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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 Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Comment: This album really is not sincere Coldplay. This is a departure from what they truly are as musicians. I recently saw them on tour here in Phoenix, I must say i was disappointed. The X&Y tour was much better, much more impressive very powerful and memorable. I vaguely remember the Viva la Vida show I just saw, that's what kind of an impression it left on me. The album itself does not grab me at all and lacks the power of the previous three. I hope that Chris Martin and the Boys wake up and are true to themselves. It is not worth alienating longevity or true fans to please a few critics. If you are new to Coldplay before buying this album listen to Parachutes, Rush of Blood to the Head and X&Y first so you have an idea of what Coldplay REALLY sounds like when they are themselves.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Coldplay's Best
Comment: This is a must album for all Coldplay fans.

Chris Martin said "this is the album we always wanted to make" and it clearly shows. Unlike their past albums (that I still love) this one offers a distinctive collection of songs with a more layered sound. Aparently Brian Eno (U2 Producer) was brought in for this very reason.

I can't find any misteps on this album-every track is fresh and beautiful to listen to.

Martin has been obsessed lately with becoming the best band in the world and taking the torch away U2. This album makes a strong argument for Coldplay doing just that.

Enjoy

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Coldplay: The Next U2???
Comment: When I first heard Coldplay's Viva Vidla (sorry bad spelling) I couldn't but to think of one band U2!! And I like U2!! I mean, I am familar with Coldplay's music like "Clocks" and "Yellow" but Coldplay's latest CD sound so much like U2, I just had to get it!!! I mean, I even saw Chris Martin perform on SNL, and I kept thinking "He's the next Bono!" lol Not dissing this band, they are great in their own right, great CD, but they need to shed this U2wanna-be image!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: AMAZING!
Comment: This CD is absolutely brilliant! The only thing I have bad to say about it is that there aren't enough tracks! Vivia La Vida, Lovers in Japan and Strawberry Swing are my favorite. I was always loved Coldplay but never have owned a CD of theirs until now!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: I didn't like it to begin with.....
Comment: This is a departure from the initial three albums from Coldplay, and the songs often sounded disjointed and strange compared to those on Parachutes, X&Y and a Rush of Blood to the head. Those albums are so great that the first time I played Viva is just didn't do it for me and I found myself longing for the album of old.

It took a while but it has grown on me, I am still not entirely sold however when I saw Coldplay in Kansas City I was belting out the songs with gusto. Maybe its the nostalgia from a great show but Viva has got its hooks in.

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