Coldplay - X And Y (CD 2005)

From the very start this ambum promises to be another Coldplay truimph. The layered synths, the meaningful vocals, a subtle drum riff, sweeping guitars and a driving baseline all help to set up the album in the first track, the suitably named "square one". "what if", the scientist of X&Y, offers us a brief respite, before the pacy "white shadows" kicks in. This leads into what is probably the best track of the entire album :"fix you". Starting with quiet organs, and Chris's tender falsetto, this materpeice seamlessly developes into a heart-wrenching ballad, with a simple yet effective guitar riff, and a quite frankly amazing drum beat. Then, just as suddenly as they began, the band drops out, leaving Chris doing what he does best: Solo voice and piano.
Next comes talk, which completely rewrites the Kraftwerx classic computer love. Using the guitar riff, coldplay manage to produce an extremely effective modern song. Once again, listen to the lyrics. They are perhaps the best part of this (and any) coldplay song.
The title track, X&Y, does not infact contain any mention to either X or Y. But i like it anyway! It is almost beatles-esque, from its drum part, to the strings fade out at the end.
The first single, Speed of sound, is, while not the best track, a very well put together song. Good lyrics and guitar riffs applenty.
Next comes the U2-like "A messages". While the opening could have jumped straight out of Parachutes, it soon turns into something that could have jumped straight out of How to dismantle an atomic bomb. This is perhaps the easiest song to understand: the coldplay favourite topic of unrequited love.
The next 3 tracks, Low, the hardest part, and swallowed in the sea, have been accused of being no more than filler material, and needlessly repetitive. This may be true (though I personally love these songs).However, track 12 puts an end to all these criticisms.
Twisted logic is like dont panic in topic, but much, much angrier and darker. Some have tipped this to be a sign of what Coldplays future albums will sound like. If it is, then im a very happy reveiwer indeed.
The "hidden" track, til kingdom come, was written for the late country hero, Johnny Cash. Coldplay put it on the album as a tribute, and it makes a very good finish to the album.
All in all, an exellent coldplay production!