X&Y
by Coldplay
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Jun 7, 2005
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 711 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 574 out of 711
  2. Mixed: 75 out of 711
  3. Negative: 62 out of 711

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. RyanO
    Jun 10, 2005
    5
    I love Coldplay, a true old-school fan, I'm proud to say, seen them several times in concert and last month at the Fillmore in San Francisco. Anyways, this album is a step backward from any standpoint other than commercial. Chris' lyrics are really trite and cliche on this record. Such as "the next step you take, could be your biggest mistake, but thats the risk you take". I love Coldplay, a true old-school fan, I'm proud to say, seen them several times in concert and last month at the Fillmore in San Francisco. Anyways, this album is a step backward from any standpoint other than commercial. Chris' lyrics are really trite and cliche on this record. Such as "the next step you take, could be your biggest mistake, but thats the risk you take". Another "tears stream down your face". I've heard this kind of stuff in boy band songs for gosh's sake. My buddy said it best, this record has no guts, no balls. It's a big let down from wonderful songs like God Put a Smile, Clocks, and In my Place. There gonna have a masterpiece of an album, but this certainly isn't it.… Expand
  2. andyf
    Jun 11, 2005
    10
    it was just great! Music in its true form!
  3. jorger
    Jun 10, 2005
    10
    i think this album could be a masterpiece of a lifetime but it seems like big names like rolling stone magazine and spin contradict themselves by calling the last 2 albums quote the work of a small band trying to act like a big band when at the time this two previous critics called both of the albums and the band itself like (gods)
  4. Tyler
    Jun 13, 2005
    10
    Wow... all i can say is that this album is amazing. Yes, Martin's voice alone is nothing amazing. The lyrics easily forgetable. And the riffs easily lost. However, when all three are combined it leaves an album that is simply amazing. Very soothing, introspective, out of this world type experience. Highlights on the album include square one, fix you, my personal favorite talk, and Wow... all i can say is that this album is amazing. Yes, Martin's voice alone is nothing amazing. The lyrics easily forgetable. And the riffs easily lost. However, when all three are combined it leaves an album that is simply amazing. Very soothing, introspective, out of this world type experience. Highlights on the album include square one, fix you, my personal favorite talk, and swallowed in the sea. Most intresting on the album is the not-so-hidden track til' kingdom come, having a country feel to it (makes sense considering it was originally written for the late Johnny Cash). Definetely a must if you have enjoyed other Coldplay efforts… Expand
  5. Chrystal
    Jun 13, 2005
    10
    I really like the songs on this CD. They're the best.
  6. jackybol
    Jun 10, 2005
    8
    not as good as their 2 previous albums but still good
  7. NeilO'C
    Jun 13, 2005
    9
    Coldplay have moved on from Rush Of Blood and are making their way towards greatness... this isn't their peak, this is just a teaser for the albums they're going to make. It's a damn fine record, and "Fix You" in particular makes me break out into a broad smile. I can't help but feel that everything is going to be okay when I hear it. Thanks, boys. N
  8. MikeO
    Jun 13, 2005
    8
    Not as strong as their previous releases, but still better than most of what you hear in todays top 40 radio.
  9. ThomM
    Jun 13, 2005
    9
    solid rock album, many hooks, some minor Martin whining. A feminine U2 album
  10. vande
    Jun 15, 2005
    4
    so, with this album, Coldplay did not use its chance to make its large audiance listen to something challengig. U2 did it, Pink Floyd did it, Raidohead did it, PJH did it in their careers, many names... why did these people take risks at least in one period of their lives ? were they crazy ? no... they just had the vision for music. and it got inspirational for many other names. but this so, with this album, Coldplay did not use its chance to make its large audiance listen to something challengig. U2 did it, Pink Floyd did it, Raidohead did it, PJH did it in their careers, many names... why did these people take risks at least in one period of their lives ? were they crazy ? no... they just had the vision for music. and it got inspirational for many other names. but this album showed that Coldplay do not have the courage for their music journey so it will be a nice journey maybe but not interesting. sorrunding in the same places. . and what is important for Coldplay ? the sales are guaranteed, the awards maybe guaranteed, the popularity is guaranteed. so what's left for the rest, what about music evolution ? Just do not ask. I hope other bands do not take it as example, then they do something interesting.… Expand
  11. joshm
    Jun 10, 2005
    10
    i think this album is great, and that everyone wants coldplay to do a ok computer, but i like x and y very much , especially fix you, swallowed in the sea and twisted logic
  12. danim
    Jun 16, 2005
    7
    martin says the band gave it thier best; i think they are experimenting with something new. after rush of blood, i guess i was hoping for an extension of that album. Put aside your preconceptions and listen, there are some real jewels on this album.
  13. m
    Jun 16, 2005
    8
    Just like their first 2 albums, this one'll grow on you. I don't know exactly why this is, but oh well. Musically, the album is great, with a few songs being extremely catchy, and progression in their sound is noticable. The areas where "X&Y" gets its demerits are lyrics and number of tracks on the album. Lyrically, the album is not so great. Martin covered a more diverse array Just like their first 2 albums, this one'll grow on you. I don't know exactly why this is, but oh well. Musically, the album is great, with a few songs being extremely catchy, and progression in their sound is noticable. The areas where "X&Y" gets its demerits are lyrics and number of tracks on the album. Lyrically, the album is not so great. Martin covered a more diverse array of topics on "A Rush of Blood to the Head." All he writes about here is love, romance, and his feelings. I would have liked to see more lyrical diversity. As for number of songs, "Twisted Logic" and "Low" shouldn't have made the cut. The album should have been 11 songs long. Also, it just doesn't sound as fresh or as simplistically beautiful as "A Rush of Blood to the Head" did when it first came out. However, "X&Y" still delivers the goods. It's very solid and very consistent. And hey, it's still great, just not exceptional like "A Rush of Blood to the Head" was.… Expand
  14. Anthony
    Jun 10, 2005
    8
    This one'll take more time to get used to... But "Talk," "Fix You," "Swept in the Sea," and the single are early favorites.
  15. damlak
    Jun 17, 2005
    5
    typical coldplay. not original and not different. boring
  16. BradP
    Jun 18, 2005
    6
    this album was so influnced by the record company it's not funny! Coldplay fans will pick and choose their song and take what they want. Although it still has a strong sinigle, a sloppy but loveable piano ballad and good starting (i.e. Polik) which all coldplay albums have had. It good but not that good and even more mainsteam then before. It so safe at times it's offesive. Next this album was so influnced by the record company it's not funny! Coldplay fans will pick and choose their song and take what they want. Although it still has a strong sinigle, a sloppy but loveable piano ballad and good starting (i.e. Polik) which all coldplay albums have had. It good but not that good and even more mainsteam then before. It so safe at times it's offesive. Next ablum be better but this album is great for the first few times ut will then is useless… Expand
  17. JessK
    Jun 10, 2005
    0
    Yuck! You will immediately forget this album after hearing. THE most pedestrian stuff I've heard in a while.
  18. jessp
    Jun 18, 2005
    0
    i love so much colplay but this new album is horrible i don't like because is too seem at them old albums
  19. DouglasS
    Jun 20, 2005
    10
    The best new release so far this year! Coldplay has an album that will stand up for a long time.
  20. JenniferM
    Jun 20, 2005
    5
    Well, I guess the sales numbers prove that suspense and over-hype really do work. I don't know what Coldplay were thinking. The ballads on this album are sappy and the hard(er) songs never really rock. Very disappointing as I adored AROBTTH. However, the biggest weakness is the lyrics. Heart-felt is fine, but don't club us over the head with it. We get it! -- you love your wife Well, I guess the sales numbers prove that suspense and over-hype really do work. I don't know what Coldplay were thinking. The ballads on this album are sappy and the hard(er) songs never really rock. Very disappointing as I adored AROBTTH. However, the biggest weakness is the lyrics. Heart-felt is fine, but don't club us over the head with it. We get it! -- you love your wife and she's been through a hard time It will be very interesting to see whether Coldplay can get back what they've obviously lost on this one.… Expand
  21. MariaP
    Jun 22, 2005
    9
    well I read most of the comments that were posted here and I also took a chance and bought the CD for myself since I am a major Coldplay fan. I listened to it and in my opinion it was great. whoever said that the more you listen the more you like it was right but I think that all their CDs have done that to me. Though it does have many cliches and isn't as great as Rush of blood well I read most of the comments that were posted here and I also took a chance and bought the CD for myself since I am a major Coldplay fan. I listened to it and in my opinion it was great. whoever said that the more you listen the more you like it was right but I think that all their CDs have done that to me. Though it does have many cliches and isn't as great as Rush of blood is..im no music critic but I do know what I like and I like this CD and for those who trash it, you are entitled to your opinion but do remember that everyone is different and everyone is not going to like the same things. there would be no fun in it and the world would be boring, not to mention a very 'outter limits'/ 'twilight zone' kind of place… Expand
  22. CurtisMc
    Jun 23, 2005
    10
    Amazing! So many rock and pop bands put out so much thoughtless crap. This is a refreshing change
  23. DerrickM
    Jun 23, 2005
    9
    This is a very good album, not a complete departure, but an evolution. While it will be compared to U2 and others, I see a possible lineage, perhaps unintended, to John Lennon. The melodies, harmonies, suggest an affinity.
  24. donf
    Jun 25, 2005
    8
    this album is as good if not better then the previous 2 coldplay produced.!!!!!!!!!!!!
  25. MorganC
    Jun 26, 2005
    3
    This album could be called "Coldplay Takes No Chances" or "Empty, Slice-of-Life Platitudes" and the the single that's a total rehash of "Clocks" is unforgiveable.
  26. JoshuaE
    Jun 27, 2005
    10
    This is an excellent cd! It is near flawless and very good quality music, possibly my favorite album of all time. Speed of Sound, Fix You, Square One and White Shadows are some of the highlights. Coldplay is now officially my favorite band.
  27. OliverP
    Jun 20, 2005
    7
    Square One, Speed of Sound and Talk are great songs, but too many of the rest are mediocre, run-of-the-mill. A decent album, but nowhere near as good as Rush of Blood
  28. JimH
    Jun 20, 2005
    4
    "What If" and "Talk" are two tracks on this CD that actually stand up and say for the band "See? We CAN be good but choose to be sleepy and boring instead! Take that!" If this CD only had those two songs on it, I'd give it a 10. Too bad.
  29. KatyK
    Jun 20, 2005
    0
    What an ugly piece of work. Yikes!
  30. DennisM
    Jun 30, 2005
    9
    I really like this CD. It did take a few times to get use to it (being a veteran Coldplay fan). They do tend to fall the last few songs (kind of sappy Gwenyth songs). I do believe alot of the critics are trying to compare this to Parachutes and A Rush... but, you cannot. Just like you could not compare A Rush.. to Parachutes. They all have there place. I do however think that 'Fix I really like this CD. It did take a few times to get use to it (being a veteran Coldplay fan). They do tend to fall the last few songs (kind of sappy Gwenyth songs). I do believe alot of the critics are trying to compare this to Parachutes and A Rush... but, you cannot. Just like you could not compare A Rush.. to Parachutes. They all have there place. I do however think that 'Fix you' should have been put on the CD last. It would've followed the pattern they had created with the last songs on there prior CD's. This is definatley worth picking up . The first 9 songs on the album are worth it!… Expand
  31. RaymonB
    Jun 5, 2005
    8
    This is one of those albums you come to appreciate over time. It isn't as easy to take hold of as "A rush of blood to the head" or as mellow has "Parachutes" it takes a second listen and becomes better and better. Often the falsetto's Martin gives birth to are criticised for being sung before. Although that is the his sound, and he puts his own twist to it, especially on this This is one of those albums you come to appreciate over time. It isn't as easy to take hold of as "A rush of blood to the head" or as mellow has "Parachutes" it takes a second listen and becomes better and better. Often the falsetto's Martin gives birth to are criticised for being sung before. Although that is the his sound, and he puts his own twist to it, especially on this album. Songs like Square One are new and innovative without losing that authentic Coldplay sound. I think that most of us don't really care for it to be innovative, we just want more coldplay......… Expand
  32. CosmoP
    Jun 6, 2005
    5
    Good but not great. "Low" and "Talk" are the tracks that stand out as opposed to the lame sappy nonsense of "Fix You " or " What If?". But really this is no different that the last two albums. Neither were masterpieces by any stretch. This is music for your mother.
  33. dand
    Jun 6, 2005
    6
    They smothered the whole record in three kinds of cheese: 80s Yanni synths, cliches-as-lyrics pretending to mean something, and fake U2 guitar. Still, it sounds good, and has a lot of beautiful tunes. A big step back artistically. Probably a big step forward commercially.
  34. HollisH
    Jun 7, 2005
    0
    If by saying: "This is the album we've all been waiting for..." You really mean: "Here's a boring album for you! Please don't buy it!" Or: "I waited for 15 years to hear my father tell me he loved me and all I got was this stupid album." Then I would agree with you;.
  35. AdamR
    Jun 7, 2005
    9
    It soars, it drops, it leaves you wanting more, it leaves you wishing that Johnny Cash sang "Til Kingdom Come"...most of all it leaves you with that warm feeling that all good albums do. Has great lines "my song is love, love unkown and I've got to get that message home", songs about angst, songs about love, songs about loss, songs about today...it just fits and you will love It soars, it drops, it leaves you wanting more, it leaves you wishing that Johnny Cash sang "Til Kingdom Come"...most of all it leaves you with that warm feeling that all good albums do. Has great lines "my song is love, love unkown and I've got to get that message home", songs about angst, songs about love, songs about loss, songs about today...it just fits and you will love listening to it front to back, which is the true test of a good album.… Expand
  36. marshallp
    Jun 7, 2005
    8
    Dear Coldplay: Ok Boys, a good effort although it's still 2 songs too long: you should have ditched A Message. Sorry, Chris I know you really like it. It's just too... YOU. Save it for a better moment. And Swallowed In the Sea is too easy-fake-genre music. why is it even in there? You're trying too hard for what... a campfire classic. Please! The rest of it: Sonically, Dear Coldplay: Ok Boys, a good effort although it's still 2 songs too long: you should have ditched A Message. Sorry, Chris I know you really like it. It's just too... YOU. Save it for a better moment. And Swallowed In the Sea is too easy-fake-genre music. why is it even in there? You're trying too hard for what... a campfire classic. Please! The rest of it: Sonically, it's a bit overcooked, right? time to strip down. you guys are good enough and big enough that next time you have to let it loosen up a bit on some songs. But again, thanks for having the cojones to do such huge and gracious tunes, no one is this good at it. Lyrically, this is your get-out-of-jail-free card. Are you listening to us, Chris? take note! It is the very last time you should ever shoot for so low a common denominator. I mean come on, man. The world is already listening, take us somewhere fascinating and new next time. We like you and we want to hear it.… Expand
  37. JB
    Jun 7, 2005
    10
    Colplay really grew up on this album, and we get the benefits.
  38. JKM
    Jun 7, 2005
    10
    I've been a Coldplay fan since before Parachutes was even released in the US. I really liked Parachutes, I loved Rush of Blood. I must admit that it took several listens for this album to really grow on me... But, like any great album, it has only gotten better with each listen. While this album has gotten rave reviews by some, I am shocked by the number of negative reviews. You feel I've been a Coldplay fan since before Parachutes was even released in the US. I really liked Parachutes, I loved Rush of Blood. I must admit that it took several listens for this album to really grow on me... But, like any great album, it has only gotten better with each listen. While this album has gotten rave reviews by some, I am shocked by the number of negative reviews. You feel like each song on X&Y was crafted extremely carefully and molded to perfection. This is a classic third album... different enough from the previous two to be unique, but not too different to alienate fans of the Coldplay sound. They are moving in the right direction... I already can't wait for what they come up with next. I would list some favorite tracks, but then I'd have to list every song on the album! X&Y was worth the wait for me!… Expand
  39. KatamaiS.
    Jun 7, 2005
    10
    Quite beautiful album. All songs really stick in your head. If you give it 4-5 spins you will think that this is Coldplay's greatest. I was with them from the start. "Parachutes" was good, but "A Rush Of Blood..." was even better, and the change that Coldplay has made with this new album is quite astonishing. I can't understand why so many of the old Coldplay fans, think that Quite beautiful album. All songs really stick in your head. If you give it 4-5 spins you will think that this is Coldplay's greatest. I was with them from the start. "Parachutes" was good, but "A Rush Of Blood..." was even better, and the change that Coldplay has made with this new album is quite astonishing. I can't understand why so many of the old Coldplay fans, think that "X&Y" is a dissapointment. I think that this is Coldplay at there very best, like Zep on "Physical Graffiti".… Expand
  40. JonN
    Jun 7, 2005
    10
    The only people who would give this album a 7 or less are those on the anti-Coldplay bandwagon that is rolling around right now. X&Y sees Coldplay evolve once again, and after about 15 listens every track has something to make it special. This is a work of art that has to be heard to be believed.
  41. JD
    Jun 7, 2005
    9
    Can't be wrong, almost perfert !
  42. marks
    Jun 7, 2005
    10
    Its obvious New York Times reviewer has never wrote a song.
  43. Carrie
    Jun 7, 2005
    3
    I am pretty disappointed. None of the magic is there. Its a tired re-hash ... as if they were struggling to remember what made them great. They sound uninspired ... almost as if they were boring themselves, even, in the studio. I miss Parachutes.
  44. Matt
    Jun 7, 2005
    7
    An OK album. Not as good as the A Rush Of Blood To The Head album, but not bad either. Was hoping a bit more to be honest.
  45. JenniN.
    Jun 7, 2005
    2
    I just bought it today...loved the other two albums...this one is BAD. The one exception is "Speed of Sound." The other songs are def. reworked 80's music (hints of New Order) but are redone in a monotonous, redundant fashion with predictable lyrics. I was going to buy tix to their concert for this Sept., but I think I have changed my mind. Not worth the $17... :(
  46. Graham
    Jun 7, 2005
    7
    A very bland album, personally their worst album.
  47. jimmyj
    Jun 7, 2005
    8
    While songs like Square One and Low are terrific, there are some pondering fillers towards the end that are frankly quite dull. And "Fix You" is nowhere near as good as everyone is pretending it is. This is a good album, but not the masterpiece that is being sychophantically claimed.
  48. Gnarles
    Jun 7, 2005
    5
    The anticipation factor makes X&Y initially engaging, but it proves to be a yawner fairly quickly. Nothing here is even remotely as memorable as their biggest singles, and as for "Speed Of Sound", they should have just called it "Clocks II", so cynically similar are the two hits. This album is not bad, but nor is it good. In fact, it's very averageness be may the most disappointing The anticipation factor makes X&Y initially engaging, but it proves to be a yawner fairly quickly. Nothing here is even remotely as memorable as their biggest singles, and as for "Speed Of Sound", they should have just called it "Clocks II", so cynically similar are the two hits. This album is not bad, but nor is it good. In fact, it's very averageness be may the most disappointing thing about it. A classic case of a band getting too big too fast and being afraid to rock the boat. Alas.… Expand
  49. ShaneH
    Jun 8, 2005
    5
    Very bland. Not nearly as good as last 2 albulms. Very dissapointing to have to wait this long for this.
  50. jamalt
    Jun 8, 2005
    10
    great album under every single point of view
  51. ryanb
    Jun 8, 2005
    10
    Many reviews have looked past the obvious. Chris and the band have elgantly placed a full description of their album in the title, X&Y. This album is full; full of landscapes that vary and contrast from one to the next just like the emotional variances of our own lives. Its full of sounds, complexities that demand an attentive listener. Its big and bold, similar enough to be welcomed as Many reviews have looked past the obvious. Chris and the band have elgantly placed a full description of their album in the title, X&Y. This album is full; full of landscapes that vary and contrast from one to the next just like the emotional variances of our own lives. Its full of sounds, complexities that demand an attentive listener. Its big and bold, similar enough to be welcomed as comforting, but driven and chaotic enough to challenge and tweek our perception. An album that embraces the past and propells us and Coldplay forward.… Expand
  52. ElliottM
    Jun 8, 2005
    2
    This album is concrete evidence that Coldplay are only capable of turning a small number of ideas into songs. From the first listen to 'Speed of Sound,' I was sure I was listening to an alternate version of 'Clocks;' the piano melodies were just TOO similar to be different songs entirely. Sadly, I was wrong. Furthermore, the rest of the album is just as derivative: This album is concrete evidence that Coldplay are only capable of turning a small number of ideas into songs. From the first listen to 'Speed of Sound,' I was sure I was listening to an alternate version of 'Clocks;' the piano melodies were just TOO similar to be different songs entirely. Sadly, I was wrong. Furthermore, the rest of the album is just as derivative: "X&Y" more than anything showcases Coldplay ripping off of Coldplay. A very disappointing, even irritating album.… Expand
  53. JamieH
    Jun 8, 2005
    10
    Simply fantasic, works incredibly as an album, im glad im not the one who has to pick singles out.
  54. AmandaB
    Jun 8, 2005
    10
    Having been a fan of Coldplay since before Parachutes was even released here in the states I might be a bit biased, but I absolutely love X&Y! After such a long break between AROBTTH and X&Y, I was a bit nervous and axious to hear the new material. I had heard a lot about the guys going in different directions musically, and was worried that Coldplay might change too much from the last Having been a fan of Coldplay since before Parachutes was even released here in the states I might be a bit biased, but I absolutely love X&Y! After such a long break between AROBTTH and X&Y, I was a bit nervous and axious to hear the new material. I had heard a lot about the guys going in different directions musically, and was worried that Coldplay might change too much from the last record to this. However upon first listen I was reassured, the Coldplay that I have loved for 5 years, is indeed back. And in a BIG way. Obviously X&Y is a major work of growth for the band, with just enough new ideas to excite and intigue us, while maintaining the core sound that is the identity of this band. From heavier tunes like X&Y and Twisted Logic, to Soaring Ballads like Fix You and Swalled in the Sea. From uptempo anthems such as Low and White Shadows to the almost accoustic Til Kingdom come, I would consider X&Y to be as complete as any album could possibly be. I am obviously not technically musical and I could not tell you anything about chords or riffs, but to me only one thing matters when considering a peice of music... Does it move you? X&Y Has moved me like no other album since... well since, A Rush of Blood to the Head. ;) I definitley reccomend it!… Expand
  55. LeoS.
    Jun 8, 2005
    0
    Anyone, and I do mean ANYONE who gave this album a score over 3 has not yet heard the album. It's so bad that it doesn't exist.
  56. BretR
    Jun 8, 2005
    5
    The music is well-produced and polished to a shine, but it's only occasionally interesting. Thought-provoking lyrics could have helped, but unfortunately the album falls flat on this count as well. They're obviously going for deep and universal, but too often they end up at vague and uninspired. Overall: pleasantly forgettable.
  57. Derekm
    Jun 8, 2005
    10
    Great great great. Full of awesome songs like FIX YOU and WHAT IF.
  58. PaulK
    Jun 8, 2005
    3
    This album is unflappable and repititous; not Coldplay's best by far. There are little dynamic undertakings, the lyrics are poorly thought out and do not match the tone of the music. Listen to Parachutes or even Rush of Blood and you will find much more of that. Perhaps even some of their EPs! Alas, Coldplay has let this listener down, at least this time.
  59. Daniel
    Jun 8, 2005
    7
    Good but not ideal.
  60. TalhaH
    Jun 8, 2005
    10
    It is really astonishing as to why critics are accusing the band of not being revolutionary and bold enough. Don
  61. MikeJ.
    Jun 8, 2005
    10
    Wonderful album -- that's all can say.
  62. MarcB
    Jun 8, 2005
    5
    That album is what i feared of that album... I hope They'll be back on the rails, because this one misses the target. Chris Martin should think about changing his lyrics methods and fast! The same pattern again and again. The songs don't have their "adrenaline rush" which is what i like of coldplay.If i'm insomniac this is my new sleeping pill for sure!
  63. JonD
    Jun 9, 2005
    9
    I've been a fan since 'clocks' was released from a rush of blood. Some may say its the same old coldplay formula, but whats wrong with that? If the musics great, why change for change sake? Excellent thought provoking songs; square one, what if, talk (my fave!) fix you, speed of sound and swallowed in the sea are my highlights..
  64. D.Williams
    Jun 9, 2005
    8
    After listening all the way through 4 times this album has grown on me (worked it's way from a 6 to an 8). It is defintely not an album that is immediately listenable like their previous efforts. 'Square One' is IMHO the best opening to any Coldplay album to date and 'White Shadows' has a great chorus and rhythm to it. 'Kingdom Come' is by far my biggest After listening all the way through 4 times this album has grown on me (worked it's way from a 6 to an 8). It is defintely not an album that is immediately listenable like their previous efforts. 'Square One' is IMHO the best opening to any Coldplay album to date and 'White Shadows' has a great chorus and rhythm to it. 'Kingdom Come' is by far my biggest surprise on this album though. I didn't think that Coldplay had the ability or desire to play some thing with such bluegrass/country roots. Should have been a main track and not hidden. XY isn't any better/worse than Rush of Blood. The different approach taken on most songs works for me and serves as a nice change of pace from Rush of Blood. I do understand some negative reviews based on lyrical content (Martin isn't exactly a lyrical whiz-kid) but lyrics are typically so personal that there are bound to be people for whom some lyrics just dont work. Nice to see that Coldplay made a stronger attempt to get away from the standard verse, chorus, verse format of most songs for this album. Look forward to hearing the songs performed live to see if there is a different sound to be gained from some of the songs i didn't like as much e.g. Twisted Logic and A Message.… Expand
  65. Adam
    Jun 9, 2005
    5
    Don't thank Eno! He's an innocent and not involved in those synth pads.
  66. RobJ
    Jun 9, 2005
    9
    This album really grows on you. Don't judge it on the first listen. Let it sit in the player for a while. Do some cleaning while you're listening to it. Do some homework. Write earnest love letters that you'll never send. Let it sink into you. Eventually, like any great album, it becomes the ONLY thing you want to hear. It becomes part of who you are.
  67. paulm
    Jun 9, 2005
    10
    the new york times are a bunch of freaking morons. maybe they should take the earwax out of their 60 year old ears and then maybe they could review this album properly. This album is simply BRILLIANT. It takes a few listens but it keeps growing on you. It's my favorite cd by far.
  68. jimmyjimoneb
    Jun 9, 2005
    8
    Ok, unfortunatly this album is NOT a masterpiece... and because there was so much anticipation about it, many fans are a bit dissapointed... but it would nevertheless be a lie to say this is a bad work! Some songs are a bitirritating (X & Y, twisted logic) but Speed of sound and White Shadows totally rock and there are many goregous ballades, my two favourite being the catchy Swallowed in Ok, unfortunatly this album is NOT a masterpiece... and because there was so much anticipation about it, many fans are a bit dissapointed... but it would nevertheless be a lie to say this is a bad work! Some songs are a bitirritating (X & Y, twisted logic) but Speed of sound and White Shadows totally rock and there are many goregous ballades, my two favourite being the catchy Swallowed in the Sea and the AMAZING Til kingdom comes...… Expand
  69. arnabm
    Jun 9, 2005
    7
    the songs themselves are much better than previous efforts, but i still ended up being disappointed after listening to all of it several times. mainly because it not only loses the intimacy of parachutes but also the catchiness of a rush of blood, without significantly progressing musically. not too impressed.
  70. p-
    Jun 9, 2005
    7
    A good album but nothing new. When compared to the White Stripes (both albums released on the same day), Coldplay goes for the easy sell, knowing everyone will like it and buy it. Coldplay plays it safe, producing a good album but far from great.
  71. bobbob
    Jun 9, 2005
    9
    One of my top 5 favorite albums of all time.I didn't even like AROBTTH all that much(had its fair share of great songs,though),but this album is just amazing.It has more personality,flavor,anything you want to call it.It's not quite perfect,but it's very close.
  72. wackojacko
    Jun 9, 2005
    10
    This is one of the best albums brought up by coldplay. A true classic with its adventurous songs.
  73. PamA
    Jun 9, 2005
    10
    I love Coldplay and am enjoying their new CD very much. Do I love every single song on X&Y? No, but I never love every song on any CD I purchase, and I certainly don't hate any song on this album. Coldplay hits the mark so much more often than they miss. X&Y is a hit with me, and I am thrilled to have another Coldplay CD to add to my collection. And I will be seeing them on their I love Coldplay and am enjoying their new CD very much. Do I love every single song on X&Y? No, but I never love every song on any CD I purchase, and I certainly don't hate any song on this album. Coldplay hits the mark so much more often than they miss. X&Y is a hit with me, and I am thrilled to have another Coldplay CD to add to my collection. And I will be seeing them on their concert tour this summer, and there aren't too many bands I feel are worth the effort!… Expand
  74. sedm
    Jun 9, 2005
    3
    b sides
  75. CaretteJ
    Jul 11, 2005
    7
    Not as fresh that Rush of blood to the head. Not bad but not the masterpiece...
  76. JonyV
    Jul 13, 2005
    10
    easily on my top 5 ever! unsurprisingly, pop snobs will dismiss them as a stadium band... but who cares when coldplay can release records so well crafted like this one? HUGE.
  77. CharlesL.
    Jul 10, 2005
    8
    This cd grows on you, just like their previous. When "Rush of Blood" came out, I intially didn't think it as good a "Parachutes". When I first heard X&Y I didn't think it matched up to "Rush". But the more I listen to it, the more I love it. Only two week tracks in my opinion, the rest are pretty great. For those that complain this band isn't eeperimental enough, your This cd grows on you, just like their previous. When "Rush of Blood" came out, I intially didn't think it as good a "Parachutes". When I first heard X&Y I didn't think it matched up to "Rush". But the more I listen to it, the more I love it. Only two week tracks in my opinion, the rest are pretty great. For those that complain this band isn't eeperimental enough, your missing the point. If every band were like Radiohead or Mars Volta (both of whom I love) it would be pretty boring. They do their things. Coldplay does theirs -- and very, very well.… Expand
  78. KyleJ
    Jul 22, 2005
    10
    I had always enjoyed Coldplay's singles, but never really connected with an entire CD they produced. X&Y, though, is easily one of the best purchases I have ever made and a solid piece of work the entire way through. I'd say this is easily their best music yet, and hopefully is just a teaser for even better things to come.
  79. SimonP
    Jul 4, 2005
    10
    An album that is the definition of a grower - those who can't see its beauty simply aren't listening. Every single song a craker (especially live), but track 4 - fix you - a fantastic 'shivers down your spine' song when it kicks in.
  80. JamesH
    Jul 6, 2005
    0
    X&Y = ZZzzzz very disapointed with this album it is sooo sooo boring.
  81. sarah?
    Jul 7, 2005
    10
    this is the best cd ever and all the songs rock.
  82. EljahS
    Jul 8, 2005
    10
    The best record since Ok Computer!
  83. ScottY
    Jul 9, 2005
    8
    This may be their best effort yet. While I can't hear any stadium-sized rockers on this album, there's real beauty in some of the songs. The album reaches a real peak in the middle with the songs Fix You, Talk, X&Y, and Speed of Sound. What really differentiates this album from their previous efforts is their willingness to put the guitar front-and-center with this album as This may be their best effort yet. While I can't hear any stadium-sized rockers on this album, there's real beauty in some of the songs. The album reaches a real peak in the middle with the songs Fix You, Talk, X&Y, and Speed of Sound. What really differentiates this album from their previous efforts is their willingness to put the guitar front-and-center with this album as opposed to the piano. It's just enough to keep Coldplay from sounding derivative of themselves.… Expand
  84. josephf
    Jul 9, 2005
    9
    JF: On my first few listens I was a little dissapointed in the CD. I really appreciated their first two albums and this seemed like a let down. However the CD began to grow on me and I really started to hear the music not listen too it and my view changed. The melodies and rythymns are strong and it may sound similiar to earlier works but they have differnt twists to make each song JF: On my first few listens I was a little dissapointed in the CD. I really appreciated their first two albums and this seemed like a let down. However the CD began to grow on me and I really started to hear the music not listen too it and my view changed. The melodies and rythymns are strong and it may sound similiar to earlier works but they have differnt twists to make each song it's own. It is relaxing thought provacative music. I understand it is not for everyone, but it is for me.… Expand
  85. BobS
    Aug 16, 2005
    2
    If coldplay's head gets any bigger people are going to have evacuate from the island. This cd is awful. The coldplay genre is lame , unexciting , and dying quickly. Once Chris martin hits puberty then maybe the band will be able to mature.
  86. NicM
    Aug 26, 2005
    4
    Not nearly as good as the previous albums - makes you understand why non-fans feel Coldplay is contrived and tepid. Still a playable record, but very forgettable as well.
  87. MarcoD
    Aug 28, 2005
    10
    The Best Disc Of The World 2005!!!!.... for me...
  88. EmilyM.
    Aug 29, 2005
    0
    I agree with Bob S. The lead singer sounds like someone just kicked him in the nuts. His voice is like nails on a chalk board and Coldplay's lyrics are cheesey and some just don't make any sense! Hopefully, coldplay will die out.
  89. JenniferW
    Sep 14, 2005
    10
    Why don't these critics get it? "X&Y" is just full of melody, flow, and rythym. And these people call themselves "music critics". This album..when all is said and done will be a classic..kind of like U2's Joshua Tree. I, like most Coldplay fans cannot comprehend as to why bad reviews are written about this album..it is simply great music..just shut up and listen. Oh by the Why don't these critics get it? "X&Y" is just full of melody, flow, and rythym. And these people call themselves "music critics". This album..when all is said and done will be a classic..kind of like U2's Joshua Tree. I, like most Coldplay fans cannot comprehend as to why bad reviews are written about this album..it is simply great music..just shut up and listen. Oh by the way...Chris Martin is a very underrated singer, that boy can sing oh can he sing.… Expand
  90. Dale
    Sep 16, 2005
    9
    Some very harsh words have been said against what is arguably the best British band going at present. To say the lyrics are 'crappy' and the songs are a 'Radiohead spin-off' really shows some of you lot obviously don't use your ears to listen to music. Coldplay scrapped a staggering 60 songs to make the album as good as possible, and I would say they've Some very harsh words have been said against what is arguably the best British band going at present. To say the lyrics are 'crappy' and the songs are a 'Radiohead spin-off' really shows some of you lot obviously don't use your ears to listen to music. Coldplay scrapped a staggering 60 songs to make the album as good as possible, and I would say they've succeeded. Yes, they have incorperated some electronic sounding into the album, but by no means does this make the songs sound exactly like Radiohead. Songs like 'Square One', 'Talk' and 'White Shadows' demonstrate some beautiful riffs, drum beats and inspirational music, whilst the album killers (Speed of Sound, Fix You being the main offerings) are truly excellent songs. Yes, the album is overatted by the media, and yes this isn't a Parachutes, but without a doubt this is a superb delicacy of passion which Chris and the lads should be proud of.… Expand
  91. PhilT
    Sep 19, 2005
    2
    This album is cliched, sentimental and formulaic. The more I listen the more annoyed I become. This isn't the greatness it should/could have been.
  92. Patrick
    Sep 19, 2005
    9
    This is a very good album. There isnt really much to say about it, its almost perfection. Speed of sound, the most played track of the album on TV, is really a masterpiece people will look back in twenty years and say, atleast the 2000s has some good music ;)
  93. obi-wankenobi
    Sep 28, 2005
    9
    the best album of 2005 by far
  94. sk
    Sep 8, 2005
    10
    As Paste magazine suggests, it takes commitment to listen to this album.....when I did, I WAS rewarded! Martin admits that his lyrics are no great shakes, but he feels the music and chords are exceptional...and I agree. As for his voice, I find that he uses that as an instrument. This is one of my favorite albums!
  95. NickS
    Jan 2, 2006
    9
    People have slammed this because it's not as great as A Rush Of Blood To The Head...but nothing ever will be. This one takes lots of repeated play throughs before you understand and feel the album - something many critics will never do. It takes time, and if you push on with it, you'll finally get it and realise how great it is. It's let down by a few songs, namely A People have slammed this because it's not as great as A Rush Of Blood To The Head...but nothing ever will be. This one takes lots of repeated play throughs before you understand and feel the album - something many critics will never do. It takes time, and if you push on with it, you'll finally get it and realise how great it is. It's let down by a few songs, namely A Message, but shines with Low, Twisted Logic, Talk and the title track, X&Y.… Expand
  96. Carillon
    Apr 8, 2006
    10
    A certainly underrated album! I love every single song on it even though they needed some time to reveal their beauty. But aren't those the best ones? I love albums that have to grow, because they are the most lasting ... I could listen to it over and over again and it wouldn't get boring at all
  97. JennaP
    Jun 11, 2006
    7
    Coldplay is my all-time favorite band. Let's get that out of the way first. Thus, it irks me to give them this mediocre rating but X+Y surprisingly gets it wrong more than it gets it right. The production is either too sparse or too heavy-handed in a few places which annoys me for some inexplicable reason because I don't usually mind production--or lack thereof. All in all, X+Y Coldplay is my all-time favorite band. Let's get that out of the way first. Thus, it irks me to give them this mediocre rating but X+Y surprisingly gets it wrong more than it gets it right. The production is either too sparse or too heavy-handed in a few places which annoys me for some inexplicable reason because I don't usually mind production--or lack thereof. All in all, X+Y is extremely top-heavy. The first five songs are all brilliant (for Coldplay's standards at least). Then you get the title track which is truly filler and then the boring, recycled Speed of Sound. The birds go flying at the speed of sound to show you where it all began.....what?! A Message is the last glimmer of hope for the rest of the record. After that none of the songs stick, regretfully. Chris tries to meander into Radiohead territory with Twisted Logic but fails. The impromptu 'Til Kingdom Come is ironically one of the best songs on the whole record even if it is a 'hidden track'. But alas Coldplay, I still forgive you and will be enjoying Talk for years to come. X+Y is a misstep but no one's careers have been totally illustrious.… Expand
  98. ErwinK
    Jun 7, 2007
    2
    Just plain dreary. Alternative musak. There is no way they are going to topple U2 - U2 have at least totally re-invented themselves a number of times. Coldplay have moved nowhere in almost ten years... their music still sounds like Starbucks.
  99. JacekA.
    Sep 7, 2007
    8
    This is first really alternative music coldplay's album , its an superb ambitious experiment ,first real contact of romantic lyricks and cold, calculated rock-electronic music which rings In Your ears for a long long time after You listen to this for the first time.Moving stuff!
  100. MarioC
    Oct 11, 2005
    6
    A little deception...
Page:

Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Most Discussed Album of 2005
13
#13 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 33
  3. Negative: 1 out of 33
  1. Blender
    100
    [Coldplay] have made their masterpiece. [Jun 2005, p.112]
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    90
    Confident, bold, ambitious, bunged with singles and impossible to contain, ‘X&Y’ doesn’t reinvent the wheel but it does reinforce Coldplay as the band of their time.
    Read full review
  3. The Guardian
    60
    They have chosen to opt for the standard formula: it's elegiac, mid-tempo, stadium-friendly ballads all the way.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »