Music : Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends (Gatefold Digipack)

Rating: - it will grow and grow
I bought this and put it in the car before a driving holiday so listened to it many times through over a couple of weeks. My first reaction was disappointment except for the two singles and then as time passed, I found myself loving the whole album more and more. It needs to be played loud and it needs to be played several times to get the full appreciation.
I still stand by my view that Chris Martin isn't a brilliant singer but the skill is making the best of what you've got and he certainly milks every drop from the (limited) talent he has (and fair play to him for that!) Some parts of the album sound a little like things we have heard from others - some is really U2 but what shines through is the contribution at beginning and end from Jon Hopkins - stunning
All round, one to buy
One final thing - the packaging is pathetic - it'll be dog-eared and ruined in no time

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Rating: - Just Listen to it.
I give my age away by declaring that the first records I bought were by the Beatles, Stones, Who, Kinks etc. I worked my way through the Golden Age of Genesis, Yes, Floyd, Zeppelin and onto U2,REM etc. In the past, people seemed to accept quality music for what it was and if millions of people bought and listened to it, it usually meant that it was very good and not that a band had sold their creative and commercial soul to the Devil.
I find it refreshing that there are a number of exeptional bands around at the moment producing tremendous music accessible to all age ranges. What is such a shame is the 'tall poppy syndrome' that seems to prevail nowadays, resulting in pseudo intellectuals pouring scorn on any band that dares to become popular and to be enjoyed by lots of people.
I have enjoyed Coldplay since I first heard Yellow. I agree with most reviews that the first two albums were excellent with X&Y rather following safe ground although still being a good listen. However, I think this new album is absolutely stunning from first note to last and a distinct change from the previous albums. It takes me back to the great bands of the 70s when an album was an 'album' needing to be listened to in its entirety and not simply a collection of tracks cobbled together. It is one of the best albums I have heard for a very long time (yes, I have the very good 'Seldom Seen Kid', but Elbow are intellectually acceptable because they are not so popular!!)
If you get a chance, listen to it without any preconceived ideas and make your own mind up and ignore the critics and knockers.

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Rating: - Long may it be favoured
Personally this CD uplifts me, and soothes my soul, as coldplay often does. It is an acorn to oak CD and there is not one song I dislike. My top 5 are:
1, Lovers in Japan
2, Strawberry swing
3, Death and all...
4, yes (sleep chant)
5, Lost!

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Rating: - WHY AM I NOT SURE?
Hey, I love Coldplay, but why can I not get into this album. X & Y was one of my favourite albums ever, but this leaves me feeling disappointed. Don't bow to media pressure they have been brilliant to date but suddenly an unnecessary change in direction. The media will not destroy a great band, disappointing or average albums will!!

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Rating: - Bland but two great singles
A hard album to review. I am aware that the media are currently "Coldplay Bashing" but this is just the traditional British reaction to success.
On a personal basis I have always found Coldplay enjoyable listening but never actually bought any of their previous albums - so if you like - I am an occasional listener but not a passionate fan.
Having said that I loved Violet Hill when it came out as a single - reminded me of Genesis. Then out came the second single Viva La Vida and I really liked that one too - so I bought the album. I always listen to an album a number of times before I have an opinion as some just grow on you but I have to say that, while pleasant the majority of this album just did not hook me in like the two tracks selected for singles. I was looking for songs with the hook of the two tracks mentioned above, but I am afraid nothing jumped out.
So, apologies to fans, but two great singles were insufficient to lift the album above a 3 star effort.