Coldplay amazes: review of Mylo Xyloto (HSJ)
From WikiColdplay
(December 20, 2011) -- With their new album, Mylo Xyloto, Coldplay ties together something truly memorable. While certainly not their best album to date, nor prone to convert too many to Coldplay’s fan base, the album is something beautiful in itself and will definitely appeal to fans of the band, as they once again manage to sound like Coldplay without sounding like they’re recycling previous albums.
Each track on the album connects with the rest of them through theme and melody, while keeping a unique sound. Many tracks on the album flow expertly into the next one, to the point where the listener doesn’t even realize the song has changed. There are three short instrumental pieces on the album: “Mylo Xyloto,” “M.M.I.X” and “A Hopeful Transmission.” The songs following these pieces — “Hurts Like Heaven,” “Every Teardrop is a Waterfall” and “Don’t Let it Break Your Heart,” respectively — are seamlessly connected with the tracks before.
Because of this, the album can almost be divided into three segments, with each instrumental piece setting the mood and melodies that will be revisited with each subsequent track. Even when the chronological songs are not woven together, there is a reusing of melody and rhythm, tying everything together, and making the album flow.
The two singles on the album — “Paradise” and “Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall” — have received significant praise, with “Paradise” being nominated for one Grammy award, and “Every Teardrop is a Waterfall” for two. The songs themselves are well written, especially “Paradise,” which talks about a young girl who is a dreamer, with her head in the clouds and who sees paradise “every time she closes her eyes.”
“Every Teardrop is a Waterfall” is less profound, simply about having a good time, although it makes up for it by being extremely catchy. Lead singer Chris Martin collaborated with Rihanna to record “Princess of China,” a song about a couple going through a painful separation. While again not too profound, the song is also fun to listen to.
Mylo Xyloto will certainly appeal to fans of the band as well fans of indie rock or alternative music. While not Coldplay’s best work to date, the album has a unique touch that still sounds like the Coldplay we know and love. [1]
