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
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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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