Viva La Vida

Editorial Review

Coldplay Photos

To say there has been a lot of anticipation for Coldplay's fourth album, Viva La Vida, is an understatement. Having enlisted legendary leftfield producer Brian Eno, borrowed their album title from a painting by renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and made tantalising remarks about sonic reinvention, the world has been curious (to say the least) to hear what the 'new' Coldplay might sound like. Viva La Vida definitely makes some departures from the band's usual formula, which happens to be one of the most commercially successful rock-pop blueprints of recent years. The plangent chords, emotive melodies, stadium-rock rhythms and universal lyrical concerns remain, but Martin and co. have gone out on several limbs here, incorporating instrumental tracks ("Life In Technicolour"), using subtle North African and Latin elements ("Yes", "Strawberry Swing"), and overhauling previously strict verse-chorus-verse structures in favour of slightly more avant arrangements. The old Coldplay still shine through (see tracks like "Violet Hill" and the title song) but even their classic sound feels more muscular and confident. The band's new flourishes, cosmetic and self-conscious as they may be, are enough to make Viva La Vida a welcome break from the old routine --Danny McKenna

People en Español
Cuando Coldplay anunció con bombo y platillo que su cuarto disco, bajo el ambicioso título de Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends, vendría acompañado de la producción de Brian Eno, dos escenarios se convertían en posibilidad: o se trataba de su peor álbum o la obra maestra de su carrera. Afortunadamente, la producción de Eno no lleva a la banda británica a imitar a U2 por ningún momento, y en cambio, el grupo liderado por Chris Martin presenta el mejor disco en su trayectoria, ofreciendo un sonido distinto, en el que por fin se alejan del pianito hartante de sus primeros tres álbumes y suenan como lo que siempre prometieron ser: una de las mejores bandas del mundo. "Life In Technicolor," "Viva la Vida," y sobre todo el tema "Lost!," representan a Coldplay en su momento cumbre. --Ernesto Sánchez (People en Español )

Customer Reviews:

• Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
• Sorry but I didn't enjoy it.
  I'm not quite sure why I keep buying Coldplay albums. I really want to like them, I guess. Each Album releases a number of singles and they are always great but sadly I find the album does not add up to the promise created by the quality of the singles released from it. This really is one for the diehard fans - I think I will wait for the greatest hits
• Viva La Vida song of the decade!
  This is a great CD by a rockin' band. Viva La Vida is the song of the decade. You can't go wrong buying this CD. And not just for the youth: I'm just past 50 years young and play this all the time. Great addition to any collection.
• Could Be Better!!!!
  I like their old stuff much better!
  Such as Parachutes, A Rush Of Blood To The Head, and X&Y!
  The new stuff does not compare to what they had!
  I personally think they should go back to their older style!
  I enjoy the listening to the older stuff!
  They had a special style that No other Band or artist had!
  Now,
  Coldplay has basically become what all the other bands/artists sound like!
  In this album Coldplay has decided to try out newer styles of music and and... more info
• I'm partially happy...
  I was wondering why it doesn't have lyrics with the CD... Maybe that's the reason for selling cds for a price a litte bit lower than in the other stores.
  I like the songs... It's not as good as X&Y but is a great album.
  I do recommend it, but be aware that it doesn't have any lyrics as a "bonus".
  

Tracks:

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

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