'X & Y' - COLDPLAY


It's been 3 years since the release of 2002's 'A Rush of Blood to the Head' and this time has seen Chris Martin and friends trooping off into the rainforests in an attempt to save the world. Well, it still seems to be here and as far as I can tell we're all in one piece, so I guess they've been fairly successful. Unfortunately their music has taken a bit of a backseat. In fact, it's debatable whether Coldplay are best known for their music or just for their campaign to promote Fair Trade products.
Whatever the case may be, it seems that all the fresh air has done them some good: this is unmistakeable Coldplay, but it's also somehow......different. There are the still the same droney (sometimes whiney) vocals, still the same dreary bleak musical accompaniment, and the same steady (bordering on monotonous) rhythm - but this time round the sound is also fuller, deeper. It has atmosphere. You can almost feel yourself surrounded by tall trees, with only a glimps of the blue sky above you. There is, on some tracks, even a subtle sense of hope ('White Shadow', 'Talk', 'Speed of Sound'). The effect is quite remarkable. 'X and Y' is both relaxing and reassuing. It's the kind of album you're supposed to have memories to. Memories of moving house, finishing school or leaving university - memories of moving on - sad, but also hopeful. This album manages to capture exactly these feelings, the feelings that mark the most important moments in a person's life. For this very reason, if for nothing else, 'X and Y' is a great album. It makes you feel good. It makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. And that is what music is supposed to do!

A lot of people don't like Coldplay. And if I'm completely honest (given my description of their music in the first paragraph) I can see why - although I don't agree with them. I happen to like Coldplay a lot . And it may only be my humble opinion, but this is their best album yet!

5/5