The greatest thing Coldplay may have learned from Eno is his work ethic, as they demonstrate a focused concentration throughout this tight album ... that turns Viva la Vida into something quietly satisfying.
Viva La Vida isn't impressive because of some detached value judgement as to how it's nice to see them be ambitious; it's impressive because their ambition manifests itself in these glorious, enormous and expansive songs of temptation, desire and fulfilment.
Viva La Vida is an assured return that should go some way to restoring Coldplay's wilted critical stock.
Vida La Vida is the work of a band finding new confidence and settling into the studio.
No, Viva la Vida is not their masterpiece, but for now, it’s as close as they’re gonna get.
The record's violent, revolution-themed artwork is misleading. Viva is more like a bloodless coup-- shrewd and inconspicuous in its progressive impulses.
At its best, however, Viva la Vida poses an interesting question: do you need to be cool or experimental if you can write songs that carry the listener along regardless of their reservations - indeed, almost despite them?
★★★★★
Oh lord, here comes a classic. ''Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends'' was a great album, I'd dare say a masterpiece. I can't praise enough the risky move that this whole record was, as it was a journey through the uncharted. Was it an enjoyable ride and a great piece of art? Oh yes. Under Eno's supervision, Coldplay had the playground to fulfill their highest potential, and god did they deliver.
If ''A Rush Of Blood To The Head'' is Coldplay's most ... read more
People often wonder what the best coldplay album is but they forget that only one has chris martin fucked up in the crib making shoegaze
Thank you to @LonelyHipHopFan for the recommendation! 💜
Man, this album is underrated as all hell, I’d say Coldplay’s best work in their entire career. I’ve never been a huge fan of the band, I remember I used to dislike them quite a lot because of their giant fall off after this album, basically the group selling out, the put it more bluntly.
Growing up around my mom too, she constantly listens to Coldplay (as most white moms do) and I used to hate it, thinking it was ... read more
A solid addition to Coldplay's solid discography through the 2000s. Very much in the experimental direction, giving me a greater taste of Brian Eno's work. Has some of the greatest songs Coldplay's ever produced, and probably their last ever top album. Love it, love the boldness of it, it's not comparable to anything they've done since.
Best tracks: Viva la Vida, Violet Hill, 42, Lovers in Japan
Worst track: Life in Technicolor
Commonly perceived as their last good album, “Viva La Vida” is truly a classic rock album with every moment feeling complete, catchy and beautifully organized. Their lyrics are also at a high here, but the only downside to me is that the first few tracks aren’t anything too special.
1 | Life In Technicolor 2:29 | 86 |
2 | Cemeteries of London 3:21 | 86 |
3 | Lost! 3:55 | 84 |
4 | 42 3:57 | 87 |
5 | Lovers In Japan / Reign of Love 6:50 | 88 |
6 | Yes 7:06 Includes hidden track "Chinese Sleep Chant" | 88 |
7 | Viva la Vida 4:01 | 96 |
8 | Violet Hill 3:42 | 93 |
9 | Strawberry Swing 4:09 | 88 |
10 | Death and All His Friends 6:18 Contains hidden track "The Escapist" | 89 |
#3 | / | Q Magazine |
#7 | / | Rolling Stone |
#9 | / | Spin |
#15 | / | Beats Per Minute |
#25 | / | The Guardian |
#31 | / | NME |
#50 | / | Consequence of Sound |
#58 | / | PopMatters |
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