Following a similar pop-inspired style that we saw with Viva la Vida, Coldplay introduced their fifth album, Mylo Xyloto. For me, the album as a whole is a fitting sequel to Viva la Vida, following a similar structure, including a short instrumental to start, mirroring Life in Technicolor.
After the immense success of the previous album (reaching number one in 36 different countries) why not stay on along similar lines? Coldplay’s success is evident, topping the charts in 17 different countries.
Even if you don’t listen to the whole album, listening to a certain few tracks is a must. One of which is Paradise, reaching number one in six different countries after being released as a single on the September 12 2011. Other notable listens would include Every Teardrop is a Waterfall, Charlie Brown and Hurts Like Heaven.
Many of the songs featured in the album continue Viva la Vida’s use of orchestral sounds, most prominently the violin. But the most striking element of the album is the pop influence that runs through a large majority of the songs, climaxing with Princess of China, a duet with Rihanna.
While Viva la Vida marked a stark contrast in Coldplay’s style, Mylo Xyloto manages to continue this style with ease and prowess, whilst at the same time including hints of the old Coldplay, in songs like Us Against the World, that we have known and loved throughout their remarkable career.
The theme of war and rebellion seems to run through most songs in the album, with lyrics such as “we’ll run riot” as seen in Charlie Brown. The album was inspired by old-school American graffiti and the anti-Nazi pacifist White Rose Movement.
Chris Martin recently told The Sun that the album name has no significant meaning, but “We've had that title for about two years on a board and any other potential titles had to be written next to it.” He later went on to tell two American publications that the title came from the ‘randomness of the universe’ and means ‘musical toes’ leaving the most asked question in music in 2011 a mystery…
Overall, I can safely say that Coldplay have done it yet again, even with four successful albums under their belt, they have still managed to produce a first-class fifth. Chris Martin has been quoted saying, “We have Justin Bieber and Adele to compete with and they're much younger than us. We have to have the energy to put as much effort into our work as they do.”
Hopefully implying that Coldplay have more albums to come? I’m already on the edge of my seat waiting for the next big hit from Coldplay.
