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

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  1. PaulP
    Jun 15, 2005
    7
    I have been an avid Colplay fan for quite some time now, and I was greatly anticipating this release. However, after bringing it home and listning to it twice, I felt that it was a bit too sparse in it's great moments, especially after an album like Rush of Blood. Coldplay needs to stop trying to appeal to an ignorant majority of idiot teeagers, and concentrate on making real art. I have been an avid Colplay fan for quite some time now, and I was greatly anticipating this release. However, after bringing it home and listning to it twice, I felt that it was a bit too sparse in it's great moments, especially after an album like Rush of Blood. Coldplay needs to stop trying to appeal to an ignorant majority of idiot teeagers, and concentrate on making real art. Though it was a let down, it still maintained that sense of asthetics that we all know and love as Coldplay. Most of all, I look forward to what will come next, will they keep engaging in becoming part of the MTV machine? Or will they take the "Kid A" approach. We can all hope for the latter.… Expand
  2. Julian
    Jun 15, 2005
    8
    Like Parachutes and A Rush of Blood to the Head, this album is front loaded with some amazing stuff. Then, just like their previous efforts, the recede into some pretty mediocre stuff. Despite this pattern, the front of this album is so amazing that everyone who liked Parachutes or Rush of Blood should pick it up. The best tracks are Talk (simply amazing stuff), What If, and White Shadows.
  3. BK
    Jun 15, 2005
    7
    This is a good Coldplay record. If you like Coldplay, you will surly like this record. If you like Radiohead, you may or may not like this record. Radiohead create experimental music, Coldplay do not, so to criticize Coldplay for not taking chances on this record is somewhat of a lame argument.
  4. sedm
    Jun 15, 2005
    1
    b sides
  5. 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
  6. frances
    Jun 15, 2005
    9
    listening to Coldplay without prejudice is hard to do, now that it is common knowledge that it is one of the top bands today.
  7. PhilippeM
    Jun 15, 2005
    8
    I think this album is better than the previous one. Critics are being too tough saying it's the exact same formula. It's not really. You can feel a change there and it's very welcome. Some songs are among their best. I'm thinking : Fix you, Talk, X&Y. A great coldplay CD, a good rock cd, a great pop cd.
  8. NeilP
    Jun 14, 2005
    9
    Almost as good as Coldplay gets. It's Great, i love it!
  9. VineshC
    Jun 14, 2005
    7
    After waiting 3yrs and all the hype leading up to the new albulm, I was expecting more. The 3rd album is a pivotal in a band's development and longevity. (Think of U2's release of War and the impact of that album) I generally like all the songs, although I feel some were dragged out a bit too long (something that works in a live concert but not necessarily on the the studio After waiting 3yrs and all the hype leading up to the new albulm, I was expecting more. The 3rd album is a pivotal in a band's development and longevity. (Think of U2's release of War and the impact of that album) I generally like all the songs, although I feel some were dragged out a bit too long (something that works in a live concert but not necessarily on the the studio version (ex. What If i think should have been a couple "oooh's" shorter)) Also, releasing Speed of Sound as the first single, may have raised expectations even higher, but arguably the smoothest track on the album, it may lead to the next singles not having the same intensity. In the album's defense though,each listening session improves the songs, as songs that appearred to be lackluster start to catch on and you end up really enijoying it. The next test is to see how these songs translate live. With the guitar work on this album, I'm anxiously looking forward to it.… Expand
  10. jboy
    Jun 14, 2005
    4
    I've listened to Coldplay since before they hit the big times here in the states and I must say this is the weakest CD they've put out. What happened to the warmth they had in "Parachute" or the edge they displayed in "Rush of Blood to The Head". They threw all that away for more sales margins as the went generic just to please more people.
  11. K
    Jun 14, 2005
    4
    This album is just so boring and is impossible to get into. It never gets going.
  12. SimonN
    Jun 14, 2005
    8
    Whilst not perfect, X&Y is a real grower, exactly as A Rush Of Blood To The Head was. There's nothing approaching the depth of "The Scientist" nor the sheer compassion and heart of "Shiver" or "Yellow", but songs like "Square One", "What If" and "White Shadows" absolutely sparkle with emotion and musical beauty. With the exception of "Fix You", which is jaw-droppingly awful, there Whilst not perfect, X&Y is a real grower, exactly as A Rush Of Blood To The Head was. There's nothing approaching the depth of "The Scientist" nor the sheer compassion and heart of "Shiver" or "Yellow", but songs like "Square One", "What If" and "White Shadows" absolutely sparkle with emotion and musical beauty. With the exception of "Fix You", which is jaw-droppingly awful, there are some real gems spread throughout (check those already mentioned, as well as "Speed of Sound", "A Message" and "Low"), and it is silly to dimiss the album as a grab for mainstream success or merely an album that U2 never made. It will age well and will be one of the best albums of 2005.… Expand
  13. 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
  14. Chrystal
    Jun 13, 2005
    10
    I really like the songs on this CD. They're the best.
  15. ThomM
    Jun 13, 2005
    9
    solid rock album, many hooks, some minor Martin whining. A feminine U2 album
  16. 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.
  17. 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
  18. DaveH
    Jun 12, 2005
    8
    Good all-rounder.
  19. RussellT
    Jun 12, 2005
    9
    Solid album. Beautifully mixed. The world is desperate for clean music, and Coldplay presents a great alternative to the mundane crap that tends to float around in a one hit wonder society. They've done it again.
  20. ManojP
    Jun 12, 2005
    9
    boring at first, but gets better with every listen: the way an album should.
  21. SCOTTWeav
    Jun 12, 2005
    10
    COLDPLAY is amazing. the New York Times critic who gave this cd a 20 should be beaten with a bamboo stick.
  22. RickRick
    Jun 12, 2005
    9
    Exceptional. Not a bad song on it. The only reason I don't give it a 10 is because it's not The Beatles "Sgt Pepper's" album, which is the only true 10 out there. And for those who call it Coldplay's "X&Y" pop and belittle it as simplistic stadium-rock crap...I say this; put your talent where your mouth is and make something better. Until then I'm going to enjoy Exceptional. Not a bad song on it. The only reason I don't give it a 10 is because it's not The Beatles "Sgt Pepper's" album, which is the only true 10 out there. And for those who call it Coldplay's "X&Y" pop and belittle it as simplistic stadium-rock crap...I say this; put your talent where your mouth is and make something better. Until then I'm going to enjoy their music for what it is.… Expand
  23. Andrew
    Jun 12, 2005
    10
    Give this album five listens. Learn "Fix You," "A Message" and "Til Kingdom Come." Before very long you will want to grab a torch and sprint to the top of a giant hill, waving the torch like a madman, setting fire to the hillside and drooling all over your bare feet.
  24. JimM
    Jun 11, 2005
    10
    Don't understand the (few) bad reviews.. don't listen to them. This is the best album I've heard in a LONG time. Beautiful! A masterpiece!
  25. TroyP
    Jun 11, 2005
    8
    Damn fine record. Not their Joshua Tree, but it could be their Unforgetable Fire. Many outstnading tracks: Talk, Low, Speed of Sound, White Shadows. Martin should stay away from extended falsetto, but all in all, a fine outing.
  26. Craig
    Jun 11, 2005
    0
    wow, this has got to be the most over hyped album of ALL TIME. I have listened to it twice and have failed to get ANYTHING from it. It's a boring piece of crap and not one song did anything for me. 4-5 of the songs are shameless rip offs of Clocks, with that same plodding rhythm/bass line combo. Crappy melody the first time and crappy the next 5 times. The rest of the songs are wow, this has got to be the most over hyped album of ALL TIME. I have listened to it twice and have failed to get ANYTHING from it. It's a boring piece of crap and not one song did anything for me. 4-5 of the songs are shameless rip offs of Clocks, with that same plodding rhythm/bass line combo. Crappy melody the first time and crappy the next 5 times. The rest of the songs are boring piano songs with NO melody. And when i say NO melody i mean nothing. Please don't waste your money on this drivel.… Expand
  27. andyf
    Jun 11, 2005
    10
    it was just great! Music in its true form!
  28. Michele
    Jun 11, 2005
    4
    This set of tracks is one very big disappointment collectively. Assuming most people responded so well to "A Rush of Blood to The Head" for its range and raw energy, "X&Y" clearly lacks anything like that, and there is little on it that can remotely equate this band with what they were all about five years ago: musicians delivering a sound and voice of their own, not some corporate This set of tracks is one very big disappointment collectively. Assuming most people responded so well to "A Rush of Blood to The Head" for its range and raw energy, "X&Y" clearly lacks anything like that, and there is little on it that can remotely equate this band with what they were all about five years ago: musicians delivering a sound and voice of their own, not some corporate formulaic meant to push CDs sales and save the boardroom and investors at EMI from disaster. Too repetitive, the lyrics are embarrassingly juvenile - about as energetic as valium. And btw: did anybody notice the missing title for the 13th track?… Expand
  29. Jan
    Jun 11, 2005
    9
    Great popsongs from an great little band.
  30. 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)
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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.
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  3. The Guardian
    60
    They have chosen to opt for the standard formula: it's elegiac, mid-tempo, stadium-friendly ballads all the way.
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