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Album Review: Coldplay – Mylo Xyloto

They are the most mainstream thing going, they can sell out stadiums all over the world. And yes, they can inspire a hatred in a musical purist unbeknownst to the world. However I am going to take that step out and say… I like Coldplay. No, I LOVE COLDPLAY! Their 5th album Mylo Xyloto may confuse with its title, but don’t be afraid: an explanation is out there. They want this album to stand alone, to be one not related to any concepts and hence such a bizarre title.

As far as the album goes, it is a bit of a flowery look at how hippy and UN-mainstream they can go; it’s all about bringing colour into the world. Now, as you may have seen from the video to ‘Every Teardrop is a Waterfall’ they have hit the colour bandwagon with gusto (read the single review here; see the visual featured as a Video of the Moment here). As far as the songs go, it’s a change from the Coldplay of old. The lyrics are still as nonsensical as ever, but in songs like ‘Major Minus’ you can really hear Chris Martin getting his rocks off and that, my friends, is commendable.

‘Charlie Brown’ is another track I want to single out. Not just because I do love a bit of Snoopy, but for the fact that it’s one of those songs so jam-packed full on energy that you just want to leap out of your chair and start dancing. Sure, ‘Every Teardrop…’ is a bit weak, and as first singles from the album would have gone, ‘Paradise’(Video of the Moment here) would have slid onto the airwaves a lot easier. But hey, maybe Coldplay’s adventure here is something we need to acknowledge.

‘Up In Flames’ is really nothing special, but coming after the truly beautiful ‘Princess of China’ it really can’t stand up as anything of merit. The fact that it is Coldplay, though, ensures that this album will be successful and why not? Anyone who has seen them live will give testament to the fact that they are a superb live band, they make music that brings happiness to millions worldwide and when it comes down to it they all seem like genuinely nice guys.

So hey, when you see this album, don’t knock it because it’s Coldplay. Pick up a copy, you may just be surprised.

8/10

‘Mylo Xyloto’, the fifth studio album from Coldplay, is out now on Parlophone/EMI.