Viva La Vida
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Viva La Vida Image
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 599 Ratings

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  • Summary: The fourth album for the English band was produced by Brian Eno and Markus Dravs.

Top Track

Viva La Vida
I used to rule the world Seas would rise when I gave the word Now in the morning I sleep alone Sweep the streets I used to own I used to roll the... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    The confident majesty of the music, however, belies how he and his bandmates have invigorated their rock-lite reign. [20 June 2008, p.65]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Observer Music Monthly
    80
    That it lacks any obvious singles hardly seems to matter. Viva La Vida is an assured return that should go some way to restoring Coldplays wilted critical stock.
  3. Hot Press
    80
    Chris Martin and co. return with another album guaranteed to rock arenas across the world.
  4. PopMatters
    70
    Viva la Vida is not their masterpiece, but for now, it’s as close as they’re gonna get.
  5. Austin Chronicle
    67
    It isn't perfect, but Viva la Vida re-establishes Coldplay's relevance in this era where every new indie rock band really wants to be Coldplay.
  6. NOW Magazine
    60
    Viva La Vida starts off with promise for fans who felt that "X&Y" was a far cry from "A Rush Of Blood To The Head."... Unfortunately, the rest of the record fails to build on this.
  7. Paste Magazine
    40
    Given Eno’s quarter-century of Bono-fides, this isn’t surprising. Martin’s interests are frequently vague--on 'Lovers in Japan/Reign of Love' he sings about soldiers who must soldier on and runners who must run until the race is won. Seriously?

See all 32 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 120 out of 148
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 148
  3. Negative: 17 out of 148
  1. SteveO
    Jun 27, 2008
    10
    I'm guessing "Zia" is a girl... yeah don't listen to girls, pick up this cd. It's worth it. It isn't girl rock.
  2. thejanxxmaster
    Sep 21, 2013
    10
    Viva la Vida could be the most ambitious and impressive Coldplay album. Tracks such as Viva la Vida, Violet Hill, Yes, Lovers in Japan, 42,Viva la Vida could be the most ambitious and impressive Coldplay album. Tracks such as Viva la Vida, Violet Hill, Yes, Lovers in Japan, 42, and Life in Technicolor prove that Coldplay can be new and inventive while still staying true to their previous records.… Expand
  4. Zorgly
    Feb 8, 2011
    10
    Experimentation pays off. I wish more mainstream bands would try new things like coldplay do here. Beautiful album from start to finish.Experimentation pays off. I wish more mainstream bands would try new things like coldplay do here. Beautiful album from start to finish. Coldplay have officially secured their spot as one of my favourite bands.… Expand
  5. SadafA.
    Jul 2, 2008
    9
    Parachutes, was just terrific. Then came along A Rush of Blood to the Head. That was a complete step up! X&Y was in some people's minds Parachutes, was just terrific. Then came along A Rush of Blood to the Head. That was a complete step up! X&Y was in some people's minds a bit of a downer, but I loved it nevertheless, being a huge fan of their music. Each of their albums have been enjoyable to say the least. All of their songs appeal to all sometimes with their lyrics, the structure, their piano, their guitar riffs, and Chris Martin's crooning little falsetto (which has definitely been left out of Viva La Vida). Viva La Vida is what I simply believe to be their best yet! Frankly, those who did not enjoy their previous albums will probably not like their new work nor their future music. Critics are just harsh.. and are meant to be. But they have millions of fans who have bought, listened, and enjoyed their work. That's all that matters.… Expand
  6. Some_Critic
    Feb 9, 2013
    8
    While I can say, as a Coldplay fan, this is NOT their best record (that would go to A Rush Of Blood To The Head), it's up there. This album,While I can say, as a Coldplay fan, this is NOT their best record (that would go to A Rush Of Blood To The Head), it's up there. This album, as produced by Brian Eno of U2 production fame, brings many experimental elements to the album, giving the band all new sounds to utilize like soaring string sections (almost the and combining that with their pre-existing sound. You get excellent songs like "Violet Hill", "Yes", and "Lovers in Japan". I praise Coldplay and Brian Eno for experimenting their sound. So at this point you're wondering why this hasn't got a 9 or 10. Well, honestly, I can say that my problem is that the album covers almost too much; I have to keep resetting my mind that "Wait, 'Viva La Vida'? That's Coldplay right?" Some songs are too far from their sound. Overall, It deserves a thorough listen, and if you're a fan of Radiohead (or experimental rock in general) this album would appeal to you more than their others.… Expand
  7. TomM
    Oct 27, 2008
    7
    Pretty good overall. I've always though of Coldplay as decent, certainly far above average for a group getting heavy pop radio airplay. Pretty good overall. I've always though of Coldplay as decent, certainly far above average for a group getting heavy pop radio airplay. The new album sounds like their past work, but is a little more adventurous. It gets an 8 in recognition of progress and in the hope that their next one continues the trend, and does something truly interesing and fresh.… Expand
  8. JohnG.
    Jun 27, 2008
    0
    Joy division > u2 radiohead > coldplay let's celebrate mediocrity!

See all 148 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Most Discussed Album of 2008
14
#14 Most Shared Album of 2008

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