Coldplay - Music of the Spheres [vol. i] (October 15, 2021) Album • Page 5

Holy crap, I had no idea that My Universe hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. That's really impressive, it's their first number 1 single since Viva La Vida over 13 years ago.

 

It was the BTS fans haha

 

People of the Pride is a standout. I’m guessing this is the first Coldplay “fuckin” curse!

 

I know there was one on everyday life for sure

 

There were several on Guns!

 

Ah yes, you’re right! A few songs on there I had completely forgotten about, perhaps I should revisit that album after this one.

 

They are also at the end of Arabesque.

 

I liked this. Could have used 2 more songs though. I’ve listened through probably 5 times and every time I get to Biutyful I get sad because I know it’s almost over

 

Finally got the chance to sit and give this a listen and really enjoyed it.

 

I think this might be my favorite since Mylo Xyloto, I like how cohesive it feels.

 

That’s exactly what I thought. I enjoyed Ghost Stories too, but this is way up my alley.

 

for me this is the worst possible direction they could've taken after Everyday Life. I've never really understood this band's trajectory but man, how did they get here from there lmao

 

Same way they went from Mylo to Ghost Stories, from A Head Full of Dreams to Everyday Life. They’ve developed this pattern over the last few albums.

 

I like that these guys just kinda take chances and do what they want. It reminds me of of how U2 did Achtung Baby then followed it up with Zooropa.

Really cool that Jon Hopkins produced all of the interludes. You can def hear his influence.

 

Will be interesting to see what the custom tracklists could be like if we get a part 2.

 

Was thinking about Coldplay's discography in context of this record. Here's a fun little guide for anyone interested (proper studio albums only)

PARACHUTES (2000) - Great, understated record that was one of the many alternatives for people who wished Radiohead had stuck with mid-tempo anthemic rock balladry (along with Travis's 1999 album "The Man Who"). Some people feel this record is super passive but I love all the subtle and relaxed vibes.
A RUSH OF BLOOD TO THE HEAD (2002) - Still their best to me in that they took everything great about Parachutes and brought it to the next level with bigger sounds, choruses, more piano, etc. The first half has an undeniable string of hits and the back half is full of excellent deep cuts.
X&Y (2005) - This gets a lot of shit more due to context than actual music. At the time, there was a whole onsalught of soft rock bands aping Coldplay's formula (The Fray, Snow Patrol, Keane, etc.) and this record seemed to prove everyone right who were annoyed at Coldplay's excessive mid-tempo earnestness. I don't think there's an actual BAD song on this one but just doesn't reach the peaks of their previous two releases
VIVA LA VIDA (2008) - Great reinvention though not great as drastic as U2 or Radiohead (Coldplay's two biggest influences have done). They dropped a lot of the guitar-based songs and moved to a more theatrical/big pop sound.
MYLO XYLOTO (2011) - Basically took the Viva La Vida template and doubled-down on the big pop/electronic sound. This feels a bit more breezy than VLV though it somewhat stiffed commercially in comparison (still a big blockbuster though)
GHOST STORIES (2014) - Most likely to be named Coldplay's "most underrated" by longtime fans due to the more insular, somber vibe (it's totally Chris Martin's divorce record). I dig the moody vibe of this album (sounds almost like Bon Iver in certain parts) but they still couldn't help putting a big blockbuster banger like "A Sky Full Of Stars" on it.
A HEAD FULL OF DREAMS (2015) - This was slightly irritating at the time though, in retrospect, was probably them trying to stay modern and create music that could be played in a stadium tour. I assume a lot of the approach to this had to do with their successful single with The Chainsmokers
EVERYDAY LIFE (2019) - Another weird left turn after a blockbuster, this is one of those grand experiments that I admire a lot, though I don't often find myself pining to listen to since it's more about vibe and narrative than songs.
MUSIC OF THE SPHERES (2021) - If we didn't have the hard pivot to Everyday Life in 2019 this would have been a logical continuation of AHFOD. I think it's really enjoyable and I applaud them for trying to push their sound to be modern though there does seem to be a nagging fear of irrelevance based on some of their collaborators. That being said, if this is honestly what 4 middle-age British dudes want to produce in 2021, all the power to 'em.

 

"Human Heart" is p stellar imo

 

I could do without Let Somebody Go, feels like a lesser version of Everglow to me, but I like everything else here.

 

I really think this needs one more banger/anthem after the infinity interlude.

 

Find myself really disappointed in this as a huge Coldplay fan.

I just wish they’d taken the direction of the interludes and ran with it, for something really euphoric. Viva was the last time they managed that across a whole record, Mylo nearly.

I like Higher Power, My Universe sounds so close to reaching the peak it’s straining for in the chorus but doesn’t quite get there. Also the collab definitely feels quite cynical.

Biutfyul is good and I like Infinity but I can’t help but hear a Keane song in the piano (can’t put my finger on which one).

 

I finally got around to listening to this, it's not bad. Definitely "Coloratura" is the stand out. Album as a whole washes over me a little though, not sure how much staying power it'll have. We'll see.

I don't like "People of the Pride" though. I don't dislike it enough to skip, but it's close.

 

Humankind is fucking amazing.

 

Coloratura (I avoided pre-release) is the best song they've done in what feels like forever.

 

Somehow I missed that Coloratura was released prior to the full album, so heard it for the first time today… wow. That was awesome.

I loved Everyday Life so the pendulum back to pop isn’t as much for me here, but Coloratura is obviously great, Humankind is instantly a winner, and Higher Power and My Universe are solid if not throwaway pop tracks.

More importantly, they have been my #1 live show bucket list band for a long time, and I picked up floor tickets for their tour next year. Can’t wait!

 

You’re in for a treat! One of the best live experiences!