Coldplay, the best British band of the new outburst of talent in this country met at University. They based the band on friendship and their album 'Parachutes' reflects a mature and musically able group that aren't afraid to write songs that they enjoy playing. Coldplay aren't up their own rear about their ability, can have fun and still be damn good at what they do. Not pretentious in any way, Coldplay are the Jonny Moore of pop!
1. Don't Panic - 2:17 - light, short, catchy
The album kicks off with a short track, 'Don't Panic'. The light and airy acoustic strumming reflects the laid back nature of the track that only leans forward slightly in the chorus to emphasise the uplifting lyrics 'we live in a beautiful world'. The track stands out as a catchy and snappy number that sets the tone for an excellent album.
2. Shiver - 4:59 - heavier, riffs, contrast
The second track 'Shiver' is written in a more flowing 12/8, and this provides an excellent vehicle for the vocals
to push and pull their way across the chords and beats of the band. Something about the lead guitar seems slightly 'out of it', and perhaps the wrong effects were chosen for this track. Shiver is an excellent example of how to write a good song with several sections (one of the things we had to do on our music course at school). Slightly angry, but only by Coldplay's standards.
3. Spies - 5:18 - ethereal, strumming, warning
Spies starts with the ubiquitous acoustic strumming and heartfelt lyrics that I've come to expect from Coldplay. Not restricted by any convention here, Spies builds nicely into a pleasant little musical break broken only by some falsetto tones! The strumming remains carefully hidden under the layered instrumentals, and pops up now and then to provide continuity. Spies kicks and I'm sure it rocks live.
4. Sparks - 3:47 - chords! fretboards! beautiful!
From a guitarists point of view, Sparks is a truly great track. The fact you can hear guitar 'noise' gives the track that extra something that is missing from a lot of modern acoustic pop. Sparks is another 'so laid back it's almost horizontal' track from Coldplay that marks the chorus by a huge raise in pitch in the chorus. The voice drifts over the gentle strumming that continues throughout.
5. Yellow - 4:29 - tension, movement, singalong
A good friend of mine saw Coldplay at the Brixton Academy last week and informs me that when the first chord of 'Yellow' was struck (Badd9, if you must know) , the crowd literally leaped forward! To call it moshing is perhaps a little of an overstatement, but it reflects quite accurately the sheer energy that is contained within this track. 'Yellow' is a great track regardless of commercial success and is exemplary of Coldplay's particular brand of 'we're not as heavy but we can mean twice as much' music. Coldplay, shining just for you.
6. Trouble - 4:30 - slow motion, riffs, true
Trouble sees the swapping of lead instruments. Attention is turned from the six string acoustic to the keyboard, where a simple yet brilliant riff complements perfectly the swaying vocals apologising so profoundly for something that we never quite discover what. Pure, unadulterated escapism for me and a few others aside, I'm sure.
7. Parachutes - 0:46 - very short, picking, meaningful
If you can see the meaning in Parachutes, then you can see the meaning in Coldplay. Simple, defying convention.
8. High Speed - 4:14 - 'out there', scratchy, suburban
High Speed sees the lead guitar turn into a much more atmospheric instrument than usual. It isn't used for musical value as much as just for depth. The concept of living in a bubble pops up for the second time on the album and for what purpose I don't know, except that it's a nice thought. High Speed isn't really what it appears, and yet that doesn't stop it being what it is.
9. We Never Change - 4:09 - simple, bass notes, semi-spoken
'We Never Change' is another great laid back signature Coldplay track, complemented by some great clean toned lead guitar that smacks of slow bends and pina coladas (that is almost certainly spelt wrong). Chill-out music at its very best.
10. Everything's Not Lost - 7:15 - bluesy, words, chords
The last track, 'Everything's Not Lost' is a great end to an even better album. Spanning just over seven minutes, it features some great 'stretchy' sevenths and these are used sparingly and effectively. The drums here are well constructed and superbly executed on an exemplary track, merging several styles.
'Parachutes' is a great, enduring album that will surely stand the test of time on the record shelves and our CD racks. Coldplay rebel without apparent intent against barrages of empty nu metal and aren't afraid to show their intelligent side. Coldplay will surely last for years to come. 
by (5%):
08.06.2005 12:33
Great review of a fairly decent album.-Lynda
24.06.2001 21:54
I love this album too. They kind of remind me of "Cast". Lyrically superb and a great sound.
05.05.2001 01:07
Excellent review of a brilliant albu,m. Yellow is in the setlist for our next gig. A simple but brilliant song. Keep on writing. Mike