4 out of 5 stars
Coldplay is a band known for serenades that drift like a leaf down stream. Although the band’s second release continues the quiet, melodic melancholy, “A Rush of Blood to the Head” steps outside the demure cloud that suits it so well, growing more stirring and potent.
The album comprises the band members’ personal beliefs as well as experiences to which the listener may relate.
One instance of this is track three, “God Put A Smile Upon Your Face,” an upbeat and brooding groove tries to resolve an issue one-sidedly.
“where do we go to draw the line I’ve gotta say, I wasted all your time, oh honey honey where do I go to fall from grace god put a smile upon your face, aww yeah”
Track eleven, “Amsterdam,” a nod to Elton John’s earlier work, questions the ability of someone who is struggling to realize his potential.
“Come here, oh my star is fading And I swerve out of control And I swear I waited and waited I’ve got to get out of this hole.”
Coldplay attempts to address those parts of human nature that are detrimental to the growth of the individual.
“A lot of it is meant to be about drive and confidence in the face of worry and insecurity,” said Chris Martin, lead singer.
Musically, Coldplay does not fail in its intention to deliver the best of what it has to offer.
Track two, “In My Place,” is a beautiful piece structured in multiple tiers. The cascading rhythms bask in its revolution, both in orbit and in transition, musically and lyrically. Guitars and vocals pour out effortlessly over concrete drums.
The fourth track, “The Scientist,” is a haunting song that drifts over the regret of a lost love.
The crooning vocals emphasize the sense of longing for what once was and the desire to have once again.
Its pulse sweeps along the piano framed opening until it is joined by an acoustic guitar and evolves into a blooming opus.
Other songs, such as the folk influenced “Green Eyes,” and the title track “A Rush of Blood to the Head,” stray away from the lyrical epic of the album and keep the album from becoming remotely tiring.
Coldplay has shown that the musical whole is definitely greater than the sum of its parts.
The band works as a unit, seamlessly pulling from several directions and crafting a fresh, highly enjoyable composition.
