Viva La Vida

Man, this is the first Coldplay album I've purchased, though I've listened to their popular tunes in the past. Every song is worth listening to. The musical pieces all have an identity of their own, so that keeps you interested in listening to them over and over again(which I've been doing quite regularly). The engineering is superb and that should be no surprise since Brian Eno is involved in the making of this album.

It's a roll down the window, bang on the steering wheel while singing at the top of your lungs driving album!

While this is merely my humble opinion, I think of myself as a fairly knowledgeable music-lover and pianist, and Viva la Vida is one of the best albums I've ever heard. Certainly the peak of Coldplay's career thus far. Christ Martin's voice has improved dramatically, and the overall medieval tone of the album gives a haunting and original kick in the butt to the boring, overplayed crap out there on MTV and most radio stations. But considering the production help from Brian Eno who lended his talents to make U2 as great as they became, it's no big surprise. The locations and instruments used in recording this album make it what it is: grandiose. But again, not everyone may feel this way, it is my humble opinion. I simply think that they reached their goal: to surpass everything they've done before.

The first time I listened to Coldplay's new CD, I was a little dissapointed. It was the first Coldplay CD that I didn't love. However, the more I listened to it, the more I like it. "Viva La Vida" fits into my Coldplay collection nicely and like the others gets listened to frequently. I love every song and have no regrets. Give "Vida" a chance if it doesn't grab you right away; soon the music & lyrics should begain to resonate.

Coldplay is in the running for most improved and inventive band of the year, crafting not only their best album, but the best of 2008 thus far. The band expands on their new "cultured" sound, and gone are the melodic experiences that were "Clocks" and "Speed of Sound," and welcome to the string-based epic of "Viva La Vida," the culture rock of "Violet Hill," and the melodic lushness of "Lost." Is the new sound better? While most would say no, I think the album grows on you. And in the end it's nice to have a fine work of art worthy of Da Vinci, rather than the pumpkin carvings of Top 40 Radio. Ironically, "Viva La Vida" was the band's first #1 on the Billboard Hot 100

With the guiding hand of musician and producer Brian Eno, the production values on this album are top notch, as showcased in the instrumental "Life In Technicolor," and the inspiring "Lovers In Japan." This album simply begs to be listened to in full surround sound. Because for all the experimentation the band does on the album, they want you to have an experience. The band chiefly tinkers with transitions, with songs like "42" starting out to be a haunting ballad, before turning into an upbeat rock song, then back again. This strategy mostly works, giving a fuller body to songs. Another oddity the band has grasped onto is the "hidden track," which they use three times, to mostly mixed results.

When deciding whether or not to buy the album, I walked into the Sharper Image Store where they were playing "Violet Hill" on one of their surround sound systems. It's then when it hit me: This album is too darn good to pass up. Although I would've liked to have bought the deluxe edition featuring their upcoming EP or add-on to the album, it's the band's most solid and consistent record yet, bringing a cultured sound to the band. This album is both enchanting and entrancing. It's surprising and never disappointing. Make no mistake about it, to not buy this album or give it a Grammy would be a musical crime. A true work of art in the sea of tranquility.

An interesting album. one cracking good hit with "Viva La Vida" the rest can best be described as pleasant background music.