To say there has been a lot of anticipation for Coldplay's fourth album, Viva La Vida, is an understatement. Having enlisted legendary leftfield producer Brian Eno, borrowed their album title from a painting by renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and made tantalising remarks about sonic reinvention, the world has been curious (to say the least) to hear what the 'new' Coldplay might sound like. Viva La Vida definitely makes some departures from the band's usual formula, which happens to be one of the most commercially successful rock-pop blueprints of recent years. The plangent chords, emotive melodies, stadium-rock rhythms and universal lyrical concerns remain, but Martin and co. have gone out on several limbs here, incorporating instrumental tracks ("Life In Technicolour"), using subtle North African and Latin elements ("Yes", "Strawberry Swing"), and overhauling previously strict verse-chorus-verse structures in favour of slightly more avant arrangements. The old Coldplay still shine through (see tracks like "Violet Hill" and the title song) but even their classic sound feels more muscular and confident. The band's new flourishes, cosmetic and self-conscious as they may be, are enough to make Viva La Vida a welcome break from the old routine --Danny McKenna
People en Español Cuando Coldplay anunció con bombo y platillo que su cuarto disco, bajo el ambicioso título de Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends, vendría acompañado de la producción de Brian Eno, dos escenarios se convertían en posibilidad: o se trataba de su peor álbum o la obra maestra de su carrera. Afortunadamente, la producción de Eno no lleva a la banda británica a imitar a U2 por ningún momento, y en cambio, el grupo liderado por Chris Martin presenta el mejor disco en su trayectoria, ofreciendo un sonido distinto, en el que por fin se alejan del pianito hartante de sus primeros tres álbumes y suenan como lo que siempre prometieron ser: una de las mejores bandas del mundo. "Life In Technicolor," "Viva la Vida," y sobre todo el tema "Lost!," representan a Coldplay en su momento cumbre. --Ernesto Sánchez (People en Español)
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
Coldplay -- top ten for sure:
Viva La Vida further cements Coldplay's reputation as one of the most talented, mature, thoughtful, and musical bands on the planet. Only a few other bands -- U2 comes to mind -- confront the real world with such integrity -- and by means of great, melodic rock'n'roll! Chris Martin is rocking the world!
This product is a copy:
Do not purchase products from this supplier. I received a copy of the CD, did not come in a CD case or with album information. I received a plain CD with the songs copied onto it, they didn't even enter the title names. I was offered a refund, but I've seen nothing 2 months later.
pure bliss:
This is Coldplay, so of course it's awesome, but in this album they get back to their humble beginnings. Oddly enough, they remind me of an Australian band on this album, which is an added bonus. Their best work since Rush of Blood to the Head!
Coldplay's ambitious crowning achievment:
Following the near disaster that was "X&Y", Coldplay has rebounded with what is possibly the best album of 2008. They return to the melodic, varied sounds of "Rush of Blood To The Head", and, thankfully, use Martin's beautiful falsetto much more sparingly this time around.
Most of the songs have 2 parts, which is daring in itself, but it works on every single one. From the psychedelic trip in the second part of "Yes" to the haunting end of "Death and All His Friends", the style and tone is... more info
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