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To say there has been a lot of anticipation for Coldplay’s fourth album, Viva La Vida, is an understatement. Having enlisted legendary leftfield producer Brian Eno, borrowed their album title from a painting by renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and made tantalising remarks about sonic reinvention, the world has been curious (to say the least) to hear what the ‘new’ Coldplay might sound like. Viva La Vida definitely makes some departures from the band’s usual formula, which happens to be one of the most commercially successful rock-pop blueprints of recent years. The plangent chords, emotive melodies, stadium-rock rhythms and universal lyrical concerns remain, but Martin and co. have gone out on several limbs here, incorporating instrumental tracks ("Life In Technicolour"), using subtle North African and Latin elements ("Yes", "Strawberry Swing"), and overhauling previously strict verse-chorus-verse structures in favour of slightly more avant arrangements. The old Coldplay still shine through (see tracks like "Violet Hill" and the title song) but even their classic sound feels more muscular and confident. The band’s new flourishes, cosmetic and self-conscious as they may be, are enough to make Viva La Vida a welcome break from the old routine --Danny McKenna

People en Español
Cuando Coldplay anunció con bombo y platillo que su cuarto disco, bajo el ambicioso título de Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends, vendría acompañado de la producción de Brian Eno, dos escenarios se convertían en posibilidad: o se trataba de su peor álbum o la obra maestra de su carrera. Afortunadamente, la producción de Eno no lleva a la banda británica a imitar a U2 por ningún momento, y en cambio, el grupo liderado por Chris Martin presenta el mejor disco en su trayectoria, ofreciendo un sonido distinto, en el que por fin se alejan del pianito hartante de sus primeros tres álbumes y suenan como lo que siempre prometieron ser: una de las mejores bandas del mundo. "Life In Technicolor," "Viva la Vida," y sobre todo el tema "Lost!," representan a Coldplay en su momento cumbre. --Ernesto Sánchez (People en Español )

Customer Rating:
Summary: I didn't like it to begin with.....
Comment: This is a departure from the initial three albums from Coldplay, and the songs often sounded disjointed and strange compared to those on Parachutes, X&Y and a Rush of Blood to the head. Those albums are so great that the first time I played Viva is just didn't do it for me and I found myself longing for the album of old.

It took a while but it has grown on me, I am still not entirely sold however when I saw Coldplay in Kansas City I was belting out the songs with gusto. Maybe its the nostalgia from a great show but Viva has got its hooks in.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Gets Better with Each Listening
Comment: I have to agree with several other reviewers of this album. I bought the CD last week mainly for "Viva La Vida," which I think is one of the best songs Coldplay has ever done. The first time around, I listened straight through, and didn't really care for many of the other songs. However, after listening to it again yesterday, I'm totally hooked. I'm not sure what did it, but I can't get enough of this album. It's not "A Rush of Blood to the Head," but then again, I don't think Coldplay will ever have another album like that one. Be sure to give this one another chance if you didn't like it at first.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Coldplay's best!
Comment: It is very rare when I buy an album that I like EVERY song, but that is the case with Coldplay's newest album. This is their best, ever!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Another disappointing album...
Comment: I will never buy another Coldplay album without hearing it first. This is the best example of a "DBB" (download it before buying it) album. I can understand how a band should evolve and not repeat themselves. From The Beatles to Depeche Mode we have seen bands changing their style album after album but STILL each album is great. Tough I didn't expect another A Rush of Blood album I sure expected great melodies or complex arrangements. None of this is found here. Sure, "VIVA LA VIDA" is one of the greatest songs of this years and one of Coldplay's best, but do we have to go all through an album of dull "songs" just to have one or at the most 2 great songs?? I can't believe this is the same Brian Eno that produced such gems with Bowie and Talking Heads. I guess a producer can't do much when the artist lacks completes inspiration. What a waste.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Awesome Album!
Comment: What can you say about Coldplay other than they continue to produce awesome music. Each album seems to surpass the previous one no matter how good it was! The thing I think sets Coldplay apart from other bands today
is their willingness to to take chances;like I mentioned in my last review on Arrica Rose in La La Lost, it is that taking of risks that takes us a fun-packed adventure each time Coldplay releases an album. This album will go down as one of my top ten favorites.

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