After the relatively disappointing X & Y, there were a few question marks whether the Coldplay sound had run its course. It felt like the band needed a fresh injection of ideas and perhaps needed to believe that they belonged at the top of the charts. Whilst Viva la Vida is not revolutionary, compared to previous albums the overall feel is of a more upbeat, bigger sound.
The 1st song, Life in Technicolor is an instrumental piece which although takes a while to get going ends in an uplifting, positive mood. It an excellent start to the album and this is carried through songs, Lovers in Japan, Viva la Vida and Violet Hill. There is a lot more song diversity with this album compared to previous titles which avoids it becoming repetitive and whilst Parachutes may have been a better album it doesn’t have the longevity of this one.
It is hard to find any fault with the album, some songs may take a few listens before they can be fully appreciated, but overall it is hard to find a weak track on this album.
Whilst it’s not a complete reinvention of the Coldplay sound, it feels fresher with more energy and has definitely proved that there is still more to come from this talented and often underrated band
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