:: Coldplay - X & Y

Coldplay

It was thought that the band had to take time out after an exhausting schedule a couple of years ago. They were then getting top billing and were heralded as super special. Lead singer Chris Martin said no and that they had to continue on. Life is too short. It didn't work though. They had to take a break and freshen up. It is a good lesson to know for all bands, whatever status is held. The result is an engaging record - monstrous in parts and glorious pop in others. It is a familiar sound, with Chris Martin's falsetto again prominent and the clever songwriting on “X&Y” that will shape popular opinion and a likeable quality. It is written with passion and emotion. “Speed Of Sound” is a brilliant pop tune - one of the best you'll hear this year. The title track brings spacious and grand harmonies. The piano crooning foray of “Fix You” bears their typical polished and evocative performance, and “Square One” reminds of an epic U2 sound. Utilising influences from Brian Eno to U2, it is an affirmative view to rank this abum highly, and it is worthy of such a commendation. It justifies the band's decision to enforce a layoff after initial songwriting sessions proved fruitless.