Amazon.com Things have gone ridiculously well for Coldplay since 2002's A Rush of Blood to the Head. The group's global album sales have soared past the 10-million mark, putting it in the same stratosphere as megabands U2 and the Dave Matthews Band. People have offered up their bank accounts, cars, and even bodies for tickets to its shows. And, in a interesting twist, frontman Chris Martin married Gwyneth Paltrow and set the tabloid world aflame. Funny thing, then, that the British quartet's much-anticipated third album, X&Y, is all about staying grounded. In the powerful opener, "Square One," the singer insists people are fundamentally the same no matter what their stature: "You just want... Somebody listening to what you say," he sings. On "Fix You," Martin grapples with imperfection and missed opportunity: "When you love someone but it goes to waste... Could it be worse?" Meanwhile, the vibrant single, "Speed of Sound," is all about reconnecting with the spirit and soul in the face of the paparazzi's flashbulbs. Musically, the band has never sounded more adventurous, referencing everyone from Kraftwerk ("Talk") to the Pogues ("Swallowed in the Sea"), all the while sweeping aside those Radiohead-lite comparisons to embrace a massive, moving sound that makes simplicity seem sublime. --Aidin Vaziri Product Description Coldplay's massively anticipated new album, X&Y, is the follow-up to 2002's 16-million selling 'A Rush of Blood To The Head' and includes the single 'Speed of Sound'. X&Y was recorded at studios in the UK and has been produced by Danton Supple (Morrissey, Elbow), Ken Nelson (Badly Drawn Boy, Kings of Convenience) and the band themselves. US pressing features the hidden bonus track, 'Til Kingdom Come' which is available on all other pressings. EMI. 2005. Review By ratcheting up their guitars and still singing about everyday themes, Coldplay are recasting their nerdy-student Britpop as Important Rock Music without sacrificing the homespun vibe that allowed Martin's fans to believe that he wrote a song for each one of them and called it "Yellow." [Jun 2005, p.99] -- SPIN Some may call it repetitious, but with songs so beautifully crafted, everyone should agree that X&Y equals A. -- E! Online This is not easy listening; on the contrary, it requires a real commitment from the listener. But it's a commitment that'll be amply rewarded. -- Paste Magazine Unusually accomplished, fresh, and emotional. -- Village Voice [Coldplay] have made their masterpiece. [Jun 2005, p.112] -- BlenderASIN: B0006L16N8VSKU: GGV.B0006L16N8.LNCondition: Like NewAuthor/Artist:ColdplayBinding: Audio CD
