Coldplay's newest album has had so much hype lately. I'm sure I wasn't the only wanting more after 2011's Mylo Xyloto. So, is it Boring, O.K. or Brilliant? Here is the full review.
What I listened to: "Ghost Stories" By: Coldplay
How did I listen to it: Streaming over iTunes Radio First Play (256 kbps?) on Apple Earpods
Yes, it is hard to believe it has been since late 2011 when we last got a Coldplay album. Time has flown, though because it is coming to a store near you within the next week (of writing). Their last project was pretty ambitious, but this one goes for a more subtle tone. This is the first time their music has truly grown away from a "traditional" Coldplay sound. "Traditional" meaning more of that soft rock kind of sound, with a flavoring of something truly unique. This album is still unique...it just may not be what you were hoping for.
It starts off with a song titled "Always In My Head". However, it fails to always be in my head. It's soft rock flavoring is very slow and smooth but it fails to be a powerful track I think they were hoping for. Like every first track on album it is almost like an awkward interview. It is a first impression that will give you a taste of the whole album. In that perspective, they pick a good one to start off with. Very slow and smooth is something you will hear quite a lot in this album.
Like in the interview after the first question, things begin to start a little bit easier. The bass line in the single "Magic" starts to be a light of hope. The song is catchy and the layers of the instrumentation that they used is really good. The chords, the melody, the vocals....basically this song is great. The 'pop-y-ness' that has been making a few old fans upset, is quite good in my opinion.
The "interview" seems to get better with the third song "Ink". It's catchy and a little more up beat...but it still seems like a sleeper. Music isn't bad or anything, just very sleepy sounding. I can picture one falling to sleep as they sing the high "di-di-di-di-doo" at the end.
The album continues with more sleepy sounding music....pretty much till the end.
Honestly, I fell asleep the first few times I listened to it. It's easy music to do that with. It's not bad music, it's just the whole album has that "sound". Very depressing, actually.
Sleeeeeeeppppyyyyyyyy........
Really, where is the epic drums like "Viva la Vida"? Or the exciting sound like "Hurts Like Heaven"? Here's the thing, though Coldplay never really had that exciting sound. Yet this one, seems to be the sleepiest.
If you like Coldplay, this album should be considered as the first album to really take that sound that they have to the next level. With this album, their music is maturing to a more contemporary sound.
There really isn't much to say with this album. The fact is, Coldplay is one of those groups that will go down in history as one of those great bands. And they should. It is like, think about rock and roll if there was no Elvis. Think about country music without George Jones. Think of what folk music would be without James Taylor. Coldplay is one of those bands that came about with their awesome vocals, inspiring melodies and chords and best of all, they really seem like great people.
Every band has their one album that is kind of that in-between album. It's like that awkward middle child. It's not the oldest and wisest, it's not the youngest and energetic..it is just kind of, there. (Nothing against middle children lol)
It does leave me with one feeling though: I want more Coldplay. This album really didn't give me what I was hoping for.
Maybe it was a plan? Maybe they did this album on purpose? To leave people wanting more..
So..........is this album Boring, O.K. or Brilliant?
The Verdict: Boring.
For people who really love Coldplay, you will find that this album has grown from the traditional Coldplay sound. It is the first one to really have a true pop kind of feel. I really don't mind it but since we are being honest, they kinda started going to a more pop kind of sound over the past couple of albums. This one just seems to really look over that edge a bit more.
Honestly, though, I did fall asleep to it a few times. It wasn't late at night either. It was during the day. I cannot really recommend this album unless you have trouble sleeping. It is fantastic to fall asleep to.
If you buy or listen to any of the songs, you have pretty much heard the entire album. Sad, but Brutally Honest.
Having said that, I cannot wait for a follow up album. Only because "Ghost Stories" was not what I was hoping for. I hope they do a follow up album...I hope they do it soon.
No comments:
Post a Comment