Written by Taylor Miles
After months and months (and more months) of anticipation, Coldplay’s newest album
Mylo Xyloto has finally released. Coldplay has been my favorite band for as long as I can remember, so as soon as October 24th came, it was instantly downloading on my iTunes. I am such a huge fan that I’m worried this review is completely biased, but oh well!
Mylo Xyloto is an absolute masterpiece.
Since 1996, Coldplay has created music that embodies a perfect collaboration of sound and spirit. Every album has very distinct characteristics, but still shows the familiar heart and soul of Chris Martin, Guy Berryman, Will Champion, and Jonny Buckland. From the chilling, romantic sonnets of Parachutes and A Rush Of Blood To The Head to the modern-esque X&Y, to the historically driven and magnificent Viva La Vida, Coldplay always keeps their fans on their toes. Now, with Mylo Xyloto, they’ve began to experiment with more types of instruments and created an album so vibrant that listeners will fall in love all over again. Chris Martin explained in many interviews that Mylo Xyloto was inspired by White Rose, a Nazi-resistance movement, and by New York City graffiti art from the 1970’s. Mylo Xyloto is their “revolution” album, which ironically is filled with bubbly pop beats and lively optimistic lyrics, but nonetheless does it lack definition and virtuosity.
Mylo Xyloto begins with the album-titled single, a soft, instrumental introduction that leads into “Hurts Like Heaven”, an upbeat tune about standing up for what you believe in. Following is “Paradise”, the second single Coldplay released from the album. One of my personal favorite tracks, it includes exhilarating violins, heavy beats, and harmonies that will sweep you away. “Charlie Brown” is incredible, with youthful lyrics about running wild and a sound that can only be described as enchanting. “Us Against The World” is another favorite of mine from Mylo Xyloto. It’s soft, sincere and romantic; it gives a faint scent of the older Coldplay we all know and love. Chris Martin’s voice will stimulate emotions out of many from this beautiful track.
Another popular track is “Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall”, which is the first single they released this past June. It’s very enthusiastic and energetic with the band’s tremendous vocals and echoing harmonies. “Don’t Let It Break Your Heart” has similar characteristics, and is equally awesome. The most anticipated track on the album, however, is the band’s unlikely collaboration with Rihanna in “Princess of China”. It’s a very unique duet, with heavy vocals and penetrating beats, but the partnership, and the track itself, is absolutely amazing. It’s a must listen. Mylo Xyloto concludes with “Up With The Birds”, a light, heaven-like composition with resonating strings and harmonies. It ends the album perfectly. All in all, it’s safe to say that Mylo Xyloto is the answer to our music prayers in these dark days. It’s filled with optimism, joy, and strength. If there’s one album you should listen to for 2011, this would be it.
