When Coldplay were simply the next Coldplay
After releasing two successful albums such as “Parachutes” (read the review here) in 2000 and “A Rush of Blood to the Head” (read the review here) in 2002, i Coldplay they were called to confirm themselves with the third album. On June 6, 2005 the English band released “X&Y” and it didn't miss the target, conquering the first position in the sales rankings practically all over the world. Below are the words with which we reviewed the album.
Saying that it is the “most anticipated album of the year” may sound like journalistic banality or a promotional slogan. But it's true that there was a lot of excitement around Coldplay's third rehearsal. From the public, looking for confirmation from one of the most loved emerging (or rather, now “emerged”) bands of recent years. From the media, also teased by gossip (Chris Martin married an actress, so he's a rock star, they say. Well, not really: when the band went to Italy to present the album he seemed friendly and easy-going as always ). On the part of the industry: EMI was counting on the sales of this album (and that of Gorillaz) to cover its budget. And, finally, on the part of the band, who didn't care about anyone, re-recording the album (and delaying the release) because the first version “had no soul”.
Grant us another banality: this wait will be rewarded. Because “X&Y” is a good record. They pimp just enough to please the masses, but with that touch of musical and melodic originality that will attract the most attentive listeners. If, in the past, the terms of comparison for the band were Radiohead (in a pop style, of course), now we have moved on to U2 and…. to Coldplay. On the one hand, Chris Martin and his associates show an increasingly deep-rooted tendency to structure their songs in an epic (and a bit pompous, at times) way: the attack of “Square one”, or the guitar/rhythm interweavings of “White shadows”, for example; on the other hand there is Coldplay's tendency to remake themselves.
A sort of self-plagiarism, or rather self-quotation. Indeed, neither of the two: because Coldplay's strength, in the end, is that they resemble themselves, and no one else. Their songs, starting from the beautiful single “Speed of sound” are very recognisable, but they don't sound blatantly already heard. In short, Chris Martin's slightly falsetto voice, that use of piano and guitars, that touch of melancholy that pervades their songs ultimately belong only to them. They didn't invent anything new, Coldplay. But what they do they do really well, and “X&Y” is proof of this. Are Coldplay the next U2? Perhaps yes, although unlike the Irish, there are not four strong personalities, but only one; he also lacks live explosiveness, but that's another story.
Do you know what? Coldplay are not the next Radiohead, not the next U2 or the next who knows. Coldplay are simply the next Coldplay. And this should be enough to keep them well in orbit among the rock stars.
