i'll admit it: i'm a huge Coldplay fan. i've been one since i first heard "The Scientist" on the radio six years ago. the band streamed their new record, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends, last week and i listened to it not knowing to expect; the band stated that this was a complete departure from their previous work. but from the starting song (a brilliant instrumental) to it's beautiful closing track, i was knocked senseless. this is an amazing album, and easily ranks as the best of the year so far.
i seriously don't think there's a single bad song on Viva la Vida. all of them feel like a Coldplay song, but there's something new and refreshing to them. their straightforward piano-ballad pop songs are no more, replaced by sprawling epic songs that feature strings, hand claps, and Chris Martin singing in a lower register.
there are four definite stand-out tracks here: the first single, "Violet Hill", is a striking anti-war protest song (and it has an equally amazing music video); the title track "Viva la Vida" is quite possibly the most beautiful song the band has ever written; "Yes" which features Chris Martin singing lower than he ever has before; and "Strawberry Swing" is simple yet striking.
overall, this may not be the album Coldplay is remembered for (i still think A Rush of Blood to the Head takes that prize), but it is definitely my personal favorite. if this record doesn't win any awards, then there is no justice in the world.
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