Oct. 24 was a memorable day for Coldplay fans across the nation because the band released their highly anticipated fifth album, Mylo Xyloto. Many wondered and speculated as to whether or not Coldplay could live up to the standards that they had created for themselves by producing such impressive first albums. Parachutes, A Rush of Blood to the Head, X&Y and Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends have all been extremely successful albums; cumulatively, over 50 million records have been sold. Not surprisingly, Coldplay delivered – Mylo Xyloto is one of their most astounding albums yet.
The album consists of 14 alternative songs, which can more specifically be described as techno rock. “If you listen to it in order, all the songs really flow together,” commented senior Madi Hyde.
“Mylo Xyloto,” is an instrumental ballad that sounds very peaceful and is only 44 seconds long, it transitions right into the second track, “Hurts Like Heaven.” The first time I listened to the CD in my car, I didn’t even realize they were separate songs. “Hurts Like Heaven” is an upbeat song and my personal favorite off the album. “Paradise,” the song starts off with synthetic strings, then moves into some intense base and finally settles into a piano riff that illuminates Chris’s stunning vocals. “Paradise” was also the second single off Mylo Xyloto, it was released on Sept. 12.
“Charlie Brown” is darker song with a prominent beat and guitar riff. Near the end of “Charlie Brown,” it becomes a very calming piano song, which gives listeners an easy transition to the next song of the album, “Us Against the World.” This song is the gentlest song on the album and reminds me a lot of “Green Eyes” off of Coldplay’s album A Rush of Blood to the Head.
“Princess of China,” which features Rihanna is also a really great track off of the album. The song features distorted synthesizer effects and a steady drum beat and of course, a stunning duet between Chris Martin and Rihanna. Their voices really work well together.
All together, I would give the album a 10/10. It is a lot different than their older albums, but not quite as radically different as Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends. To me, it seems like Coldplay has found the perfect blend of melodies. The album can be bought on iTunes for $9.99. It is a great purchase; you will find your self listening to the album again and again. Definitely look into the album, whether you consider yourself a Coldplay fan or not.
Talia Zadeh is the Editor-in-Chief for The Spartan Speaks.