As an old school Coldplay fan, I was a little apprehensive when it came to their new album. I was quite the Coldplay fan a while ago, but I had become bored of the same old Coldplay sound, and stopped taking any interest in them. So I was looking for one thing in this new album, and that was some range.  It has been (and I think still is) number 1. in the charts, so despite the apprehension I had high hopes. The album was surrounded by claims that it’s lyrics were more abstract and visual than before, on top of that one of the band members said he was a little terrified of this album. But on to track 1.

“Life in Technicolor” is alright, it’s a bit boring as it has no real lyrics but some of the bits aren’t bad at all, but it doesn’t say anything about the new album.  “Cemeteries of London” is different though, it’s a good song with a better sound than I’m used to, the lyrics are well written and it’s quite catchy with some very nice guitar playing.

The title track is great. The lyrics are very powerful and show a great sense of meaning and belief. You can clearly see the effort that went into making it. It’s no wonder it was so popular, it also manages to mix together Coldplay’s classic sound with a new cool one.  “Violet Hill” really surprised me, but in a good way. It showed that Coldplay did have range with a much heavier guitar sound than I think I’ve ever really heard Coldplay play. It’s actually really good and the musical world would be a much beter place if Coldplay produced more songs like this, I’d say their pockets might get a litle bit deeper as a result!!

The last, non-hidden, non-bonus track on the album is”Death and All His Friends.” Which as it turns it out is an alternative name for the album. A more relaxing song all in all, than most of the others on the album, it’s a very soothing,mellow kind of track,which you wouldn’t be able guess from the title track.It has a cool guitar bit half way through where the song gets a bit more intense and less relaxing, but keeps to the start as a very easy track to listen to.

That’s it for Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida” or whatever you prefer to call it, and I must say I’m pleased with it. Sure, it isn’t a complete revolution of Coldplay’s style but with tracks like “Viva la Vida” and “Violet Hil” it’s a big step in the right direction, with the fans liking it too, shown by it’s positoin at no. 1 in the charts and an impressive sale of about 2 million copies already