Coldplay’s fifth studio album “Mylo Xyloto” was officially released on Oct. 24, and in their traditional style, the album continues to refine the band’s genre and sound.
The album’s main focus lie in the acoustics, and less on the lyrical story-telling present in their previous albums, most notably in “Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends.”
By creating exotic melodies that mix elements of rock and electronic pop and using carefree and simple lyrics, “Mylo Xyloto” is arguably Coldplay’s best-sounding album, adding meaning to the genre of feel-good rock.
However, the feat comes at the cost of lyrical complexity, which is a welcome change for some but may cause disappointment for long-time Coldplay fans.
“Mylo Xyloto” is a concept album which tells the love story of two characters living in a dystopian society, said Chris Martin in an interview with the New York Times.
“Hurts like Heaven” offers a first glimpse at this world, and the song is an instantly recognizable Coldplay hit, with Martin offering many “oohs” throughout the song.
With its soaring guitar riffs and a catchy chorus “You used your heart as a weapon/And it hurts like heaven”, the song is an early favorite.
“Paradise” offers many of the same elements, with a grand introduction, gentle lyrics and another soaring refrain by Martin.
But “Charlie Brown” is what defines the album. The song offers another happy melody, with lyrics that deal with breaking free (“Let us run wild/We’ll be glowing in the dark”).
Its message as well its musical style is fantastically done, and is among the most unique songs Coldplay has ever produced.
“Us Against the World” is the first slow song of the album. Driven by a soft guitar, the tune is reminiscent of “Don’t Panic” because of its figurative lines and Martin’s soothing voice.
“M.M.I.X” is a melody that leads into the following song “Every Teardrop is a Waterfall.”
The metaphorical title may come off as corny to some, but the lyrics allow us to see a different side of Martin while building on the feel-good style present in earlier songs.
The hard guitar and voice drive “Major Minus,” created another catchy chorus (“Got one eye on the road and one on you”), while “Princess of China” features R&B elements specifically designed for Rihanna’s voice, Martin said in an interview with the The Sun, a British magazine.
The chemistry between Martin and Rihanna works well, and the electronic guitar and Asian-influenced melody makes the song among the best of the album.
Overall, the album sounds like a unified whole. By mixing familiar elements of previous albums and driving the album with its sound rather than lyrics, Coldplay creates a powerful record that sounds and feels happier than any of its predecessors.