "A Sky Full of Stars" is an beautiful, upbeat song produced by Avicii and is sung by Chris Martin; in addition there are two music videos that were filmed for this song, one of them being scrapped, the other being publicly released, the scrapped one is more interesting, and less cheesier than the main music video. The album closes with an pop ballad "O", the song (which is really good) just feels like it was about to be left off of the album with eight tracks. "O" would probably be a track left off from Mylo Xyloto (2011). Overall, standout tracks of the album are (only), "Always in My Head", "True Love", "A Sky Full of Stars", and "O". Fortunately, it is not bad as Mariah Carey's Charmbracelet (2002).… Expand
  62. rewant
    Nov 13, 2015
    10
    This is one of the best albums by Coldplay. They have made me cry with parachutes, have shocked me with AROBTTH, made me dance with MX, and now they have brought it back in a full circle. Nobody can touch my soul as well as coldplay. They are and will remain the best music artists in the world. Period.
  63. adhamhany
    Jul 28, 2014
    7
    A good Coldplay album. It's not their best, too. It doesn't reach the level of "A Rush of Blood" or "Viva la Vida", and i don't think that they were trying to create an album that does. This is just a personal work that Chris Martin felt he needed to make. And it, mostly, works.

    The music is soft, warm, and evokes the right feelings (though not emotionally powerful as their earlier    A good Coldplay album. It's not their best, too. It doesn't reach the level of "A Rush of Blood" or "Viva la Vida", and i don't think that they were trying to create an album that does. This is just a personal work that Chris Martin felt he needed to make. And it, mostly, works.

    The music is soft, warm, and evokes the right feelings (though not emotionally powerful as their earlier stuff). All this is accompanied by Martin's trademark vocal style. The lyrics aren't that great, with a few exceptions.

    My favorite tracks are "Magic" and "Midnight". There are other very good tracks here, but these are the top in my opinion.    … Expand
  64. rceberl
    May 27, 2014
    8
    Great album. This one was not made with a target in mind, instead the band choose to make a honest album. FROM the heart and TO the heart. I think that's were they sound better. Classic Coldplay, with not a single track out of place.Thumbs up.
  65. JotaBrasil
    Jul 11, 2014
    4
    Sem dúvidas, o melhor nome de um álbum em 2014 é do sexto álbum da banda inglesa Coldplay. Ghost Stories reflete exatamente o seu título: uma coleção de histórias que são como fantasmas, ou seja, canções insólitas, sem estruturas reais e completamente desprovidas de vidas.

    Ghost Stories reflete, como sabido por todos, o período de separação do vocalista Chris Martin da sua ex-mulher, a    Sem dúvidas, o melhor nome de um álbum em 2014 é do sexto álbum da banda inglesa Coldplay. Ghost Stories reflete exatamente o seu título: uma coleção de histórias que são como fantasmas, ou seja, canções insólitas, sem estruturas reais e completamente desprovidas de vidas.

    Ghost Stories reflete, como sabido por todos, o período de separação do vocalista Chris Martin da sua ex-mulher, a atriz Gwyneth Paltrow. Analisando as nove faixas do CD (mais três da versão deluxe), o divórcio do casal foi uma chatice só. Tentando soar poético e melancólico, a banda acabado se tornando um poço de sonífero em composições fracas e sem nenhuma graça tentando mostrar o lado emocional e "cult". As faixas, então, parecem estar envernizadas de uma sensação assépticas e destituídas de apelo pessoal. Dessa maneira, Ghost Stories acaba como um trabalho distante do grande público, mas que deve agradar fãs mais xiitas da banda. Não ajuda nada o trabalho final da produção divido entre o próprio Coldplay e, majoritariamente, o produtor Paul Epworth que faz da sonoridade do grupo uma pastiche de si mesmo, mas com o agravante de tentar parecer mais "indie" com pitadas irritantes de músicas eletrônica. É impossível não ficar com sono depois dos cinquenta minutos de duração total do CD. Sempre convincente em seu papel de vocalista, Chris Martin entrega performances medianas que apenas refletem o espirito de todo o álbum, ou seja, uma recente perfeita para insônia. Apesar disso tudo, o mérito de Ghost Stories está na parte técnica, pois as instrumentalizações das faixas são trabalhos ótimos, e na canção que abre o CD, a bonita Always In My Head. Depois disso, Ghost Stories caí de rendimento mostrando que o Coldplay precisa urgentemente ser revivido já que seu fantasma paira nas nossas cabeças.    … Expand
  66. Mithil
    Aug 14, 2015
    5
    With the Exception of True Love, Magic and A Sky Full of Stars, this isn't worth listening to. Coldplay goes **** crazy artsy and experimental but in a bad way.
  67. EddieHokie
    Nov 24, 2019
    10
    Minimalist. Spacious. Heartbreaking. Atmospheric. Brief but poignant. The shift to a bleep and bloop album from Coldplay is initially jarring, but is used to great effect with repeated listens. Simultaneously icy and sad, Ghost Stories is a misunderstood triumph that absolutely veers off the previous bands path. Midnight and O are a couple of their best songs ever. Always in myMinimalist. Spacious. Heartbreaking. Atmospheric. Brief but poignant. The shift to a bleep and bloop album from Coldplay is initially jarring, but is used to great effect with repeated listens. Simultaneously icy and sad, Ghost Stories is a misunderstood triumph that absolutely veers off the previous bands path. Midnight and O are a couple of their best songs ever. Always in my Head is excellent tone setter as well.… Expand
  68. chidime
    Jun 7, 2016
    4
    The first track off this album to be released was Midnight. When I heard that track, I was ecstatic. It was such a beautiful track, and so different from what we knew of Coldplay then that I just couldn't wit for the album. Obviously, I assumed they would be going in the direction of Midnight sonically, but I was so wrong. The next 'official' single was Magic, and boy was that aThe first track off this album to be released was Midnight. When I heard that track, I was ecstatic. It was such a beautiful track, and so different from what we knew of Coldplay then that I just couldn't wit for the album. Obviously, I assumed they would be going in the direction of Midnight sonically, but I was so wrong. The next 'official' single was Magic, and boy was that a disappointment. While it wasn't bad, it did nothing to move the band forward, unlike Midnight. I don't know if they were scared of going in a totally different sonic direction, but not going with the Midnight sound was their biggest mistake.Obviously, their album didn't sell since lots of ppl were disappointed. God knows what the excitement of a totally different and fresh Coldplay album would have done. Arguably their worst album (till A Head Full of Dreams) along with Mylo Xyloto.

    Coldplay really needs to make something new, refreshing, but outstanding. I mean look at Radiohead. They just made one of their best (if not best) albums ever more than 20 years into their career. It's possible guys, just stop the teenage music. You are grown men.    … Expand
  69. ocean1505
    May 25, 2014
    9
    Do not follow the critics on this one. This is trademark Coldplay with some soulful music. Even the bonus tracks "All Your Friends" and "Ghost Story" are amazing. This album is also almost entirely electronic for which i have some mixed feelings but nevertheless some great music!
  70. BigBriggsness
    May 29, 2014
    8
    A taboo must be addressed before I proceed to actually review the album. The common denominator throughout most reviews I have seen, both from blogs and from major publications, have been accusation, even when the rating given was positive. And then there are the bloggers who have attempted to decipher why people hate Coldplay, as if there is some global misconception that could be lifted,A taboo must be addressed before I proceed to actually review the album. The common denominator throughout most reviews I have seen, both from blogs and from major publications, have been accusation, even when the rating given was positive. And then there are the bloggers who have attempted to decipher why people hate Coldplay, as if there is some global misconception that could be lifted, and suddenly everyone is a Coldplay fanatic (there is a widespread misunderstanding of their music, to be sure, but it is not as all-encompassing of anti-Coldplayers as their fans would like to believe).
    It seems that, ever since the release of Parachutes, listeners and critics have made a rather small box for Coldplay to stay inside: "Here, you can be the sunshine-rock band from England" (I believe this contributed to the unanimous critical acclaim of A Rush Of Blood to the Head, because it was simply a more mature Parachutes). As soon as X&Y was (delayed, then) released, the change in direction was written off as failed experimentation and, although still carrying big songs like Speed of Sound and Fix You, was mostly called a botched album. Even according to Martin himself, it was only “60% of what [they] wanted to achieve.” Viva La Vida Or Death and All Of His Friends was their most explorative and interesting album (or double EP, whatever you wish to call it) they have ever released. Songs like Death and All Of His Friends and Lost! are brilliant works of creativity, but were not recognized as such largely because Coldplay was supposed to sound like the people's "Coldplay," the sunshine-rock band from England.
    Ghost Stories is X&Y Part II, except this time Martin and Co. are completely satisfied with the final product. Part of this satisfaction certainly comes from Martin's recovery and reinvigoration with the songwriting process; he is now able, he said in a must-see interview with Zane Lowe, that he has learned to love himself, and thus, others. His confidence and personal "awakening", if you will, leads him to appreciate his music without asking the restaurant he's eating in to switch stations as soon as a Coldplay song comes on (which he would do, frequently).
    Coldplay has chosen a direction of brooding and bitter nostalgia with Ghost Stories, and with the help of their manager, production team, etc., have created a brilliant, stunning, themed album. The album cover has multiple allusions, some obvious, some less, to every song on the 9-track album. The decision to forego touring to respect the intimacy that is necessary to Ghost Stories is mature but not surprising for Coldplay whatsoever (i.e. their decision to turn down a multi-million dollar offer from Coke to use Yellow in a commercial spot because it would cheapen the meaning of the song. Coldplay possesses an unheard of amount of artistic integrity, even when they were a newly-emerged international artist). The 4 million dollar amphitheater custom-built for the filming of the album concert, and the subsequent release of the worldwide debut Coldplay “movie,” which blended live music with pre-recorded material, was excellent and noteworthy because it hasn't been done like that before. The Jonas Brothers, Justin Beiber, and Katy Perry have released their live concerts, documentaries, whatever they are to be called, but they turned it into an over-hyped theatrical release to generate revenue; Coldplay put it on public television across the world.
    The album is consistent both in theme and in musicality. Some orchestral work on Oceans helps recall the entire songs homage to Viva la Vida..., while a bonus track, named Ghost Stories, could fit in almost seamlessly on a shuffle playlist of Parachutes songs. The bonus track of O was disappointing, given Coldplay's illustrious history of hidden tracks. The transitions between songs are fantastic; listen to the album front to back at least once, don't just skip through tracks.
    Lyrically, Martin has always gotten away with almost (or actually) cheesy lines because... well, because he does. In Ghost Stories, however, Martin's love of cheesy pop music begins to show, and it's disappointing. Awkward reminiscing on Another's Arms and a wimpy admission to the pain of a tattoo on Ink are examples of the kind of lyricism Martin struggles through on the album, almost as if his international stature has halted someone from asking him "okay, we're still just working through the song, but..... "Cause you're a sky, cause you're a sky, full of stars?" are you sure?" Yet we must remember that this is the Chris Martin of The Escapist and Don't Let It Break Your Heart, who can begin the song with "And," say nothing for another three bars, and still hold your attention.
    If someone wants to hear some of Coldplay's best, I would not point them to this album. But if someone wants to hear a work of originality and humble grandeur, in an era of the brash and the bombast, I will gladly refer them to Ghost Stories.    … Expand
  71. syldoc
    Sep 11, 2014
    4
    The worse album they ever done, it's a background music without soul or spirit
    The made a flat music, just for lift or shop and not what they use to do before
    I dislike the concept of this album.
  72. aladinkicks
    Jun 1, 2014
    6
    To be honest, a spectacular cumulative album.
    This album is so emotional, so gorgeous and so artistic.
    The way Coldplay coalesced the properties of their previous albums, and the way they embedded all of the emotion makes this album so unique. Their best since A Rush of Blood to the Head. Maybe even better. Best Tracks- Always In My Head, Midnight, True Love, Another's Arms Okay    To be honest, a spectacular cumulative album.
    This album is so emotional, so gorgeous and so artistic.
    The way Coldplay coalesced the properties of their previous albums, and the way they embedded all of the emotion makes this album so unique.
    Their best since A Rush of Blood to the Head. Maybe even better.
    Best Tracks- Always In My Head, Midnight, True Love, Another's Arms
    Okay Tracks- Ink, Magic, Oceans, O
    Worst Tracks- A Sky Full of Stars    … Expand
  73. DrewtheDude85
    Jun 8, 2014
    9
    Coldplay's newest album is very impressive with great music as usual with it's catchy music and style put into it even if the themes of some of the lyrics are so-so. While I think that A Rush of Blood to the Head and Viva La Vida out beat it IMO, I really enjoyed Ghost Stories; in fact I think all the songs are great to where I can't decide which ones are my favorite; I guess if I had toColdplay's newest album is very impressive with great music as usual with it's catchy music and style put into it even if the themes of some of the lyrics are so-so. While I think that A Rush of Blood to the Head and Viva La Vida out beat it IMO, I really enjoyed Ghost Stories; in fact I think all the songs are great to where I can't decide which ones are my favorite; I guess if I had to choose my absolute favorite it would be "A Sky Full of Stars" but I also like "Midnight" and "O". I would recommend this, however I know some older CP fans will probably not like this one as much, but if you can deal with Coldplay's newer style of music then I think that you will enjoy this album.… Expand
  74. valgreen
    Jun 29, 2014
    9
    Great album. Great Lyrics. Sounds great. It's just a mix of really good beats with powerful lyrics and that wonderful vocals from Martin. Oh, such a nice album. Kind of that album you can hear any time of the day and you will feel good. Since the first song to the last, it makes you feel different things and you stay connected with the music. It is REALLY good. I don't think it's perfect,Great album. Great Lyrics. Sounds great. It's just a mix of really good beats with powerful lyrics and that wonderful vocals from Martin. Oh, such a nice album. Kind of that album you can hear any time of the day and you will feel good. Since the first song to the last, it makes you feel different things and you stay connected with the music. It is REALLY good. I don't think it's perfect, but it's great, so...… Expand
  75. Jumbo11
    May 25, 2014
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Been a Coldplay fan for quite some time now and I think it is a wonderful album. People crying about its theme should just go listen to Bieber or Kanye or whatever! This album is gloomy and depressing, and it is absolutely amazing. The only problem with it is sky full of stars, that didn't fit in with the rest. Apart from this, not their best but most certainly not their worst by any standard like people are saying!… Expand
  76. TSAR
    May 29, 2014
    9
    Great album! Must be listened as a whole album and not as independent songs. It brings out a strange lite and the same time dark feel. This atmosphere is successfully captured by the album's cover as well. The songs on this one are not as catchy as some they have released previously. Very unique and not predictable without being complex. Much more mature than Mylo Xyloto.
  77. MannyHungwe
    Jun 6, 2014
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Like many other die hard Coldplay fans I was looking forward to this album more than anything else this year. With the Martin-Paltrow split in the headlines I can tell you I was already preparing myself for songs which would channel Chris’ emotions from the experience of the breakup. After streaming it on iTunes a few weeks before buying it I’ll be honest and say nothing really stood out to me apart from the Avicii collaboration track ‘A Sky Full Of Stars’. The track reminded me of ‘Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall’ and seemed to pay homage to the great Mylo Xyloto album, a quality album which sang praises for Coldplay’s ability to change with the music direction of music, regardless of how irritatingly electronic it is.
    From this first full listen you could sense the amount of emotion spoken through the sometimes cliché and cheesy lyrics, slow synth sounds and the quite evident stripped sound to each of the tracks.
    I get the feeling that rather than make great individual tracks like AROBTTH and MX, the approach with Ghost Stories was to create an album which was best enjoyed listened to as a whole. I think to try to listen to individual tracks alone makes no sense in general, especially in this case as it’s like picking a favourite chapters from your favourite book and trying to read them on their own.
    To say that there aren’t any tracks you can listen to on their own would be a lie. For all of those who like the ‘anthem’ tracks like ‘Clocks’ and ‘Viva La Vida’, I think ‘Magic’ and ‘A Sky full Of Stars’ will suit your fancy. For others who miss and love the sound of the Parachutes album, ‘Oceans’ and ‘O’ are worthy tracks.
    In conclusion I think Coldplay have given us a good album. Only time will tell how much of a good and maybe great album this will turn into. If we just look at numbers the singles and the album itself is outselling any competition left, right and centre.
    If you are yet to like the album I think listening to it after heartbreak will change your mind. This album to me is like water. At first taste it may not be that special but there will be times which you will need to have it and eventually you’ll love its simplicity. I like a few others feel like this album is a sign of better things to come. Coldplay are surely yet to run out of brilliant songs. I expect an album which will blow us away next. For now, we have Ghost Stories to enjoy, an album which might be musical brilliance in its simplest form.    … Expand
  78. 24pablox
    Jun 8, 2014
    8
    When I heard Coldplay I really loved it. Their music made me feel alive, happy. I heard about Ghost Stories and I was really excited. It cost me a lot to own it, but when I finally got it, I loved it. When it finished it left me alone, I wanted more, thet´s why I give it 8 out of 10 instead of 10 out of 10. Another feeling about the album was the lonleyness that it gave me in Midnight andWhen I heard Coldplay I really loved it. Their music made me feel alive, happy. I heard about Ghost Stories and I was really excited. It cost me a lot to own it, but when I finally got it, I loved it. When it finished it left me alone, I wanted more, thet´s why I give it 8 out of 10 instead of 10 out of 10. Another feeling about the album was the lonleyness that it gave me in Midnight and all the electronic sounds. They got out of their zone, but they did it well!… Expand
  79. xylotobryte
    Jun 18, 2014
    10
    I can't understand why a lot people are hating on this album, as it is just as amazing as their previous ones. It may not sound like the Coldplay most of you have come to love, particularity the A Rush of Blood to the Head era, but you have to accept that they will always continue to experiment with music and do what makes them happy. Also, many of you seem to be forgetting that this is aI can't understand why a lot people are hating on this album, as it is just as amazing as their previous ones. It may not sound like the Coldplay most of you have come to love, particularity the A Rush of Blood to the Head era, but you have to accept that they will always continue to experiment with music and do what makes them happy. Also, many of you seem to be forgetting that this is a break-up album that Chris wrote to help him get through his difficulties with his marriage. Still, this is a terrific album, and definitely does not deserve the amount of hate it is getting that I am seeing.… Expand
  80. Lophorina
    Jun 21, 2014
    10
    Just WOW! This album is one of the best in this year for sure...if not the best from these commercial artists in the world... After really bad Mylo Xyloto Chris and boys have tried do something special, original and memorable, and they did it !! This the best their album by far and even if this album was made in pain and sadness because of broke up Chris and Gwyneth this is still one ofJust WOW! This album is one of the best in this year for sure...if not the best from these commercial artists in the world... After really bad Mylo Xyloto Chris and boys have tried do something special, original and memorable, and they did it !! This the best their album by far and even if this album was made in pain and sadness because of broke up Chris and Gwyneth this is still one of those albums what you want to listen all the time without skipping any song on this album. I know people was expecting more Paradise or China with Rihanna, but CP has make something special and personal and you can feel it. This is my 2-3 album in my entire life which i can listen from start to the end. Well done guys and really recommend this album for everyone who really loves music and good feelings becomes from it.… Expand
  81. ColdplayLover
    Jul 4, 2014
    10
    I think it's very good! It's true that there are new sounds, new rhythms, different from 10 years ago, but it's also true that Ghost Stories has very good songs such as Ink, O and Ghost Story.
  82. Luana5
    Jul 4, 2014
    10
    Ghost Stories is the best of Coldplay, really awesome! it is an album that speaks and conveys feelings, emotions, depth and courage! In my opinion the melodies are close to perfection. Each song is a genuine thrill of accomplishment and love. I struggle to believe that they can do better but Coldplay always manage to surprise me. I love this record, I love each song of Ghost Stories.
  83. OsianLewisBlog
    Aug 23, 2014
    6
    http://osianlewis.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/coldplay-ghost-stories-ghost-of-gwyneth.html

    'The Ghost of Gwyneth Pushes Coldplay into a New Sonic and Thematic Realm'.
  84. dalekslayer96
    Dec 3, 2014
    8
    I've been a massive fan of Coldplay back since AROBTTH, and I really think this album isn't that bad!
    For starters, we have Always in My Head, which is a brilliant song that ends extremely abruptly. Lyrically, it speaks of sleepless nights and constant thinking of Chris' lover. I would have liked to hear more from where this came from.
    Next is Magic, which on first listen felt a bit    I've been a massive fan of Coldplay back since AROBTTH, and I really think this album isn't that bad!
    For starters, we have Always in My Head, which is a brilliant song that ends extremely abruptly. Lyrically, it speaks of sleepless nights and constant thinking of Chris' lover. I would have liked to hear more from where this came from.
    Next is Magic, which on first listen felt a bit cheap, but after a while it really wasn't that bad. It's got a nice bass riff and builds up using the tried and true Coldplay method. Lyrically, it's slightly cliche, with lines like "Call it magic, call it true. I call it magic, when I'm with you" but Chris' brilliant falsetto towards the end of the song really pulls it forward
    Then we have Ink. And this is where the album starts getting difficult to listen to, not because of the music, but more of because of the fact that we know that this album is Chris Martin expressing his feelings. Lyrically, it uses a tattoo as a metaphor for love, and that sometimes love can be more painful to get rid off than to fall into.
    True Love is an interesting experiment, with it opening with synthesizers. An interesting point is that this song feels more like Chris Martin feat. Coldplay due to the lack of contribution from the other members of the band. The weakest point of this song, however, is Jonny Buckland's guitar solo. It sounds completely out of context. Lyrically, this song reaches the point of almost begging, with the chorus being "Tell me you love me, if you don't the lie, oh lie to me."
    Midnight is intersting, to say the least. Chris' heavily synthesized vocals play only a small part in this completely electronic song. Synths ripple in and out of the constant beat. Overall, I think this song is great.
    The weakest point in the album arrives in the form of Another's Arms. This song simply doesn't sound right, and lyrically is very bland.
    Oceans is almost like a callback to Coldplay's debut album, Parachutes. With a constant beat that sounds like a submarine's sonar, it starts with Chris Martin on the acoustic guitar and ends with the sounds of ocean waves crashing into the beach and what seems like wedding bells. This all builds up to the obligatory stadium filler for this album.
    A Sky Full of Stars. Where do I begin on this one? It opens with not Chris but Avicii on the piano. Meanwhile, Chris is busy using metaphors as usual. Then it builds up to the chorus, where we hear lines like "Cause in a sky, cause in a sky full of stars, I think I saw you. " Then Avicii comes and the song explodes into a frenzy of EDM and a subtle but audible guitar tune.
    And now we have O, our obligatory piano ballad. This song is where it really feels like Chris Martin feat. Coldplay. Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful piece, but I just feel like the band could have been included a lot more.

    Overall, I feel that this really isn't a bad album. But it could definitely be a lot better.    … Expand
  85. longjetty7
    Oct 4, 2015
    4
    The first two songs were a nice start to what I was hoping would be a good album, but the rest was rather dull and uninteresting. It seems that on Ghost Stories, Coldplay tried to take a bit more of a subdued and introspective direction. The result, like most other pop music, sounds generic and uncreative, but unlike other pop music, it lacks the catchiness or memorable hooks. ConsideringThe first two songs were a nice start to what I was hoping would be a good album, but the rest was rather dull and uninteresting. It seems that on Ghost Stories, Coldplay tried to take a bit more of a subdued and introspective direction. The result, like most other pop music, sounds generic and uncreative, but unlike other pop music, it lacks the catchiness or memorable hooks. Considering this album only has 9 songs, it's a shame that most of them aren't very good.… Expand
  86. EFilmfan
    Mar 4, 2015
    8
    This is the best album from Coldplay. I love the songs, especially Strawberry Swing, because it's slow and so relaxing. This album is more intersting than the others..... Syifa
  87. ughnicewatch
    Mar 26, 2015
    4
    The album draws upon some sort of vision, obviously greatly influenced by Martin's breakup, but the delivery leaves plenty to be desired. Coldplay's weakest effort by a distance.
  88. tino_bandito
    Jan 23, 2017
    8
    I enjoyed this album more than most seemed to have. With it being such an emotional album for Martin, you can tell there's been a lot more though put into the lyrics of this one in comparison to the album before and the album after.
  89. BrainAndS0ul
    Aug 8, 2017
    7
    While hating this record at the start, I start digging it and definetely enjoy it more than Mylo Xyloto. Simple and flat lyrics of Magic shouldn't distract you from other masterpieces of Chris Martin's songwrighting, such as Ink. And, of course, there is Midnight - the most underrated song in Coldplay's discography, fully deserving some praise. Experemination gone well.
  90. MacsMusic
    May 9, 2018
    6
    GS is, to me, a pretty boring album. The lyrics are unoriginal and have little to no variety across the album's 9 songs. The music is rarely ever flat-out bad, but it is often boring and largely uninteresting again and again on this album. "Stars" has generic music and lyrics that I have a hard time commending. "Midnight" is probably my favorite song off this album in terms of music. It isGS is, to me, a pretty boring album. The lyrics are unoriginal and have little to no variety across the album's 9 songs. The music is rarely ever flat-out bad, but it is often boring and largely uninteresting again and again on this album. "Stars" has generic music and lyrics that I have a hard time commending. "Midnight" is probably my favorite song off this album in terms of music. It is the most distinctive and original song off this lackluster album; it actually sounds pretty good.

    When all's said and done, I don't care for GS. The music is way to slow and boring, and the lyrics are too generic and shallow to really be enjoyed. Still, the production is high-quality and pretty well done for the most part; it's just not my cup of tea.    … Expand
  91. NolanLundgaard
    Apr 11, 2020
    7
    Ghost Stories by Coldplay: 6.05

    Always in My Head: 1 Magic: 1 :) Ink: 1! True Love: 1 Midnight: 0.25 Another’s Arms: 0.75 Oceans: 0.5 A Sky Full of Stars: 1 :) O: 0.5 7/9 ~ .778 -> 6.05 Before I decided to listen to Ghost Stories, I was a little sad because this was the only Coldplay album I had not reviewed yet, and I knew once I did I would have to wait for another    Ghost Stories by Coldplay: 6.05

    Always in My Head: 1
    Magic: 1 :)
    Ink: 1!
    True Love: 1
    Midnight: 0.25
    Another’s Arms: 0.75
    Oceans: 0.5
    A Sky Full of Stars: 1 :)
    O: 0.5

    7/9 ~ .778 -> 6.05

    Before I decided to listen to Ghost Stories, I was a little sad because this was the only Coldplay album I had not reviewed yet, and I knew once I did I would have to wait for another one. Everyday Life just came out, so I would have to wait a long time. Thus, I was really excited to listen to this Ghost Stories, and it fell a little flat. This is understandable, because the lead singer, Chris Martin, had gone through a terrible divorce before Ghost Stories’s release, which likely affected the way it turned out. It starts out really well, with all of the first four songs getting perfect scores and one of those getting an exclamation point symbol for the power and emotion the lyrics contain. Besides those and A Sky Full of Stars, which I really loved, the rest of Ghost Stories is a little what you hope an actual ghost story isn’t: lifeless. The song Midnight, sadly, was slow and the vocals were hard to understand. Oceans and O were not upbeat, which was one of the ways I would have previously described Coldplay. They weren’t bad songs necessarily, but they just weren’t up to the standard that Coldplay had set with its outstanding previous four albums. That being said, I still enjoyed Ghost Stories, and Coldplay fans should like this album, or at least most of it. Highlights: Always in My Head, Magic, Ink, True Love, and A Sky Full of Stars.    … Expand
  92. MahdiBzs
    Jul 19, 2018
    10
    Ghost Stories was the best album in 2014. because this album had good lyrics , good sounds & heartbroken. Thanks Chris, Jonny, Guy & Will for make this unforgettable album
  93. Macrofficial
    Apr 20, 2020
    7
    Alright, Let's Talk About Coldplay's 6th Studio Album, and album I have mixed thoughts on. 'Always in My Head' Is a nice way to set the tone of the album, it's a decent song, I'll probably listen to it again. 'Magic' Is an interesting one, I don't really care for the first half of the song, but the second half is pretty good. 'Ink' Is the first really good song on the album, It's a greatAlright, Let's Talk About Coldplay's 6th Studio Album, and album I have mixed thoughts on. 'Always in My Head' Is a nice way to set the tone of the album, it's a decent song, I'll probably listen to it again. 'Magic' Is an interesting one, I don't really care for the first half of the song, but the second half is pretty good. 'Ink' Is the first really good song on the album, It's a great tune that's quite singable. 'True Love' Is a song I really don't care for other than the second half..once again..but most of the song just doesn't sound that great too me. 'Midnight' Is a hauntingly beautiful song, It's like Bon Iver meets Coldplay and it makes just an amazing song on the album. 'Another's Arms' might be my least favourite song on the album..the chime sounding instrument sounds out of place on the album, and the whole song is just meh. 'Oceans' is a pretty nice song which leads into 'A Sky Full Of Stars' which is a nice track that would probably sound great in the car. The final track 'O' is a great song to end the album. I do think that the final 3 tracks do not make sense all together, one song is more of a lower and quieter song than you move into an upbeat song but then you go back too another low beat song, but i wasn't too affected by that. overall, this album has some bad songs, but for the most part the songs on this project are pretty decent. My Top 3 Tracks would have to be 'Ink', 'Midnight', and 'O'.… Expand
  94. gustavothehuman
    Sep 30, 2020
    10
    I really enjoy the melancholic atmosphere of this record, it also helped me through a very difficult time in my life. Ghost Stories might not have the cheerful tracks Coldplay got known for during the 2010's but it's a quite interesting addition to their catalog.
  95. Whyhelder
    Sep 24, 2020
    9
    Their best album in 10 years! This was not meant to hit - and still did! Highlights are Magic, Fly On and True Love
  96. vancemay77
    Apr 25, 2022
    9
    This record is Coldplay at their most devastatingly heartbreaking. Best listened to after a break-up while staring up at the stars. What makes this album so beautiful is how much hope and joy is intertwined within the deep sadness of the music.

    This album is criminally underrated. In my opinion, it ranks up there with their best work. It also has such an incredible flow, and works front    This record is Coldplay at their most devastatingly heartbreaking. Best listened to after a break-up while staring up at the stars. What makes this album so beautiful is how much hope and joy is intertwined within the deep sadness of the music.

    This album is criminally underrated. In my opinion, it ranks up there with their best work. It also has such an incredible flow, and works front to back. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

    Standout tracks: all of them, listen to it all the way through, but 'True Love' is one of the best Coldplay songs ever written.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Most Discussed Album of 2014
35
#35 Most Shared Album of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 31
  3. Negative: 1 out of 31
  1. Pretty Much Amazing
    May 21, 2014
    42
    As much as you care and as much as you want to feel sad, you can’t be blamed if after a listen or two, all you feel is manipulated.
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  2. musicOMH.com
    May 20, 2014
    60
    Ghost Stories is overall a confessional and, as such, you definitely won’t find many anthems a la Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall or Viva La Vida. But you do get a short and sweet nine-track exorcism of demons and one crushed dude who knows how to pen some beautiful, infectious ballads.
    Read full review
  3. Paste Magazine
    May 20, 2014
    75
    Coldplay 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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