Written by Susie Salva
Coldplay’s fifth studio album “Mylo Xyloto” on Capitol/EMI Records is the bands strongest effort thus far cementing their place in the musical landscape. This band finds them stretching themselves using some musical elements from previous records and incorporating new techniques to appease previous fans of their music and is appealing to their skeptics. “Mylo Xyloto,” is the band’s third album to debut atop the Billboard 200 No. 1and the U.K. album chart continuing to come in from the globe. This album effectively uses strings, synthesizers, and organs sounds to drench over many of the 14 songs on this disc.
“Mylo Xyolto” the opening track on the record starts off with a beautiful xylophone intro transitioning into “Hurts Like Heaven.” This melodic track with layers of interesting and flowing music uses a crunchy guitar for effect and electro/pop sensibilities. “Paradise,” with its church organ and strong string section is incredibly catchy and again makes Coldplay the powerhouse band that they have morphed into. This monumental song with its’ intricate piano work has been placed on the “Hot Singles,” list by People Weekly. “Paradise” is a blend of a great dance/rock beat, effective synth chords and excellent innovative guitar playing. “Us Against the World,” is a rousing song and on the surface classic Coldplay.
“Every Teardrop is a Waterfall” is a colorful, dynamic jubilee, with reverbs, mounting guitar and thick chords surrounding it. The drum fills are reminiscent of U2 another rock ‘n roll powerhouse the band has been incessantly compared with. “Major Minus,” is also another song with a edgier guitar riff and another song that can also be compared to U2 probably because the band worked with the famed producer Brian Eno.
Although the bands use of effects are ever present there are times when the music is stripped down and even acoustic on songs like “U.F.O.,” and then once again on “Up in Flames.” The band looks at issues of relationship gone awry, broken hearts, war, death and glimpses of hope and prosperity. They are apt to get to the heart of the matter and continue to stay pertinent. One strong point on the disc was the song, “Princess of China,” featuring a strange but effective pairing of Rihanna and Chris Martin on this Asian vibe cut with a strong dance back beat. The record is rounded out with a rather somber song, “Up with the Birds.”
This band has been so successful because of their honest and heartfelt lyrics, their amazing live shows and their ability to connect with their fans and remain humble in their effort. Chris Martin has beautiful melodies and strong lyrics. “Mylo Xyloto,” is available in digital, CD, and vinyl
formats and as a special limited Pop-Up album. It was produced by Markus Dravs, Daniel Green and Rik Simpson, with additional composition by Brian Eno.
Coldplay continues to make quality music but consistently pushes themselves to stay relevant. Coldplay is comprised of Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion, and Chris Martin. The band has sold more than 50 million records worldwide and won numerous awards including seven Grammy awards, six Brit Awards and four MTV Video music awards. The band’s last album “Viva La Vida,” became the No. 1 selling album worldwide of 2008, according to IFPI. Coldplay headlined numerous festivals in the months leading up to Mylo Xyolto’s release including stops in the U.S. at Lollapalooza in Chicago, Austin City Limits Festival, the iHeart Radio Music Festival in Las Vegas and Atlanta’s Music Midtown.
