Coldplay Music Review

The band Coldplay started out on the road to fame in the late nineties.  After the release of their first album many wondered if they would be able to keep up with the demands to continually improve and evolve with their talents.  Could they make each new album better than the last?  Were they going to be a band that released one good album and then fell into oblivion?  I thought so…but this has not been the case.

Coldplay has become increasingly more successful over the last several years, and people are beginning to refer to them as the next U2 (though that may still be a little extreme).  With the release of their latest album I have received numerous questions about their music, and I feel that it is time to address them.

First of all, let me say that they do have an incredible talent for playing soft and smooth rock.  They are talented musicians, and they have a distinct sound.  However, I do feel like they have rehashed the same album several times with new lyrics.  Their distinctive sound is just not to my liking, as they are a bit too mellow for my tastes.

Despite the fact that I do not care for them, there are several things that I must give them credit for.  First, their music is rather clean, they rarely if ever curse on their recordings, and the majority of their songs are not sexually promiscuous.  In addition to this, they often bring up issues that are worth discussing and they seem to have a message that they want people to get in each of their songs.  I do not always agree with what they are saying, such as the comment that some demons are good in “Everything’s Not Lost.”  But other songs are quite agreeable, such as “Daylight,” “Fix You,” and “Careful Where You Stand.”

In conclusion, I do think that there is something to be gained from listening to this band.  However, before popping in any CD, turning it up, and rocking out to it, the listener should carefully consider the lyrics and message of each song and the album on the whole.  Is it glorifying immoral behavior?  If so, one may learn something about the world from it, but it is not uplifting and would be hard for a Christian to simply enjoy, knowing that it contradicts what one stands for as a believer.  Is it portraying immorality or graphic truths (i.e. the Holocaust) realistically?  If so it is educational, but again, may not be intended to be a pleasurable listen.  Is it portraying ethical values or telling a story?  If so, then now is the time to listen simply for enjoyment. What it all comes down to is that you as a listener are responsible for what your musical choices.  Please be thoughtful as you decide what music you will casually play in your car, at work, with friends, or in your leisure time.