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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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..
  4. 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!
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. 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".
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. 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
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. 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
  16. 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.
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. 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.
  26. 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.
  27. 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.
  28. 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.
  29. 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
  30. 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!
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »