Coldplay is one of those bands that you get beat up after school for liking. In every day terms, they're a pussy band. Personally, I have been a fan of Coldplay ever since Parachutes was released in 2000 - the album was very personal sounding and it contained one of the most beautiful songs ever made, "Yellow". When A Rush of Blood to the Head came out in 2002, I was not pleased at all. It seemed as though Coldplay had lost their personal, pretty, cry your eyes out sound - not to mention the album was over produced and boring as hell.
Now, two years after their last release we were given X&Y, Coldplay's most aggressive, powerful, and fun album to date. This album is still overproduced but that is what you get when you're extremely popular and on a huge label and married to Gwyneth Paltrow.
X&Y starts off with "Square One." One problem I had with previous Coldplay releases being that they had boring opening songs - well, problem solved. "Square One" sets the mood for the album, it is a really upbeat song with a fast tempo and Joshua Tree-era sounding guitar.
"Speed of Sound" is the first single from the album, and it's the single for a reason. It's the most beautiful tug on your heart song on the whole album. "Fix You" is another track that stands out, with a very slow tempo and kick you in the heart lyrics; it reminds me a great deal of "Yellow." "Talk" is another stand out track, with melodies that remind of The Cure or The Smiths, and lyrics that make you think what is going through Chris Martin's head.
After telling you all of the good, you wonder if there is going to be any lows on the album. It's Coldplay; of course it's going to have lows. The major problem on this album is how Martin re-hashes his chord progressions. This album really bogs down near the end, sometimes you just want it to end so you can go back to tracks like "Square One."
All-in-all, Coldplay is a good band, and X&Yis a good album, but the re-hashed piano lines and the tendency to get boring bring it down. Unfortunately, it's no Parachutes.
