Let's be honest. Many a time we've always thought about what could have been accomplished, what could have been gained...just if we had only gone through with what was lurking in the back of our mind instead of listening to the authorities and naysayers who told us it couldn't be done or it wasn't worth it. And the same applies to the exercises in impromptu stupidity we went through that we dismiss in the long run. But ultimately, it seems like the later we end up looking at with a certain wistful fondness while the accomplishments gone unfulfilled end up seeming like lost opportunities.
That's what Coldplay's Parachutes is all about. For four young men with an average age of 23 to bring these thoughts to their music is indeed an accomplishment and their reward has been the attention paid to this debut release by both the press and public. The spare arrangements consisting of guitars, bass, drums, and keyboards conjure up an inherent sadness tinged with an optimistic glimpse into what the future might bring. But is the optimism sarcasm or do they really believe? The opener "Don't Panic" suggests "living in a beautiful world" but suggest the idea of dependence on someone else. "Spies" suggest an obvious paranoia from society that is confirmed in a content and resigned manner while "Shiver" covers a relationship based on obsession that is and will always be unrequited. Coldplay speaks to the basic geek lover in all of us by hitting on the internal conflicts and surrounding it with pretty melodies and florid, vibrato guitar solos, leaving the lyrics purposely ambiguous so they mean something different with every listen and every new perspective.
The subject matter of each sound makes this release so enticing; by the time you get to "High Speed" and the closer "Everything's Not Lost" you're sucked in. Because of the production the vocals are up front and center, making lyrical content primary to the listener. Coldplay is not hiding behind their instruments, nor are they overwhelming the listener with studio trickery despite the presence of computer programming. "Yellow", the obvious single, is probably the weakest track on the cd, but is nevertheless catchy with its beautiful bridge and obvious Radiohead sound circa The Bends. But what lures the listener is the refrain with the idea that we are all imposters to the world around us.
But like most pop music, Coldplay can't help but sound derivative of past performers. Chris Martin's vocals sound like Jeff Buckley with Grant Lee Buffalo while Gene and American Music Club come to mind. I'm sure Mr. Martin's muffled vocals bring up Thom Yorke on "High Speed" but this is excusable considering this is the earliest track here. Considering the age of the band and their relative inexperience this can be overlooked in light of their grasp of emotional depth and subtlety.
All in all, it is perfectly understandable why Coldplay is getting the acclaim they deserve. The obvious rationale is that it's motivated by "Kid A" backlash by old Radiohead fans, but there's more going on here. Just listen to the lyrics.
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Music doesn't come more touching than Parachutes. With their debut single alone, the ... more
emotion-fortified "Shiver", Coldplay proved they could shift between elated and crushed in a breath as singer Chris Martin poured out music's oldest chestnut (uncondit...
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Music doesn't come more touching than Parachutes. With their debut single alone, the ... more
emotion-fortified "Shiver", Coldplay proved they could shift between elated and crushed in a breath as singer Chris Martin poured out music's oldest chestnut (uncondit...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Advantages: Some lovely songs, very mellow and emotional. With mostly great lyrics, and brilliant music throughout, this really is one of the must-own albums of the new century. Disadvantages: A few rather duff lyrics, and it won't be appreciated if you are too cynical about the hype that surrounds the band. Don't be, or you'll miss out
ClangerWrangler 25.03.2001 (25.03.2001)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Parachutes - Coldplay
Advantages: Accoustic harmonies and easy to listen to songs.Sincere and heartfelt lyrics. A really nice album. Disadvantages: I didnt like it as much as X&Y or A Sudden Rush of Blood to the Head.
SpookyMoon 29.05.2009 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Parachutes - Coldplay
Mar 16th, 2001
(Mar 18th, 2001)
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