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.
Many thanks for reading
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WormThatTurned2003
11.11.2006 12:03
GR8 REVIEW! WELL DONE KIM X
12.03.2006 11:04
Brill review well worth an E well done. tom
06.12.2005 23:29
I love coldplay, never had this album though. Nice review, i will consider getting it! X