Full Review: Coldplay - Viva La Vida

Coldplay traditionally represents this exclusive/high class rock ‘n roll but Viva La Vida steps on the pedestal in a sense and bridges the gap to those who had previously felt excluded.

Playing off the long intro or short instrumental song of “Life In Technicolor”, “Cemeteries In London” carries a halfhearted darker tone which is conflicted by the lyrical content and the upbeat tempo. “Lost” picks up where the previous song left off adding claps and a solid grove throughout its duration.

“42″ is the first track to fall into the tradition, tried and true “Coldplay style” which doesn’t last for too long though as gentle tempo and lush sounds turn in to a heavier jam session for the extended bridge.

Some parts of the record are slightly grittier with a deeper sense of urgency. “Lovers In Japan” focuses on the musical side of the song with the lyrics feeling secondary and as if they might not be missed if removed. Contrarily “Strawberry Swing” begins with the steady drum beat and relies on Chris Martin’s strong vocals and the guitar noodling to carry what to turns out to be one of the best songs on the album.

Outdoing themselves yet again, Coldplay have put out a beautiful record with as much substance as it has style. Musically the band has matched the epic cover art which is the painting, “Liberty Leading The People” by French painter Eugène Delacroix.