Play in Cold, Warm, or Hot Weather- They're Just as Good

***Part of this review came from another opinion of mine which talks about Coldplay as an up-and-coming rock and roll band (http://www.epinions.com/content_2453119108)***

For Love of Fun

Coldplay? Who is Coldplay? I listen to the radio everyday and I have never heard of...what's their name again? Well, get used to their name because they will stay around for quite sometime.

Background

I first heard about Coldplay in my father's Financial Times, and took note even though it was probably not the best place to get music advice. Anyways, they had labeled Coldplay's cd Parachutes as the album that kids, teenagers, parents, and grandparents could all agree on. I certainly must add that this is not totally accurate. My mom dislikes them (then again, she is a huge top-40 fan), but the rest of my family (grandparents and great-aunts and uncles included) loves them.

Pop Up Radio

If you have heard of Coldplay, it is most likely through one of two songs: Yellow or Trouble . They are the two "radio friendly" singles released from the album that can only be labeled as divine inspiration.

Track List

On their album Parachutes, there are 10 songs, as follows:
1. Don't Panic- a mellow and uplifting little ditty where the chorus appears to be "We live in a beautiful world."

2. Shiver- another mellow song that starts out with a harder edge. "Don't you want me to change/Well I'll change for good/ I want you to know/That you'll always get your way/I wanted to say/It's only Shiver/I'll always be waiting for you." is the chorus for this song.

3.Spies-Perhaps the most unbelievable song on the album, it is a true masterpiece, an effort which entailed all four members of the group, as it is an all-around perfection. "And the spies came out of the water/But you're feeling so bad 'cuz you know/The spies hide out in every corner/But you can't touch them, no/'Cuz they're all spies."

4.Sparks- This song starts off with a more acoustic sound, as you can hear the guitar really well and it sounds as if they are sitting right next to you. The regular lyrics are good, but a slight under par, most notably t he chorus. "Yeah I saw sparks/Yeah I saw sparks/And I saw sparks/Yeah I saw sparks/Sing it out."
However, from Chris Martin's delivery one would not be aware of this unless paying close attention.

5. Yellow- the first single released from their album due to its upbeat nature and more mainstream sound, with the drums playing a more important role in this song than in any other because the focus is always on Chris Martin's voice. "Look at the stars/See how they shine for you/And all the things that you do." Although a single, I believe it is the worst song on the album, even though its an amazing one.

6. Trouble- In the beginning, all the instruments fade out to let Martin work his vocal magic, and once he gets his chance, the instruments come right back blending into a beautiful harmony. "I never meant to cause you trouble/And I never meant to do you wrong/And I, well if I ever caused you trouble/O no, I never meant to do you harm" comprises the chorus.

7.Parachutes- Although only 46 seconds in length, it is a drastically different song, but in other respects. The guitar and the vocals appear to be the only thing in the song. It seems more of an introlude than anything else. The entire lyrics are as follows: "In a haze, a stormy haze/I’ll be round/I’ll be loving you always, always/Here I am and I'll take my time/Here I am and I’ll wait in line always/Always. "

8. High Speed- This is the song that only Coldplay could do. I can never explain what it sounds like, but its so uplifting and it makes me think of Earth. Nothing particular, but just being above Earth, which seems to fit, as it is a song about being above Earth and living life inside a bubble. All the lyrics are repeated, which breaks the traditional form of once verse followed by a chorus followed by a verse followed by a chorus... If there is a chorus, this would be it: "Confidence in you/Is confidence in me/Is confidence in high speed."

9. We Never Change- Another song that breaks mainstream lyrical format. "We never change, do we?/No, no/We never learn do we?/" is the closest to a chorus. This, like all the other songs (minus "Yellow") is a slow song and is filled with symbolism, significance, and themes the whole way through. And if you don't understand them, it's okay. They're British-any rock group from there practically has a license to do so.

10. Everything's Not Lost- The final song on the album. More emphasis on the piano in the beginning than the usual guitar. An uplifting, inspirational song. "If you ever feel neglected/If you think that all is lost/I'll be counting up/My demons, yeah/Hoping everything's not lost." 15 seconds after the song ends (at least on my version), another song comes on, hidden. "My head just aches when I think of the things that I shouldn't have done/But life is for living/We all know/And I don't want to live it alone."

Danger Will Robinson

How I would improve this album: cut longer songs or have more songs. The album is only 42 minutes long...it can almost be doubled in length.

Why The World Turns

I bought this cd because I was in the mood for something different. What I got exceeded what I paid for. I really love this album. If you like mellow music, chances are that you will like Parachutes as well.

Similar

Although I have not listened Travis's The Man Who, I have been told that it is a very similar sound. So if you own this cd and like it, I would definitely give Parachutes a spin.


~~~*Thanks for reading!!!*~~~