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 574 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

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 117 out of 145
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 145
  3. Negative: 17 out of 145
  1. JoshN
    Jun 19, 2008
    10
    Easily the best Coldplay album I've ever heard. Lost is an amazing track, and this album is definitely worth the money. Go get it!
  2. jimmyo
    Jul 3, 2009
    10
    Coldplay is one of those bands that truly brings the word "music" to a whole different level! There are people that do not get the greatness Coldplay is one of those bands that truly brings the word "music" to a whole different level! There are people that do not get the greatness of this kind of music, but that is only a pitty for them. coldplay is, and will always be, the kings of alternative.… 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. [Anonymous]
    Jun 29, 2008
    9
    Not a 'rock' album by any means. It is a 45 minute long dream state that is highly entertaining within the correct state of mind.
  6. rollingstone82
    Aug 14, 2010
    8
    A truly remarkable album that shows Coldplay as one of the best experimental rock bands out there.

    This is probably their finest hour yet.    A truly remarkable album that shows Coldplay as one of the best experimental rock bands out there.

    This is probably their finest hour yet. Coldplay has crafted a wholesome album that sounds uniform yet entirely unique from their previous sound.

    What each listener gets is not just a good collection but a musical journey that sonically varies from song to song creating a beautiful experience. There's no real tale because the concept is to take one on an adventure. Chris Martin probably has poured himself out the most on this album, spinning tales of war, love, and pain. On the title track, Martin describes himself as a king in his past life over a background that sounds like the theme music for the appearance of a celestial body. Violet Hill features shredding guitar riffs against the piano and Martin's megaphone-like verses.

    But even some of those verses really stop Viva La Vida from becoming a classic. As much as the sound is sonic majesty, Chris Martin seems at a loss for words and at times weak against the superior background. His topical interests are as Paste Magazine says it, vague.

    Take out all of that and you have one of the greatest 47-minute musical experiences of a lifetime. However, there is no doubt that Viva La Vida is far away from becoming the definitive Coldplay album.    … Expand
  7. vonThunderbolt
    Jul 30, 2008
    7
    This album came as a tremendous surprise to me, a longtime fan of the band. With it's tighter (and surprisingly deeper) sound, the This album came as a tremendous surprise to me, a longtime fan of the band. With it's tighter (and surprisingly deeper) sound, the Coldplay really started expanding their boundaries more. X & Y was nothing but a letdown, an album that played out as an empty and heartless ballad barrage. A Rush of Blood to the Head was solid, but this album comes closest to equaling the nearly sweet, wonderful sound of the band's first -- Parachutes. This project certainly boasts a higher production value and grandiose feel -- a move that many Coldplay fans will appreciate.… Expand
  8. JohnG.
    Jun 27, 2008
    0
    Joy division > u2 radiohead > coldplay let's celebrate mediocrity!

See all 145 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Most Discussed Album of 2008
14
#14 Most Shared Album of 2008

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