...S recognition and Grammy/Brit awards Coldplay had a lot to live up to with their second album offering 'A Rush Of Blood To The Head', how does it fare.....
Coldplay begin with 'Politik' a song which shows a willingness to express frustrations with worldly failings, namely the unfairness ... Read review
as does the delicate soulfulness of Chris Martin's voice. But now different styles are approached, as the band develop even further beyond their debut album (and t...
as does the delicate soulfulness of Chris Martin's voice. But now different styles are approached, as the band develop even further beyond their debut album (and t...
does the delicate soulfulness of Chris Martin's voice. But now different styles are approached, as the band develop even further beyond their debut album (and the ...
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does the delicate soulfulness of Chris Martin's voice. But now different styles are approached, as the band develop even further beyond their debut album (and the numerous Radiohead comparisons that dogged them at first). "God Put a Smile upon Your Face", for instance, has a thumping voodoo quality, while the hypnotic "A Whisper" has a wild vocal arrangement recalling Jefferson Airplane. Beyond this, each of the 11 tracks--from the literate power ballad "In My Place" to the 60s-style mantra "Daylight"--are given room to breathe, gradually reaching an ecstatic crescendo where Martin and that huge Coldplay piano ride over a pulsing rhythm and orchestrations that are powerful but never overblown. "Give me real, don't give me fake" says Martin in the opening "Politik" and it's an appropriately uncompromising demand, forA Rush of Blood...is without doubt the most heartfelt and emotionally liberated album to top the charts in ages.--Dominic Wills
A review by WormThatTurned on Rush Of Blood To The Head, A - Coldplay July 21st, 2003
Author's product rating:
Originality
Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics
Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks
A couple of weak links
How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Good
Value for Money
Advantages:
At last a band with talent who can produce
Disadvantages:
None whatsoever
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
The year is 2003 and things have got so bad in the music world that the top 40 has no more than 15 manufactured artists in the current top 40. These so called entertainers haven't an ounce of talent between them and haven't had to work hard to where they've got to. This time next year, another fifteen will roll off the production line and replace this current fifteen which will all have fallen by the wayside. The sad thing is that we, the consumers fall into the trap and buy what is on offer !
However, all is not lost, there is still some real talent out there. Coldplay is an example....
Coldplay were formed in London, in 1996 straight from college. They didn't succeed straight away and worked their arses off trying to get recognised and improving upon their raw talent. It was 1999 before they had their big break with the release of the hugely popular single 'Yellow'. Since then, the band have never looked back with hit after hit, success after success, award after award. It seems that despite the current situation, real talent can still succeed and can still be recognised. In fact Coldplay have succeeded where nearly all before them have failed by becoming a massive hit in the States, quite some achievement.
So after their award winning first album, sell out tour, U.S recognition and Grammy/Brit awards Coldplay had a lot to live up to with their second album offering 'A Rush Of Blood To The Head', how does it fare.....
Coldplay begin with 'Politik' a song which shows a willingness to express frustrations with worldly failings, namely the unfairness of trade agreements which make the rich richer and the poor poorer. They urge us to 'Open up our eyes' and not to accept what is before us. This song makes you think how unfair the world is that we live in and gives you the urge to do something about it, the insert even gives a list of websites that you can visit to sign petitions ! A slow song which can at times border on depressing but one that holds a message and one that is striking. A fine start.
'In My Place' has an intro remarkably 'U2' ish in style which is the second time I compared the album to U2 on it's first listen - the political message on track 1 was the first. This is another slow tempo song which allow Chris Martin's strong vocals to come to the fore. There is a pause in the middle of this song, with a hugely engaging guitar solo. A very good single which received a release.
'God Put A Smile On My Face' has a slow, haunting intro before a great bass guitar injects pace into it. Again the lyrics are great, Chris Martin seems very adept at creating an atmosphere with his voice, I think it's because he has great rhythm and delivers the vocals with great timing. Upon first listen I kept thinking this song was going to end with a huge climax but it never seemed to, still I like this song a lot and it will be the next release from the album.
Quite a few will be familiar with 'The Scientist' which was the first release from the album and it's remarkable video filmed completely backwards. This is a song as the video suggest about a relationship that is ending and how they would like to be taken back to the start. Coldplay are particulary good at this sort of single as 'Yellow' and 'Trouble' demonstrated on the first album - this is comparable to those two. It is a very touching single that will strike a chord, my favourite track on the album.
'Clocks' tick by and cannot be turned back, tides rise and fall and cannot be swam against. A clever, creative single that has peaks and troughs throughout. The chorus in particular is very addictive and it was no surprise that this too became a release. This will be played for years to come on our radios and as backing music on TV.
A song about the 'Daylight' 'breaking through the darkness' comes next. This song is less focused on vocals and lyrics than the others but is still engaging just the same. Instruments have more slack on this one and more experimentation takes place. An excellent album filler.
'Green Eyes' has a folk feel to it at times and I'm sure there's a double bass in there somewhere, surely not! It reminds me a bit of R.E.M's early stuff and although not poor, this is for me the weakest sound of the album. It is a bit paceless and never seems to really get off the ground. I'm not really sure what message lies in the lyrics either.
'Warning Sign' is a song about letting something go which shouldn't have been. The lyrics on this track are as good as anything else on the album - very touching indeed. A slow paced ballad that will tug at your heart strings and has a lovely soft piano finale.
'A Whisper' promises much but is a bit like 'God Put A Smile Upon Your Face' in the respect that it never seems to reach the climax that it promises. It's a bit wishy washy and of a lesser standard than some of the others...a rushed album filler ??
Strange that the next song 'A Rush Of Blood To The Head' gave the album it's name because it too isn't a stand out track. This song has a growing effect on you however, maybe the well delivered, drawn out vocals are the reason.
The finale to the album is track 11 called 'Amsterdam' which is a beautifully delivered if somewhat depressing song. A great piano based track with lyrics tinged with emotion but the words including 'Stuck on the end of this ball and chain' 'On my way back down again' hardly end the album on a high note and still not sure how this track acquired it's name !
'Parachutes' one of the best albums of recent times was always going to be a hard act to follow and although I don't think this second offering has reached the heights that, that one reached it does deserve many accolades in it's own right.
I do feel more than ever after listening to the follow up album that Coldplay are a truly talented group of lads who believe in making and delivering good music. I think they pride themselves in their work and want to make an impression and be recognised by the critics. Anyone who has seen them live will no doubt back me up on this.
If I was asked to make comparisons than I would point to U2, I think Chris Martin has a natural voice which has developed and for the better - he's not in the Bono class yet but he's getting there judging by the evidence of this album. Coldplay are getting more political too, other than the song 'Politik' I have seen them speak out against the Iraqi war and the destruction of the Amazon Rain Forest (very Bono-ish). Lyrically the band have progressed and their consistency definately has more depth than before (less standout tracks but less duff ones too). They still have a lot of petrol in the tank and indeed haven't peaked yet, I think we shall be seeing a lot more of this excellent band - I look forward to it.
So in summary, a very worthy second album.
This album cost me £6.99 from CDWow and it is definately worth buying, I would heartily recommend it if you haven't purchased it already.
Perfection in CD form Review ofRush Of Blood To The Head, A - Coldplayby
drunkenabby007
Advantages: Its incredible, heartbreaking and wonderful Disadvantages: It ends
...The front cover of A Rush Of Blood To The Head is pretty simple and eye catching – a technical style drawing of a person, with only half a head (the same style picture is used on the front of the In My Place single.” ) The cover doesn’t carry the name of the artist of title of the album, it’s just very simple and eye catching. Nice! The CD booklet carries black and white pictures of the band, and, asusual, doesn’t have ... ...a bad song.
A RUSH OF BLOOD TO THE HEAD (5.51)
Opens with Martin’s vocals and acoustic guitar, this is very similar to Spies from the first album. The strings are very subtly introduced, before becoming a real Coldplay classic – with a searing, simple guitar riff, and Martins high vocals over the top. The drums come in for the second verse, with the introduction of a much thicker texture with more guitars. This is a song you have to ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Even better than the first album Disadvantages: Don't think they can do anything better
...So here we go A Rush Of Blood To The Head is the second album from British band Coldplay. Of course the task of following up Parachutes would be no easy feet and bettering it would be even harder but that’s just what Coldplay have managed to do. They album has also helped them to break into the American market a lot quicker and easier than bands like Oasis and Blur.
The album kicks off with “Politik” a very catchy song with a loud drum beat intro ... ...the albums title track “A Rush Of Blood To The Head”. It starts with the vocals alone before the guitars come in for this very thought provoking song. This is probably my favourite on the album and builds nicely from the opening bars to the chorus where the drums come in to keep time and a beat. This is one of those tracks it’s hard to explain why you like it but when people listen to it they just seem to agree.
To finish the album is the superb ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Amsterdam, The Scientist, God Put a Smile on Your Face Disadvantages: Green Eyes, One dimentional pace may grate a little on some people
...wouldn't agree, but when the rush comes it pays to be ready. Coldplay perhaps present a case in point. Having barely escaped university, their fame snowballed quickly from a mere few ep's to an album that quickly threatened to fly of the shelves. I remember watching them at Glastonbury 2000 and thinking this was a far larger crowd that a band this young had any right to expect. It was 'Yellow' that started it all of course. A sudden radio favourite, ... ...on the evidence of 'A Rush of Blood to the Head', Coldplay are maturing into one of Britain's finest exports. As a sophomore record, this takes most of the reference points hinted at by their debut and gently develops them further. The outlook has darkened a little perhaps, there are hints of bitterness both musically and lyrically that were not really present on 'Parachutes'. Martin's vocals no longer seem quite so captured by self-doubt or racked ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Masterful lyrics, amazing tunes, The Scientist Disadvantages: Green Eyes, some tracks maybe a bit deep and commiserative for some
...Coldplay were always immensely talented, Rush of Blood to the Head seems to appeal to a wider audience than the rather moody Parachutes. Normally hardcore fans would criticise this as neglecting them and selling out to the masses. But Coldplay are no normal group. Rush of Blood to the Head manages to be much more anthemic and instantly appealing than Parachutes, whilst still retaining all the features that make Coldplay special.
As soon as you look ... ...welcome change.
10. A RUSH OF BLOOD TO THE HEAD - any track titled after the album is expected to be quite an anthem, and indeed this typifies the spirit which comes back again and again throughout the album. Never has apathy sounded so soulful:
'Yeah I'm gonna buy a gun and start a war .. if you can tell me something worth fighting for..'
It's another superbly layered song, with drums over guitars over strings, and Martin's voice ringing out ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Wonderfully moody and thoughtful Disadvantages: Will you ever look at some of your other stuff in the same light again?
...also this, my latest aquisition.....Coldplay...A rush of blood to the head.
Well haven't these guys come a long way since they met up in 1996. Who would have thought that these four cool guys who met up while at University collage in London, realized they had similar musical tastes and formed a band would have turned out being not only voted as Top British Band, but also receiving the coveted Songwriters of the Year award at the 48th Ivor Novello ... ...A rush of blood to the head.......The title track, this is I think the blackest and moodiest track on the album., but I also think it is the best of the lot. The writer of this song clearly has issues with depression and certainly knows what it is like to loose someone special and this is reflected in the lyrics of the song.
He said I'm gonna buy a gun and start a war
If you can tell me something worth fighting for
Oh and I'm gonna buy this place ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
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.
...recognizeable and extremely catchy. Coldplay keep their songs simple and honest with resounding philosphies that stay in your head long after the cd is over. It is no surprise therefore that in the 2000, Parachutes achieved a Mercury Prize nomination.
When I first heard this album, I really didn't like it, although I still believe the above statements to be true. I still dont like this album nearly as much as the X&Y and A Rush of Bloodto the Head albums. So in the whole reportoire of Coldplay's I wouldn't recommend this album above the others but I would definitely recommend it if you have never heard their music and would like to try them out.
Summary: Lovely album but not as great as the rest....
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: excellent lyrics, good price Disadvantages: none
...In the UK Parachutes was a number 1 in the charts had 4 hit singles. It also won a Mercury Music Prize and in 2001 Coldplay were nominated for 3 Brit Awards. In the US Parachutes hit number 2 in the charts, and had 3 hit singles. Coldplay have released two other great albums you should listen to called "A Rush of Bloodto the Head" and "X&Y".
The album starts with "Don't Panic", a beautiful track which introduces the singer's distinctive voice. I hear more bass on parachutes than on coldplay's other albums and it sounds great on the tracks "Spies" and "High Speed." The guitar is played well throughout on every song. My favourite songs are "Shiver", "Trouble", "Sparks", and "Spies.
Coldplay took a long time writing and recording the songs on their debut album. Every song on Parachutes is fantastic, though "Don't Panic" and "Yellow...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Advantages: Fix you Disadvantages: A small change musically
...Yes parachutes is amazing, yes rush of bloodto the head is even better! and then there was x & y! When coldplay famously disappeared after rush of blood tour- promising that they would not return in the same style? They lied. They must have sat around drinking herbal tea watching their bank accounts get fatter. They then thought bloody hell it has been a while so we better get an album together. They got together in a non rock and roll way and made the worst album possible to follow rush of blood.
What on earth happened to the voice?
Chris Martins ego has grown to such an extent that he thinks he is one of the best live acts around! Yes they are good I have seen them, but when you attempt to sing every song as high as possible (allot in x &y) it sometimes (when live) sounds like a cat in severe pain trying to hold a tune. The songs...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Album Notes: Coldplay includes: Chris Martin (vocals); Guy Berryman, Jon Buckland, Will Champion, Phil Harvey. Recorded in 2001-2002. A RUSH OF BLOOD TO THE HEAD won the 2003 Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album. "In My Place" won the 2003 Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal. In 2000, Coldplay appeared seemingly out of nowhere and immediately advanced to the head of the Britpop class in the UK, while easily outdistancing the likes of Oasis and Blur in terms of US popularity. The most striking thing was that they did it with zero attitude and unassuming, melodic tunes humbly presented with a minimum of fuss and a maximum of memorability. That trend continues on the band's second album A RUSH OF BLOOD TO THE HEAD. There's little stylistic alteration from PARACHUTES here, which is just fine, considering how enormously and instantly appealing that style is. While Travis, Elbow, and other entrants in the Britpop sweepstakes offer a not dissimilar sound, none can communicate with the honest immediacy and directness of Coldplay. Part of the key, apart from melodies so ridiculously catchy as to make Belle & Sebastian sound like Public Image Ltd., may be their working-class sense of all-for-one proletarianism (though not in the breast-beating Oasis manner). Even on "God Put a Smile Upon Your Face," when Chris Martin goes so far as to offer a few boastful phrases, the ultimate sentiment that comes across is the refrain "your guess is good as mine."
Album Reviews: Rolling Stone (12/26/02, p.103) - Included in Rolling Stone's "50 Best Albums of 2002" Q (12/02, p.65) - Included in Q Magazine's "50 Best Albums of 2002" Mojo (1/03, p.76) - Ranked #31 in Mojo's "Best Albums of 2002" Uncut (1/03, p.97) - Ranked #67 in Uncut's "100 Best Albums of the Year" Rolling Stone (9/19/02, pp.97-8) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...A nervier, edgier, thoroughly surprising album....the band has figured out how to let loose and rock out...[it's] first-rate guitar rock with some real emotional protein on its bones." Spin (1/03, p.72) - Ranked #26 on Spin's list of 2002's "Albums of the Year" - "...Harder and darker than 2000's sweetly naive PARACHUTES....gorgeous arena pop." Q (9/02, pp.198-9) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...This is pretty much the apotheosis of post-Radiohead guitar-rock, a collection of vastly moving songs that will render stadiums as intimate as bedrooms..." Mojo (9/02, p.94) - "...fragile love songs with a hint of the metaphysic...Coldplay still sound like they care about what they're doing." NME (8/22/02, p.42) - 9 out of 10 - "...An album of outstanding beauty, an organic, wholesome work..." CMJ (9/2/02), p.6) - "...There is a cavernous beauty to this album's melodic depression that can't be denied..." Uncut (9/02, p.116) - 5 stars out of 5 - "...the best British rock album since OK COMPUTER...acomplished, original and majestic..."
Titles on disc 1
1.: Politik
2.: In My Place
3.: God Put A Smile Upon Your Face
4.: Scientist
5.: Clocks
6.: Daylight
7.: Green Eyes
8.: Warning Sign
9.: Whisper
10.: Rush Of Blood To The Head
11.: Amsterdam
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