Viva La Vida

The first time I listened to Coldplay's new CD, I was a little dissapointed. It was the first Coldplay CD that I didn't love. However, the more I listened to it, the more I like it. "Viva La Vida" fits into my Coldplay collection nicely and like the others gets listened to frequently. I love every song and have no regrets. Give "Vida" a chance if it doesn't grab you right away; soon the music & lyrics should begain to resonate.

Coldplay is in the running for most improved and inventive band of the year, crafting not only their best album, but the best of 2008 thus far. The band expands on their new "cultured" sound, and gone are the melodic experiences that were "Clocks" and "Speed of Sound," and welcome to the string-based epic of "Viva La Vida," the culture rock of "Violet Hill," and the melodic lushness of "Lost." Is the new sound better? While most would say no, I think the album grows on you. And in the end it's nice to have a fine work of art worthy of Da Vinci, rather than the pumpkin carvings of Top 40 Radio. Ironically, "Viva La Vida" was the band's first #1 on the Billboard Hot 100

With the guiding hand of musician and producer Brian Eno, the production values on this album are top notch, as showcased in the instrumental "Life In Technicolor," and the inspiring "Lovers In Japan." This album simply begs to be listened to in full surround sound. Because for all the experimentation the band does on the album, they want you to have an experience. The band chiefly tinkers with transitions, with songs like "42" starting out to be a haunting ballad, before turning into an upbeat rock song, then back again. This strategy mostly works, giving a fuller body to songs. Another oddity the band has grasped onto is the "hidden track," which they use three times, to mostly mixed results.

When deciding whether or not to buy the album, I walked into the Sharper Image Store where they were playing "Violet Hill" on one of their surround sound systems. It's then when it hit me: This album is too darn good to pass up. Although I would've liked to have bought the deluxe edition featuring their upcoming EP or add-on to the album, it's the band's most solid and consistent record yet, bringing a cultured sound to the band. This album is both enchanting and entrancing. It's surprising and never disappointing. Make no mistake about it, to not buy this album or give it a Grammy would be a musical crime. A true work of art in the sea of tranquility.

An interesting album. one cracking good hit with "Viva La Vida" the rest can best be described as pleasant background music.

This is a very good album from Coldplay. My favorite track is the lead single "Viva la Vida". It is very spirited song. Chris Martin's vocals are excellent on this track. The guitar playing by Jonny Buckland is so good on the track "Violet Hill". Will Champion provides a steady strong drum beat throughout this entire disc. "Life in Technicolor" is an excellent instrumental track. The boys of Coldplay show that a song can still be great even without lyrics with this track. "Strawberry Swing" is a song about simply enjoying life. This is a very sweet song. "42" is another highlight here. The piano playing by Guy Berryman is slow and pretty here in the beginning. The pace of this song really picks up after the piano playing. I like the musical arrangements of the track "Lost". This song sounds very uplifting to me. Lovers in Japan is an upbeat track that I like very much. "Death And All His Friends" is a beautiful song. The musical arrangements are perfect on this track. This is an excellent album with great music.

It is a different album from what I consider their best to date, X & Y.
Definetly worth purchasing for any and all Coldplay fans!