|
X&Y 
EVOLUTION. By Robee Christopher Obong
When they released their sophomore album, very few expected the change in their sound. But its success apparently was greater than their first full-length CD, �Parachutes�. On their third offer, it isn�t any different. Coldplay�s quick growth is seen right in front of everyone�s eyes. It�s an evolution more shocking than most bands in the same path. Although it comes close to the turning of Radiohead with �OK Computer� or The Beatles with �Revolver�, considering its release just 3 years after �Rush Of Blood�, it�s an abrupt and brave move by the band. There is almost no point in comparing �Parachutes� to �Rush Of Blood�. And the same is true with �Rush Of Blood� and �X&Y�. To most fans, �X&Y� would come off as the heaviest, loudest, and most rocking album Coldplay has ever made so far. It�s not easily likeable especially to those who were hooked to �Yellow� or �In My Place�. Indeed, the band doesn�t stick to one formula once they have already used it. Instead, they gather more influences (U2 and New Order being the most evident) and even dare to invent more. The result is a disc that, at first, seems like a stranger who knocks at your door � but after spending more time with him, you come to realize he�s an old friend that you haven�t seen for a very long time. Sure he�s changed, but you still love him and you find his new traits to be quite good � even better in a lot of ways.
�X&Y� shows more complex drumming from Will Champion, upfront bass from Guy Berryman, plus synths all over. The opener �Square One� sets the tone of the album. Chris Martin sings, �You�re in control. Is there anywhere you wanna go? �It doesn�t matter who you are.� Jonny Buckland�s guitar riffs are infectious, spreading like flowers in this garden of songs. Among the tracks, �White Shadows�, �Talk�, and �Low� stand out, giving a new face to Coldplay. There are fewer love songs here, even fewer pop songs. Martin is constantly improving his words. This time he goes introspective, asking questions about life, doubting, being a frail human as he always was from the beginning. On �White Shadows�, he touches the soul and reminds us that �we�re part of the human race � all of the stars in the outer space.� And we are. As our planet evolves, man and music grows. Like Coldplay � a band walking on the road of musical greatness.
|