Coldplay - Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends

[Drew Beringer]

Coldplay - Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends
Release Date: June 17, 2008
Record Label: Capitol

“You know how I know you’re gay?”

We all know the joke. “You like Coldplay.” So yeah, maybe Chris Martin played up the “sensitive guy” role a bit much on 2005’s X&Y. I mean, the band have made their mark due to the piano ballad; it's not exactly the symbol of masculinity. But with their fourth studio album, Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends, the London quartet aim to destroy all those lame jokes about them and display a different side to their music.

The band decided to work with two producers throughout the recording, enlisting famed producer Brian Eno as well as Markus Dravs (Arcade Fire). After a few listens through the ten track album, you will begin to notice the fingerprints left by the producers on the final product. At times, Viva can channel the passion of old U2, while on the very next track, you can sense a darker, organic feel, much like Arcade Fire and their peers. The best way I’d sum it up is Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends has the soul of an indie rock record trapped within the body of major label backing.

The almost vocal-less opener, “Life In Technicolor,” paints a vibrant picture from the get-go, immediately drawing you in. It leads into “Cemeteries Of London,” which features faint piano keys, handclaps, a dark tribal drum beat, and a jagged guitar riff from Jonny Buckland. “Lost!” is an upbeat tune paced by an organ with Martin describing his misdirections but not giving up.

“42” slows down the pace, with Coldplay doing their best Radiohead impression, as haunting piano keys are a prelude to Buckland’s howling guitar. “Lovers In Japan/Reign Of Love” is a two part epic that begins as an anthem and closes with a rousing piano outro.

The Beatle-esque “Yes” may be the best track on Viva. A trippy guitar riff, a bass line that loops, and a little Middle Eastern motif gives the track its backbone, while Martin’s casual vocals provide the relaxing groove. Clocking in at over seven minutes, the first four and a half minutes take your mind and ears on a well-deserved vacation until the final minutes deliver “Yes” to soaring heights.

“Viva La Vida” and “Violet Hill,” the first two singles, follow. “Viva La Vida” is constructed beautifully around luscious strings, while the chilly “Violet Hill” carries on with heavy piano notes and a distorted riff that pops in and out. “Death And All His Friends” is the final act of Viva, as Martin’s ever-so-popular falsetto appears here (Martin decided to use less falsetto on the album while allowing his voice’s lower register to take precedence). The rest of the band quickly joins in, as the crash and clash together to bring the song to a dramatic finish before leading into the conclusion of the aforementioned “Life In Technicolor,” as Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends goes full circle with its conclusion.

To simply describe my feelings, Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends is stunning. Easily the best album Coldplay has ever recorded, it’ll be one of the few to challenge for the best album of 2008. Forget all about the bitter taste X&Y left in your mouth and let go of your nostalgia to Parachutes, because this is the real deal. It may not be immediate on your first or second listen, hell it may take up to four, but once the beautiful orchestration and instrumentation hit you, pray that you are buckled in, because it’ll knock you on your ass.

Viva la Coldplay.

Track Listing:
1. Life In Technicolor
2. Cemeteries Of London
3. Lost!
4. 42
5. Lovers In Japan/Reign Of Love
6. Yes
7. Viva La Vida
8. Violet Hill
9. Strawberry Swing
10. Death And All His Friends
Produced by: Brian Eno and Markus Dravs

Coldplay are:
Chris Martin – vocals/piano/guitar
Jonny Buckland – guitar
Guy Berryman – bass
Will Champion – drums

Official Website (http://www.coldplay.com); Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/coldplay)

[Gumbyjag]

Wow. Best review I've seen of it so far. Definitely picking this up, either on vinyl or cd, or both. I love Coldplay, and some of my friends never cease to rag on me about it. When it comes down to it, they know how to make simple ideas grandiose, through their music and Chris's lyrics. What's better than relating to someone through music?

[Chris Fallon]

I think it's their best album, as well DrewB. I think this might be one of the best reviews I have ever read from you - nice job, dude!

[buysoap]

Know how I know you're gay?

[zerock]

i think it's their best album too, listening to Lost! right now.

[hockeyguitar99]

Definitely picking this up. great review drew

[4N6 science]

great review...picking this up immediately after work... getting the vinyl and the cd if best buy still has it.

[demonryu]

I definitely want to check this one out. I loved Parachutes and A Rush of Blood to the Head but skipped X&Y because every song I heard I wasn't impressed by. This sounds like a welcome return though.

[sowrongitsryan]

Glag to know that it's better than x&y. The only decent songs on that album were the singles imo.

[fran.182]

Is an amazing record

[pshh.taylor.]

excellent review, excellent album.
i couldn't wait for viva la vida or death and all his friends to come out!

[allhollows86]

I know how drew is gay...haha

[Un'Aria Ancora]

I know how drew is gay...haha

Cause his dick tastes like shit?

[eMart]

"Forget all about the bitter taste X&Y" ? I thought X&Y was their best CD yet. Good review and I can't wait to pick this up later.

[jbaseball44]

Sweet review Drew, love the album.

[Keagan Ilvonen]

Excellent job Drew. I need to pick this up ASAP.

[hailthewarrior]

Good review Drew, makes me want to listen to it now. I still need to go buy it.

[Jared Kaufman]

Cause his dick tastes like shit?
And you know this how?

[loveisdead]

You really nailed this review, Drew. Great job, and great album.

[Poochemist]

Even after the review, I'm hesitant to pick this album up. I made the mistake of purchasing X&Y due to the hype, and that's been my main exposure to them. Those iTunes ads aren't helping their image in my mind, either.

[Maxwell]

:shrug: i hate this band but X&Y is the only album i can actually listen to. why all the hate for it?

[jusscali]

You really nailed this review, Drew. Great job, and great album.
hahah you and coldplay? son you've gone soft and you let this site affect your decisions far too much

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

Before reading the review and listening through the album properly:

It sounded like a worse version of Sigur Rós at first listen. Hopefully it'll turn out to be something more than that...strangely, Narrow Stairs feels like that too...

[WFUJerseyJon]

Great review. Gave a few songs a listen last night before going to see Hulk, I plan on listening all the way through later tonight. I can't wait.

[youngmountain]

good review, i totally heard up the radiohead sound on 42 aswell

[Until The Bombs]

So far, not enjoying it as much their past albums.

[youngmountain]

Before reading the review and listening through the album properly:

It sounded like a worse version of Sigur Rós at first listen. Hopefully it'll turn out to be something more than that...strangely, Narrow Stairs feels like that too...
i hate to say it but in some ways i think this album is better than the new sigur ros album on which i found a few of the songs be pretty... underwelming. jonsi's voice has sounded better and i think some of the song writing is kinda lazy, still love the album just not quite up to the extremely high standards i had previously.

[Sic Transit Zeb]

great review...very well written

[tonighttonight0]

Viva La Vida, the song, really caught me off guard. I never liked a single song they did before, but it makes me want to go out and get the album. I think I'll get out to the stores today to pick it up.

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

i hate to say it but in some ways i think this album is better than the new sigur ros album on which i found a few of the songs be pretty... underwelming. jonsi's voice has sounded better and i think some of the song writing is kinda lazy, still love the album just not quite up to the extremely high standards i had previously.

I actually think the opposite, that Sigur Rós managed to make their special brand of music fit into the pop song-format. I've always thought of Coldplay as tremendous underachievers (who have previously managed to re-write their earlier singles and release them as new ones...) and don't think that my opinion will change with Viva la Vida. I don't know, it's probably just a difference in opinion.

[TKTKrob]

And you know this how?You know how I know Un'Aria Ancora is gay?

[TKTKrob]

Before reading the review and listening through the album properly:

It sounded like a worse version of Sigur Rós at first listen. Hopefully it'll turn out to be something more than that...strangely, Narrow Stairs feels like that too......no way. This and Narrow Stairs are both great albums that really don't sound like any versions of Sigur Ros. Especially not Narrow Stairs. Give both albums a few more spins.

[cason eat world]

Again great review for a great album. The only problem I had with it was length, after a three year wait since X&Y I expected more songs.

[loj]

i've had this cd since thursday but all i've been listening to is the ace enders ep...time to finally spin this.

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

...no way. This and Narrow Stairs are both great albums that really don't sound like any versions of Sigur Ros. Especially not Narrow Stairs. Give both albums a few more spins.

Done it, and my post does say that it sounded as a "worse" version of Sigur Rós so yeah, you're right about it not sounding like any version of Sigur Rós.

Narrow Stairs disappointed me lyrically and felt unnecessarily artsy but I'm not done with neither that album or Viva la Vida yet. I've never liked Chris Martin's lyrics and they don't do much for me now either.

[Ailite]

Nice job Drew, you really hit how I feel about this record.
I can't wait to pick it up, its fantastic.

[baygill]

i actually hated coldplay until this album

[dancetony]

So far, not enjoying it as much their past albums.

had the album since wednesday and found it hard to swallow down the action of giving it more spins.

i can say that, i'm upbeat type a dude, but i like the reference of death or just the dark feel from this album. didn't really see that coming from this band.

[IcedOpethBlind]

Parachutes > Viva La Vida > A Rush of Blood... > X&Y

...imo.

[RedWineSheets]

Rush of Blood had some top notch songs, I really hope there are songs on this album similar to those.

[tait]

amazing review for a great album

[tragedyco]

I loved X&Y. I'm liking this so far.

[yummysushi]

love this record.
it's almost as good as the new Alesana record.
:headbang:

[tomgreen680]

this album is awesome. I thought X&Y was awesome too. why is everybody so down on that album?

[live4music]

Cemetaries is my favorite track. I'm still gonna be that dick that says Parachutes is the best. Every album since then is super spacey/produced

[live4music]

Parachutes > Viva La Vida > A Rush of Blood... > X&Y

...imo.
I need more time with Viva but I might second that

[W/O a Parachute]

Rush of Blood had some top notch songs, I really hope there are songs on this album similar to those.

Rush of Blood is their best album, but in regaurds to your hope that they are similar, they really can't compare at all. Nothing from either of the two albums are in the least bit comprable.

Dont get me wrong, Viva is good (it took me 11 spins to get that), but its no Rush of Blood

[cannibalgirl]

fantastic review...i agree 100%
this record is a triumph

[RedWineSheets]

Rush of Blood is their best album, but in regaurds to your hope that they are similar, they really can't compare at all. Nothing from either of the two albums are in the least bit comprable.

Dont get me wrong, Viva is good (it took me 11 spins to get that), but its no Rush of Blood

Damn, ill still give it a listen. I was hoping they were going to do something more straight-forward on this album. O well.

[nashiscash1324]

great review...picking this up immediately after work... getting the vinyl and the cd if best buy still has it.


already picked it up! fricken awesome

[Teddy Gravyboot]

Damn, ill still give it a listen. I was hoping they were going to do something more straight-forward on this album. O well.

whats that mean?

[Andrew Love]

amazing album. awesome review

[awakeohsleeper]

Finally a decent review. People keep being really negative, but I agree that it is their best recording thus far.
Amazing album. And yes, it did take more than one listen to get into it properly.

[4N6 science]

already picked it up! fricken awesome

yeah I have another 1 hour till I get off of work.. Did you get the vinyl too? I can't wait I'm stoked..

[atticusfinch]

This is a great album. X&Y was good as well. For me, nothing is going to beat Parachutes, but Viva La Vida is a much better album than X&Y was, and I'm really digging the guitar work on "Death And All His Friends" and the M83-esque "Chinese Sleep Chant."

[musicalgraves]

i agree with much of this review, and i do like the record, but i think an 8.75 score for lyrics is quite a stretch...

[JHSace923]

"Yes" is excellent. Honestly, I was not the biggest Coldplay fan going into this album. I always found them to be overrated and extremely repetetive, but there is no denying that this album is really, really good. Hiring producers that wouldn't bullshit them and get them to change things up was the right move.

[TKTKrob]

Done it, and my post does say that it sounded as a "worse" version of Sigur Rós so yeah, you're right about it not sounding like any version of Sigur Rós.

Narrow Stairs disappointed me lyrically and felt unnecessarily artsy but I'm not done with neither that album or Viva la Vida yet. I've never liked Chris Martin's lyrics and they don't do much for me now either.
A worse version of Sigur Ros would still be a version of Sigur Ros, lol.

Either way, I think Death Cab For Cutie and Coldplay are both rare examples of bands who have progressively gotten better with each release. Just because they don't sing in Hopelandic doesn't mean their lyrics aren't good ;)

[ijbet59]

nice review, i agree on everything however strawberry swings should've been mentioned...amazing song

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

A worse version of Sigur Ros would still be a version of Sigur Ros, lol.

Either way, I think Death Cab For Cutie and Coldplay are both rare examples of bands who have progressively gotten better with each release. Just because they don't sing in Hopelandic doesn't mean their lyrics aren't good ;)


Maybe just barely a version, but apparently you didn't get what I was playing at. Never mind.

And the second part isn't really even worth giving a proper answer. Even though I get that you're joking. But anyway. This is all I've got to say:

:soccer:

[Say Hello 87]

this album is absolutely beautiful from beginning to end. It still falls short of arobtth but only barely, instrumentally and vocally its beautiful as well.

I just bought the cd and vinyl from best buy, this record is definately their best yet, far ahead of anywhere x & y ever could be, I can't wait to hear this stuff live, and he's right, dont judge this album on the first listen, it takes at least 2 or 3 to really get it, but once you get it, you'll never be the same, its that good.

[airik625]

Great review, great album.

That's awesome you included the "You know how I know you're gay" joke.

[xoxbocachicaxox]

great review, looking forward to getting this album soon!

[boykosaurus]

Brian Eno? I had no idea. definitely picking this up.

[WakeUpBlondie]

You can get the CD and vinyl at best buy for $14.99, just throwing that out there

[GoWaitInTheCar]

I've never really listened to Coldplay yet.

[drudo182]

X&Y is good though. Why the hate?

[notoaststereo]

one of my favorites of the year.

[Illuminate]

nice review, i agree on everything however strawberry swings should've been mentioned...amazing song


yes very true. Strawberry Swings is phenomenal... and always a pleasure to read your reviews Drew- keep makin em'

[grimis16]

still not my favorite of the four. I just cant let go of the "nostalgic Parachutes". Also X&Y wasnt bad. I liked a couple songs a lot. Like, Fix You, Talk, Swallowed in the Sea, and my favorite Till Kingdom Come.

[sweetforever]

Very well written review DrewB and an excellent album as well

[MADSTA]

I cannot wait to pick this up.

[Kid Defender]

It's good; not great. I've only listened to it twice though, so I obviously have to let it sink in more. I can definitely tell that it will not be as good as X&Y; that cd is way fucking better. None of the songs on this new cd really stick out to me, but after more listens that will probably change.

[Un'Aria Ancora]

You know how I know Un'Aria Ancora is gay?

Because I gave you a reach around when you mounted me?

[Spenny]

Great review. I haven't been a huge fan of Coldplay in the past, but I might pick this album up. I love Viva La Vida and Violet Hill.

[CarouselBoy]

i've always liked some of their songs but not enough to buy an album. Review makes me want to check out the whole thing though.

[shadowofmyself]

You can get the CD and vinyl at best buy for $14.99, just throwing that out there

I was actually surprised when I went into Best Buy today and saw the vinyl. I got the last one. Score!

[Gregory Robson]

Backing up Fallon, this is your best review to date.
It's also Coldplay's best album to date.
Cheers!

[teenagetwilight]

Don't really like this one. Too much hype on songs that can't make up for it.

[pand75]

Parachutes > Viva La Vida > A Rush of Blood... > X&Y

...imo.
agreed

[circa jusTurna]

i think its even better than parachutes

[Kid Defender]

It's definitely a lot better after a few more listens but nowhere near as good as the things that are being said on here. Just my opinion.

[TKTKrob]

Because I gave you a reach around when you mounted me?yes

[teenagetwilight]

It's definitely a lot better after a few more listens but nowhere near as good as the things that are being said on here. Just my opinion.

qft

[handlikesecret]

i've always really disliked Coldplay, but i'm going to check this out. i'll probably end up liking it. nice review, Drew.

[attheshow123]

thank you for that review. i will now go buy this album.

[tonyC4L]

Awesome review Drew, I'm streaming the album right now. And so far, it looks like I'll be taking a trip to Best Buy pretty soon to pick this up.

[Ailite]

The last song blows me away

[ManicanParty49]

The instrumentation is very interesting, but I don't like the melodies at all. I don't think they help the songs. Just my opinion.

[cscwell107]

Ive never really liked coldplay before but I might have to give this one a try

[chaosB4storm]

I agree with this review for the most part except i was into all of the songs upon listening to them for the first time. It's a great album, and it is coldplay's best album so far.

The only major complaint I have about this album is that the songs (even the standout ones) are quite anti-climactic. They are just good throughout, with no real "payoff".

[Nightmare0088]

I prefer A Rush of Blood to the Head but this is a great album

[The Affliction]

Great review.

I admit, I hadn't expected much from this album, but after approaching it with an open mind, I soon found myself enjoying the hell out of it, and I definitely do not like Coldplay.

Good sound. I enjoy it. I was tired of 'Clocks, Clocks 2, 3, etc... :drew:'

"You thought you might be a ghost."

[The Affliction]

I agree with this review for the most part except i was into all of the songs upon listening to them for the first time. It's a great album, and it is coldplay's best album so far.

The only major complaint I have about this album is that the songs (even the standout ones) are quite anti-climactic. They are just good throughout, with no real "payoff".

That's the thing: it's a perfect balance of emotionally-charged and relaxing. The "payoff" may be a mechanism that capitalizes on everything up until that point, but it also can be anticlimactic in itself, because it becomes a focal point.

This album is like dragging a technicolor (pun unintended, but granted) paintbrush smoothly in a series of switchbacks instead of beginning a new stroke, or changing colors.

[lolseamus]

"The best way I’d sum it up is Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends has the soul of an indie rock record trapped within the body of major label backing."

could'nt agree more. i love this album though. great review!