Coldplay, longtime favourite of mine and absent since 'X&Y' in 2005, returned last month with the release of their fourth studio album 'Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends'.
Three albums have gone before, 'Parachutes' in 2000 'A Rush of Blood to The Head' in 2003 and 'X&Y' in 2005, ... Read review
Advantages: Experimentation/ Some more Classic singles Disadvantages: Song structures/ Politics/Religion overload/ Indulgency
Coldplay, longtime favourite of mine and absent since 'X&Y' in 2005, returned last month with the release of their fourth studio album 'Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends'.
Three albums have gone before, 'Parachutes' in 2000 'A Rush of Blood to The Head' in 2003 and 'X&Y' in 2005, all three recieving critical acclaim and awards. So theres a lot to live up to.
Production was started as early as December 2006 although ... ...in Latin America. The legendary Brian Eno and Markus Dravs were the men Chris Martin turned to for this album. And since it has been stated publically that the group were going to travel in new directions and use less of Martin's falsetto this decision was going to very important in getting it right, making sure it balanced with previous material, it was even rumoured the band would be collaborating with Timbaland - a million miles away from Coldplay ... more
Coldplay, longtime favourite of mine and absent since 'X&Y' in 2005, returned last month with the release of their fourth studio album 'Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends'.
Three albums have gone before, 'Parachutes' in 2000 'A Rush of Blood to The Head' in 2003 and 'X&Y' in 2005, all three recieving critical acclaim and awards. So theres a lot to live up to.
Production was started as early as December 2006 although a break ensued in early 2007 due to touring commitments in Latin America. The legendary Brian Eno and Markus Dravs were the men Chris Martin turned to for this album. And since it has been stated publically that the group were going to travel in new directions and use less of Martin's falsetto this decision was going to very important in getting it right, making sure it balanced with previous material, it was even rumoured the band would be collaborating with Timbaland - a million miles away from Coldplay we all know and love.
So I wasn't 100% sure what to expect in the build up this album's release on the 12 June as I'm sure millions of others weren't.
29 April gave me an inkling - the release of the first single 'Violet Hill'.
The Blade Runner-esque backing music intro conjurs images of big things or maybe grandiose pretensions but in truth once the music and vocals kick in, it has Coldplay written all over it. Maybe the lyrics have more meaning, more politics, more religion but the end result is the same. A clean cut Coldplay single. I thought about it not knowing whether to be disappointed or not. I concluded not because in truth I never wanted Coldplay to change in the first place.
But how would the album fare, would it be more of the same throughout.
I downloaded the album from I-Tunes on the day it was released, 12 June.
'Life in Technicolour' is a strange start with it being an instrumental. The percussion dominated sound sounds to my ears like it would be very safe ground for a single release.
'Cemeteries of London' can only be described as a standard nice song. The lyrics include 'God is in the houses and God is in my head… and all the cemeteries in London… I see God come in my garden, but I don't know what he said, For my heart, it wasn't open… Not open' which do provide evidence of new direction lyrically but again the sound is distinctive good old Coldplay. 'Lost' is very formulaic. Simple yet effective. The lyrics are clever yet 3 songs into this album I was still waiting for that extra something. Nothing had bedazzled me. '42' is ammunition for Coldplay haters allover. Deep lyrics, piano dominated, slow, eerie, slightly reminiscent of 'Amsterdam' from 'A Rush of Blood To The Head'. 'Lovers in Japan - Reign of Love' is two songs in one and I'm not sure it really works yet it is what was promised - experimentation and new directions. Lovers in Japan is an upbeat 4 minutes followed by a slow paced piano number 'Reign of Love'. Stitched together like this just fills me with thoughts of indulgency really and I'm one of the bands biggest fans. 'Yes' is much like the previous track - two tracks in one although this one doesn't possess two names. The first seven minutes with it's latin american style strings give way to a Snow Patrol-esque guitar rock number. Completely contrasting in styles and again I'm not sure what really has been achieved. 'Viva La Vida' is the best song on the album hands down. Having said that it doesn't have much competition to that title. However I have no doubt that this single which was Coldplay's very first UK number 1 is a modern classic. The strings intro and backing strings are fantastic. Its a swooning track that reaches the heights rhythmically and the vocals are effortless. You can really detect Eno's in put on this track. Classic Coldplay song. 'Strawberry Song' is a rather nice song to back up the previous one. Incredibly melodic with an infectious beat make this song difficult not to sing along to. Like it. 'Death and All His Friends' with its two minute slow paced intro could trick you into thinking this is an album filler. It's not - the intro that draws you in moves onto something bigger, a touching, beautiful and well structured song. 'The Escapist' another instrumental is 'Life in Technicolour' they are one. Did you see what they did. They are the bread of the sandwich. And I can visualise this sound being the backing noise to the upcoming Coldplay tour !! So in my opinion this album is bottom heavy. An ordinary start with all the best tracks 7, 8, 9 and 10 at the bottom. Coldplay seem to me to be searching very hard to produce the defining moment of their career. The album that goes down as an alltime classic. That becomes more and more evident with each passing album. But in my humble opinion they havn't produced it here. Personally I feel they came closest with their first album 'Parachutes' with the likes of 'Yellow' 'Shiver' 'Dont Panic' and 'Trouble' even if the lyrics were a bit immature in those early days. And with each passing album I feel they try harder yet ultimately achieve less. That's not to say I've gone off them. In these days of mediocrity it's heartening to see a band trying to reach a pinnacle, trying to become the best they can. But maybe their striving is the very reason they fail to have reached that pinnacle they so desire. I have no doubt whatsoever this album will achieve commercial success on the levels the previous three did (EMI will find solace in that as apparently their very future depended on this album) however I do wonder if they can change to the extent that you wouldn't be able to identify a Coldplay tune within seconds. One of the problems is commercial success and familiarity in their case go hand in hand. Chris Martin could find that fact crippling. A new album beckons in late 2009 and more promises will probably be made yet I feel Coldplay are doomed to be a band that revel in sameness. Not a bad thing in itself, its made them a worldwide phenomenom which can sell out stadiums across the world but it may continue to disappoint them all the same. So, a very good album in my opinion containing the brilliant 'Viva La Vida' which must go down as one of the top 2 or 3 Coldplay songs to date. Theres also 'Violet Hill' and 'Death and All His Friends' to admire. Trouble is, it's also my least favourite Coldplay album to date.
WormThatTurned 08.07.2008 (08.07.2008)
Ciao members have rated this review on average:
very helpful
Review of Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends (Special Edition) [Digipak] [ECD] - Coldplay
Advantages: refreshingly different Disadvantages: some tracks not too memorable
...new singles, violet hill and Viva la Vida. Viva la vida is an excellent track in which simplistic music along with powerful vocals makes a powerful song. However the track cemeteries of London is brilliant, and Death and all of his friends is one of my favourite tracks of the moment. Music wise do not expect anything amazing, like most of coldplay's songs the guitars, keyboards/piano's and drums are relatively simplistic. but then that is how we ... ...Coldplay. Viva La Vida, is refreshingly different from the previous albums but not so far as to alienate existing Coldplay fans. My advice would be to give this album a listen if you are a fan, or if you previously disliked them, you may be surprised. The vocals, mixing and production in this album are superb. perhaps some of the tracks are dissapointingly short but then again some make up for it in power and length. Over all this may not be the ...
salmonf1 26.07.2008
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends (Special Edition) [Digipak] [ECD] - Coldplay
Advantages: Very inteligent, approaches deep subjects with the greatest of articulation Disadvantages: Lacking in musical diversity and complexity
Viva La Vida will be warmly recieved by fans of Coldplay after many were left disappointed by the last album's self indulgence, it is likely to aquire the band a wholenew set of fans with its catchy melodies and inteligent lyrics.
Chris Martin is not the word's greatest musician however he IS one of the world's greatest lyricists. The sigature for Coldplay songs follow sequencial rythems that require very few note changes - sometimes one note will ... ...the group's technical abilities for complex music.
Simplicity in music aside, it works. The album is Coldplay at there best, the sound is full and rich with a depth created by a small string orchestra. The album it's self is genrally good with a few real crakers that will become hallmrks of the Coldplay back catalogue for live shows of the future.
In the past Coldplay have put the noes outof joint of some of the die hard music fans of classic guitar ...
spare_inbox 04.09.2008
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends (Special Edition) [Digipak] [ECD] - Coldplay
Advantages: Probably the second best of their albums Disadvantages: Loses momentum early on
Viva la Vida is a notable shift in direction from the band's previous three albums. Appointing Brian Eno as a producer has taken the band to a new level with far greater levels of experimentation. Opening the album is the beautiful Life In Technicolor based largely on the electronic track by Jon Hopkins. The light and sparkly track is contrasted by the darkness of the Cemetaries of London. There is something particularly unnerving about this track. ... ...violet hill, viva la vida, strawberry swing and death and all his friends. I felt Violet Hill was a disapointment, when I first heard it, but it fits perfectly into the album offering a more harsh political rock and roll feel that comes and goes like a much needed refreshment. ...
steveyq 29.12.2008
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends (Special Edition) [Digipak] [ECD] - Coldplay
Advantages: great new material, showcasing great songwriting and an enjoyable sound Disadvantages: needs a good few listens to find the best parts of each song (possible advantage)
This album represents a great succession for Coldplay into developing their already unique sound and style.
Listeners may find similarities in style from the later tracks on X&Y during the first listen. However further listening reveals an altogether deeper experience with the band experimenting with tempo changes mid song which is accomplished successfully in songs such as "42".
In addition the album includes more upbeat, faster tracks unlike ... ...in Japan" really stand out in this respect.
When the tracks do slow down Martins skills as a writer really bloom with the melancholy lyrics of "strawberry swing" and the enchanting sound of "Death and all his friends", providing a great ending to a great album. Previous fans of Coldplay wont be disappointed by this album and will find the influx of new material and new sounds very pleasing, especially after listening to the album a few times over. ...
mrtomlister 25.06.2008
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends (Special Edition) [Digipak] [ECD] - Coldplay
Originality
Lyrics
Quality and consistency...
How does it compare to ...
Value for Money
Quick review of Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends (Special Edition) [Digipak] [ECD] - Coldplay
Viva La Vida, is refreshingly different from the previous albums but not so far as to alienate existing Coldplay fans. My advice would be to give this album a listen if you are a fan, or if you previously disliked them, you may be surprised.
The vocals, mixing and production in this album are superb. perhaps some of the tracks are dissapointingly short but then again some make up for it in power and length.
Over all this may not be the greatest album of 2008 but it is a must have for coldplay fan's and is recommended for others. It will grow on you and others. ...
saravananp 26.07.2008
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends (Special Edition) [Digipak] [ECD] - Coldplay
Product Information for "Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends (Special Edition) [Digipak] [ECD] - Coldplay" »
Product details
Title
Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends (Special Edition) [Digipak] [ECD]
Performer
Coldplay
Genre
Rock & Pop
Sub Genre
Alternative
Release Date
12/06/2008
Original Release Year
2008
Label / Distributor
Parlophone / EMI Operations/CEVA Logistics
Engineer
Andy Rugg, Dan Green
Pieces in Set
1
Studio / Live
Studio
Format
Performer
EAN
5099921211409
Catalogue Number
2121140
Additional notes
Album Notes
'Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends' saw Coldplay emerge from the success of 2005's 'X&Y' with the same hunger that has earned them global appeal since their 2000 debut 'Parachutes'. Lead single 'Violet Hill' contains their trademark piano hooks, along with an uncharacteristically heavy guitar edge. Chris Martin continues to shine as a songwriter and musician here, while his bandmates provide a sound backing with experimental flourishes.
Titles on disc 1
1.
Life In Technicolor
2.
Cemeteries Of London
3.
Lost
4.
42
5.
Lovers In Japan/Reign Of Love
6.
Yes
7.
Viva La Vida
8.
Violet Hill
9.
Strawberry Swing
10.
Death And All His Friends
Ciao
Listed on Ciao since
17/05/2008
Compare Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends (Special Edition) [Digipak] [ECD] - Coldplay to other similar Rock & Pop »
Similar products and search queries by other users »
Viva All, Viva La All, Viva Vida All, Viva Or All, Viva Death All, Viva And All, Viva La Vida All, Viva La Or All, Viva La Death All, Viva La And All, Viva Vida Or All, Viva Vida Death All, Viva Vida And All, Viva Or Death All, Viva Or And All
Are you the manufacturer / provider of Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends (Special Edition) [Digipak] [ECD] - Coldplay? Click here
![Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends (Special Edition) [Digipak] [ECD] - Coldplay](http://imagesa.ciao.com/iuk/images/products/normal/682/product-6892682.jpg)
![Overall user rating: Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends (Special Edition) [Digipak] [ECD] - Coldplay](http://images.ciao.com/ide/images/stars/2003/stars45.gif)
![Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends [Gatefold]-CD](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/103405933.jpg "Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends [Gatefold]-CD")
![I'm Not Dead [PA] - Pink](http://imagesa.ciao.com/iuk/images/products/small/580/prod_small-6397580.jpg)
![River Is Wide, The [Remastered] - Forum (The)](http://imagesb.ciao.com/iuk/images/products/small/251/prod_small-6006251.jpg)
![Death Magnetic (Special Edition) [Digipak] - Metallica](http://imagesb.ciao.com/iuk/images/products/small/531/Death_Magnetic_Special_Edition_Digipak_Metallica__6970531.jpg)
![One Nation Under [ECD] [PA] - From Zero](http://imagesb.ciao.com/iuk/images/products/small/309/One_Nation_Under_ECD_From_Zero__6061309.jpg)
![TRB Two (Special Enhanced Edition) [ECD] - Tom Robinson Band (The)](http://imagesb.ciao.com/iuk/images/products/small/677/TRB_Two_Special_Enhanced_Edition_ECD_Tom_Robinson_Band_The__6045677.jpg)
