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Parachutes

Live 2003

So the two year wait for 'A Rush of Blood to the Head' has been eagerly anticipated. After listening to this album for a week now, I haven't been disppointed. Coldplay have exceeded my expectations, infact they have done even more. They have made a masterful album full of life, with warm, soulful, uplifting tracks of the highest quality. The heart rendering emotion displayed in 'The Scientist' will be nothing like you've heard this year. The amazing piano work on 'Clocks' is breathtaking. Just close your eyes and listen to 'Green Eyes' and you'll be transported to a beautiful place, and 'Warning Sign' with it's guitar compliments the lyrics perfectly. Chris Martin puts every inch of his heart in to his songs and never leaves a stone unturned. 'God put smile on you face' and 'A rush of blood to the head' are louder but never lose their appeal and grace that Coldplay have firmly put in to place. Every song is great in its own right, and the soft 'Amersterdam' is a perfect album closer.

In this day and age many bands stuggle to find a grip in their music and more often than not produce inconsistent material with
no real connection holding them together. Coldplay blend they're music consistently, with meaningful lyrics and above all music that touches the heart. Believe me, putting aside suggestions made by Martin himself that this could be the last album, at this rate Coldplay can become the biggest band in the world.


a touch of grace to the soul   November 3, 2003
Tim Peterson (San Diego)
37 out of 41 found this review helpful

Parachutes really changed my life. It brought me a sound and vibe somewhere between my preferred Radiohead, and David Gray. While I emotionally gravitate toward Radiohead, sometimes I find it too melancholy. Coldplay seems a little more hopeful to me. I have heard people call them a Radiohead rip-off and I am not sure I get the comparison between the two. I get a totally different feeling from each. I guess there are similar pace and chord changes and unique hooks to compare, but other than that the two stand on their own as beautiful and inspired genius.

I can't imagine anyone not liking this album and recommend it as either a first Coldplay experience or as a progressive follow on to Parachutes - enjoy!

Tim


terrific band and album   August 27, 2002
El Kabong (Bethesda, Maryland United States)
19 out of 20 found this review helpful

I'm ashamed to admit I never heard of Coldplay until recently when I saw them on a late-night viewing of MTV2. Then this past weekend, I was actually able to buy a copy of this album before it was officially released in North America. Don't know how this store got copies of it, but I'm glad they did. I could not believe what I heard.

Coldplay is the first band in years that has given me hope that rock 'n roll isn't dead. In this age of boy bands, hip-hop and rock/hip-hop hybrids, nothing has excited me more about music than Coldplay and this album. The freshness of their music is the key; reminds me of when Oasis first came onto the scene. Incredible lyrics, and incredible musical arrangements.

I would highly recommend this masterpiece. "God Put A Smile On Your Face" was the song I heard on MTV2 and I immediately became hooked to this band's music. My other favorite tracks on this album are "Clocks" and "Daylight", as well as "In My Place". Heck, I enjoy every track. It's not often that I buy an album where I thoroughly enjoy every single song on it.

Great job guys. Now it's time for me to go out and get their first album Parachutes.


Probably the Best Album of 2002 (4.5 stars)   November 13, 2002
Antonio Robert (Slovakia, Europe)
18 out of 19 found this review helpful

A "sophomore slump" is something Coldplay definitely avoided with "A Rush of Blood to the Head". This album is a clear step above their debut, retains everything good there was about "Parachutes" and, what's more, brings haunting, magical atmosphere that lasts from the very first song to the last.

At the same time modern and emotional (great achievement, as nowadays it is not 'cool' to express feelings), the album solidifies Coldplay's very own style, different from Radiohead and different from Travis. If a tangible similarity is left there between the three British groups, it is predominantly vocal expression of their singers, Chris Martin, Thom Yorke and Fran Healy, respectively.

The atmospheric music and arrangements are dominant over lyrics which basically reflect contemporary anguish of young adults and even try to hint at world events ("Politik"). What also makes this album stand out is its defying categorisation. While Brits are not shy to file Coldplay under pop, American critics usually place them under alternative or indie cap. But, does it really matter?

Indeed, opener "Politik" is as rocky as Coldplay can be, yet setting the mood beautifully. Particularly potent in keeping the magic alive are "The Scientist" with its groovy guitar licks and piano motive on "The Clocks". Minimalist melody on "Daylight" reaches climax on chant-like ending "...slowly breaking through the daylight..." The most emotional moment is saved for "Warning Sign", when Chris goes, with disarming sincerity: "and the truth is, I miss you...". Sublime "Green Eyes" and "Amsterdam" display the band in a quiet, thoughtful mood, opposite to agitated "Whisper."

In all, Coldplay have crafted an almost perfect album that improves with repeated listens. Admittedly, "A Rush of Blood to the Head" may not necessarily appeal to all listeners, but one is inclined to agree with those who are overwhelmed by its emotional impact. Even though the elusive emotion would be hard to describe by words. You're not sure whether it's joy, euphoria, spell, peace or whatever. There is... just something about this one.