Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends

 Well, here it is finally. The review I've been putting off for no good reason except that I dread writing. The purpose of this blog is to get over that. So, here we go: 

  I bought this CD at Best Buy in Homestead, PA the day of its US release (June 17th, 2008). I was in the middle of a typical work day that involved lots of time in the car. Before putting the CD in, I took a look at the cover. I was a little surprised. Not only because of the bare chest on Delacroix's Liberty Leading the Troops, but because of the French Revolution theme. What are we revolting against? (I still haven't figured it out). I was most interested in hearing what the disc contained. 

  The CD opens up with a very electronic, ethereal sample from a Jon Hopkins (co-producer of the album) song. I can just imagine the song happening in the studio. The sample leads into a perfect lead guitar riff. Is that even a guitar? It doesn't sound like any guitar I've heard. After a couple repetitions of the riff, the acoustic guitar comes in and the song builds from there as drums, bass, additional guitars, keyboards, and finally some vocals enter one by one. My heart beat faster as the song played. Involuntarily, my fingers found the volume knob and turned it hard to the right. I reached for the CD case to find out the title, as the song had no lyrics. I had experienced Life in Technicolor, and was now somewhat prepared for the rest of the CD. 

  I had been so impressed by Coldplay's previous release X&Y and wondered how they could make their music any better. I had faith that it would be, I just couldn't figure out how. Well, I wasn't disappointed. Viva La Vida has innovative instrumentation, piano and guitar playing styles, harmonic textures, and even a new vocal style from lead singer Chris Martin (specifically on track 6, Yes). These components are all put together in the amazing way that Coldplay seems to be so capable of. The group's musical influences are less obvious to me on this album as they have been in the past. In short, it doesn't sound like anything I've heard before, but is sure to be imitated by groups in the future. 

  My words aren't sufficient to do the album justice (I'm working on that). Go listen to it yourself. My favorite tracks are Lost!, Lovers in Japan/Reign of Love, and Death and All His Friends.