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Viva La Vida | 
 enlarge | Artist: Coldplay
Label: Capitol
Category: Music
List Price: $18.98
Buy New: $7.39
You Save: $11.59 (61%)
New (46) Used (17) Collectible (1) from $6.97
Rating:  444 reviews
Sales Rank: 8
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 5.2 x 0.3
EAN: 5099921688607
ASIN: B000RPTQ1C
Release Date: June 17, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Tracks:
| • | Life In Technicolor | | • | Cemeteries Of London | | • | Lost! | | • | 42 | | • | Lovers In Japan/Reign Of Love | | • | Yes | | • | Viva La Vida | | • | Violet Hill | | • | Strawberry Swing | | • | Death And All His Friends |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
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 Espanol
Cuando Coldplay anuncio con bombo y platillo que su cuarto disco, bajo el ambicioso titulo de Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends, vendria acompanado de la produccion de Brian Eno, dos escenarios se convertian en posibilidad: o se trataba de su peor album o la obra maestra de su carrera. Afortunadamente, la produccion de Eno no lleva a la banda britanica a imitar a U2 por ningun 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 albumes 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 Sanchez (People en Espanol  )
Amazon.com
Coldplay Photos
Album Description
Coldplay release their fourth album "Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends" on Parlophone. The album comprises 10 brand new tracks, recorded in London, Barcelona and New York with producers Brian Eno and Markus Dravs. "Viva La Vida" follows the hugely successful album "X&Y", which has sold 10 million copies since its release in 2005.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 439 more reviews...
 Assuming We Knew Nothing of Coldplay... June 17, 2008
33 out of 34 found this review helpful
And assuming that we had no knowledge of any of Coldplay's previous 3 albums, and assuming that we had no idea of Coldplay's alleged greatness in today's music world. So without any comparison or benchmark, here's what I have to say.
"Life in Technicolor" is so aptly titled. An instrumental arrangement that gradually picks up in volume, texture and excitement, this album opener is so colourful it reminds you of a carnival. It gets your foot tapping and your head nodding. Some sources rumour that this song will be sung in words in Coldplay's next CD. The mood then glooms down when "Cemeteries of London" comes along. Sinister synthesizers flood the atmosphere and mysterious notes tinkle from the piano before the beats enter and the song erupts into a minor-key rock anthem. You'll find yourself singing "la la la la la" in no time. "Lost" bounds in, as track #3, with claps and a bouncy beat. Featuring some of the most intriguing lyrics (either deep or nonsensical will depend on you) - "just because I'm hurting, doesn't mean I'm hurt" and "just because I'm losing, doesn't mean I'm lost" - this song maintains the upbeat tempo throughout.
The mood becomes sombre once again at the beginning of "42". Apparently this is the favourite number of this band's lead singer. Anyway, by the time you finish pondering what makes 42, the number, so likeable, this song takes a sharp turn and rages forward, pounding drums screeching guitars and all. "42" finishes off back where it began - kinda like a fine day turning into a storm and becoming peaceful once again after the storm. Work of art. "Lovers in Japan/Reign of Love" is really 2 songs. "Lovers in Japan" sports a `happy' tune, with racing piano. If drums were replaced by a techno beat, it could easily pass off as the next hottest dance-pop tune in the vein of Dario G's "Sunchyme". "Reign of Love" is soothing, tranquil and relaxing. The vocals are gentle, cradled by softly played piano, all enveloped by warm synthesizers. Reminiscent of a walk in the garden in the evening.
"Yes/Chinese Sleep Chant" is once again 2 songs. "Yes" seems like it is sung by a different singer. Turns out it's not. Same singer, lower register. Interesting presentation. Dangerous sounding, minor-key tune. At the 1:33 mark, Arabic-flavoured strings add zest to the instrumental arrangement of the song. "Chinese Sleep Chant" could easily sit in the track listing of the soundtrack to "Lost in Translation". Guitar distortion and feedback, pounding drums, and a faded yet ethereal voice makes listening to this track a giddying sensation. You could be hypnotised.
"Viva La Vida". Remarkably intelligent songwriting. Encapsulates originality, creativity, artsiness and yet retains every element needed for commercialism. Chorus is catchy as ever. The bell and strings stick in your head - for a long, long time. "Roman cavalry choirs", "Jerusalem" and "St Peter" will pop up in your head a lot. Come minute mark 3:00, when the band erupts into "Oh oh oh oh oh", the song lift itself into the stratosphere, sweeping you along with it. "Violet Hill" comes next. A dark, brooding rock song, A piano-laced song, sprinkled with distorted electric guitar and a mean guitar solo - I'm inclined to call this rock song of the year. A little U2, a little Phil Collins, a little White Stripes - brilliant.
"Strawberry Swing" starts like a folk tune. The beats enter like tribal drums. Can you see yourself dancing around the fire? Catchy melody, immaculate instrumentation. "Death and All His Friends" is a piano-based song that starts with a gentle lullaby-ish chanting and builds up into a soaring and memorable crescendo, as the album bids you good-bye with a reprise of "Life in Technicolor", entitled "The Escapist". "Death and All His Friends" reminds you what a thrilling ride your musical senses have just been on. By the time this CD leaves you, you'd be eager to push play again.
"Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends" is a most enjoyable listening experience that keeps getting better each time. Don't judge it in comparison to the 3 previous Coldplay CDs. This one is completely different but just as, if not more, haunting.
Liam
18 June 2008
Assuming We Knew Nothing of Coldplay... June 17, 2008
10 out of 10 found this review helpful
And assuming that we had no knowledge of any of Coldplay's previous 3 albums, and assuming that we had no idea of Coldplay's alleged greatness in today's music world. So without any comparison or benchmark, here's what I have to say.
"Life in Technicolor" is so aptly titled. An instrumental arrangement that gradually picks up in volume, texture and excitement, this album opener is so colourful it reminds you of a carnival. It gets your foot tapping and your head nodding. Some sources rumour that this song will be sung in words in Coldplay's next CD. The mood then glooms down when "Cemeteries of London" comes along. Sinister synthesizers flood the atmosphere and mysterious notes tinkle from the piano before the beats enter and the song erupts into a minor-key rock anthem. You'll find yourself singing "la la la la la" in no time. "Lost" bounds in, as track #3, with claps and a bouncy beat. Featuring some of the most intriguing lyrics (either deep or nonsensical will depend on you) - "just because I'm hurting, doesn't mean I'm hurt" and "just because I'm losing, doesn't mean I'm lost" - this song maintains the upbeat tempo throughout.
The mood becomes sombre once again at the beginning of "42". Apparently this is the favourite number of this band's lead singer. Anyway, by the time you finish pondering what makes 42, the number, so likeable, this song takes a sharp turn and rages forward, pounding drums screeching guitars and all. "42" finishes off back where it began - kinda like a fine day turning into a storm and becoming peaceful once again after the storm. Work of art. "Lovers in Japan/Reign of Love" is really 2 songs. "Lovers in Japan" sports a `happy' tune, with racing piano. If drums were replaced by a techno beat, it could easily pass off as the next hottest dance-pop tune in the vein of Dario G's "Sunchyme". "Reign of Love" is soothing, tranquil and relaxing. The vocals are gentle, cradled by softly played piano, all enveloped by warm synthesizers. Reminiscent of a walk in the garden in the evening.
"Yes/Chinese Sleep Chant" is once again 2 songs. "Yes" seems like it is sung by a different singer. Turns out it's not. Same singer, lower register. Interesting presentation. Dangerous sounding, minor-key tune. At the 1:33 mark, Arabic-flavoured strings add zest to the instrumental arrangement of the song. "Chinese Sleep Chant" could easily sit in the track listing of the soundtrack to "Lost in Translation". Guitar distortion and feedback, pounding drums, and a faded yet ethereal voice makes listening to this track a giddying sensation. You could be hypnotised.
"Viva La Vida". Remarkably intelligent songwriting. Encapsulates originality, creativity, artsiness and yet retains every element needed for commercialism. Chorus is catchy as ever. The bell and strings stick in your head - for a long, long time. "Roman cavalry choirs", "Jerusalem" and "St Peter" will pop up in your head a lot. Come minute mark 3:00, when the band erupts into "Oh oh oh oh oh", the song lift itself into the stratosphere, sweeping you along with it. "Violet Hill" comes next. A dark, brooding rock song, A piano-laced song, sprinkled with distorted electric guitar and a mean guitar solo - I'm inclined to call this rock song of the year. A little U2, a little Phil Collins, a little White Stripes - brilliant.
"Strawberry Swing" starts like a folk tune. The beats enter like tribal drums. Can you see yourself dancing around the fire? Catchy melody, immaculate instrumentation. "Death and All His Friends" is a piano-based song that starts with a gentle lullaby-ish chanting and builds up into a soaring and memorable crescendo, as the album bids you good-bye with a reprise of "Life in Technicolor", entitled "The Escapist". "Death and All His Friends" reminds you what a thrilling ride your musical senses have just been on. By the time this CD leaves you, you'd be eager to push play again.
"Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends" is a most enjoyable listening experience that keeps getting better each time. Don't judge it in comparison to the 3 previous Coldplay CDs. This one is completely different but just as, if not more, haunting.
Liam
18 June 2008
Want cookie cutter predictability?? Go elsewhere..... June 26, 2008
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
For those of us who are avid Coldplay fans and thought (prior to this CD)that there was no way they could top X&Y, we were right. My opinion is that X&Y was their best work to date. My first listen through this album was "Wow...this is different". Nothing like the previous albums. I wasn't overwhelmed and I wasn't underwhelmed. By my 4th time through it I found that Coldplay had once again captured me with their music. It really made me appreciate their departure from previous works. Why is it that some people just want and expect predictability? Were the Beatles predictable over their career? Viva La Vida was just what I needed from Coldplay but I didn't know it. If you listen to this album on a nice stereo at a good volume four or five times and you're not hooked, then you can go back to listening to the canned Top 20 radio songs. This is a great composition of unique songs. Buy it and enjoy.
Viva la Coldplay! June 24, 2008
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
Fourth time around, Coldplay return with a CD produced by legendary Brian Eno. There had been rumours of what musical direction the band would head into; World music or even Hip Hop (especially with Chris Martin appearing on albums by Jay-Z and Kanye West) were touted. Well, a listen to the album will allay the fears of those who loved their old sound, as well as arm critics with more grist to work with.
Yes, there are smatterings of influences; the Indian sitar sounds on "Yes" (with an upbeat, rockier coda and Martin singing in an uncharacteristically lower register), or even the gentle piano ballad "42" (with the poignant opening lines "Those who are dead, are not dead, they're just living in my head" - deeply personal to me just now) which morphs into an upbeat skittery rocker, but this is still basically a Coldplay album.
And that's not necessarily a bad thing, especially for people like me who love their music. Opening is the sweeping ambient and chiming instrumental "Life in technicolor", followed by the lovely "Cemeteries of London" (chiming guitars and "la las"). The clap-filled "Lost" with church organs reminds me a wee bit of "Fix you".
The pulsing U2-like "Lovers in Japan" ends in a gentle piano coda, while the incredibly catchy violin filled "Viva la vida" (with allegorical lyrics about a king and his kingdom, life and death) has topped the US and UK charts despite it not having being released officially as a single yet in the UK.
Lead-off single "Violet hill" is a piano ballad with bursts of fuzzy guitars. "Strawberry swing" with choppy and chiming guitars, is followed by closing cut, the piano ballad "Death and all his friends" which shifts tempo into a progressive rocker, ending as a tinkling ballad.
So, at the end of it all, we still have the same old Coldplay with a few ambient and even oriental flourishes thrown in to shake things up a wee bit. I see their very wordy titled album making many end of year best album lists. Viva la Coldplay!
Immensely entertaining June 18, 2008
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
I can empathize with those giving this album a one or two star rating, and as well relate to the 5-star population. Though not all reviewers' are being completely objective IMO.
As an alternative-rock genre - this album probably gets 1/5 or 2/5 stars. Gone is the old Coldplay with albums containing non-mainstream material like "Sparks/We Never Change/Politik/Daylight/etc.." Their old material had less "pop" tunes, and while it wouldn't be considered "dark", it was "cooler" than their most recent efforts. These guys had enough brawns but never quite swayed into Radiohead territory. Chris Martin's vocals - you either loved it or hated it. This band, like many alt-rock bands, seemed like they didn't care if you liked them or not and probably drew as much criticism as praise. Their music appeared to be from their closet, their own, and without public influence. Looking back, it's no wonder the old songs seem so natural, organic, and free-flowing. Even Martin's vocals, Coldplay's trademark, appears less stressed/influenced (if you listen closely) and seems to exhibit an "I don't care what you all think of me" persona. Coldplay was cool even among say some "metal" or "goth" fans, because, well, because (even if only) at times - they just flat out rocked. Martin had said before that some fans of popular music may think they were too "alt" or "hard" and that certain hard rock fans may think of them as too soft. Coldplay fans loved them knowing they weren't for everyone, especially the mainstream popular population. They were considered an alt-rock band with some radio friendly tunes, and they managed to do this without swaying into "pop" territory; and this was cool with fans of rock and its variations to a certain degree.
Now, as a "pop" album, Viva La Vida gets 5/5 stars. No hype, I just can't deny my own truth. Simply, I don't own a more listenable album or recall an album more enjoyable all the way through, over and over again. It's just unadmittingly entertaining. The best U2 albums that I own, while containing many radio-friendly songs, can get repetitive and boring at times in my opinion. X&Y, Coldplay's first "pop-like" album IMO, while a great effort, became too methodical (and long) and ultimately difficult to listen to the album all the way through. With "Viva" a less (or no) methodical approach enables the listener to listen all the way through, repeat, and still have doubts on what type of "style" is being implemented. I really can't think of another album that have an entertaining effect on me quite like this one, thus the 5/5 rating. And the amazing thing is, there isn't even one standout song on the album. But yet I can't deny how entertained I am during the 40-50 minutes listening. See - isn't this the point? I too am disappointed in their direction into pop music, and I too (if given a choice) would rather have an album with their trademark sound. But I guess Coldplay is no longer that band, and if I want a "cooler" sound I'll be going with Radiohead. That doesn't mean I can't pad my popular music collection, does it? And I can say is in my pop collection, Viva La Vida produces maximum entertainment (10/10) for me regardless of genre or artist.
Btw, there are 13 tracks total, 3 hidden: Reign of Love, Chinese Sleep Chant, and The Escapist. (all excellent and not b-sides fyi)
I'll also add that besides Violet Hill and Viva La Vida, Lost! and Lovers in Japan (both of which have acoustic versions, piano and strings, respectively), will likely be their next two singles. I must say Lost!+Piano+Martin's vocals is quite captivating.
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