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COLDPLAY | Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends
Though fans snapped up Coldplay’s last album, X&Y, like a tabloid announcing a new Martin child named after fruit, some critics were less convinced by the repetitive anthemic nature of their songwriting. Enter Brian Eno, producer guru (U2, Talking Heads).
By Coldplay’s own admission, Eno shook up the troops, tossed out the old tricks and told Chris Martin that his lyrics sucked. Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (or VlVoDaAHF for short) is still Coldplay, but it’s dark chocolate compared to the milk of the past. Rich and ambient, with some surprising string and percussive elements – Martin even finds his register outside falsetto! Viva… is maybe a little less accessible than previous records, but like a good mint, hopefully longer-lasting.
Author Rating | 3.5/5
Elliot Taylor
Elliot can't decide what he likes more: sleep or food. Put a mic in his hand and he will forget about both. When awake, he juggles Soul Purpose, pens, and hopes to one day change the world.
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(12 votes, average: 4.25 out of 5)
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Although I love “Viva La Vida” (and the follow up, “Prospekt’s March”), I miss the old Coldplay – the Coldplay that tugged at heartstrings and had great heartfelt sing-a-longs for live shows… “X&Y” wasn’t brilliant (although “Fix You” was amazing), but it was good because it was Coldplay.
Posted at 2:16 am on April 21st, 2009.