#2: Coldplay - A Rush of Blood to the Head
This is the post I feel everyone (or maybe just a couple people) were waiting for. I mean, when you name your blog after a CD, you know that it has to be somewhere at the top.
As someone who considers Coldplay either my #1 or #2 favorite band, depending on when you ask, I feel A Rush of Blood to the Head is Coldplay's defining album. It shows off what Coldplay can do best - emotional ballads with piano backgrounds - but also shows that they can carry a CD from start to finish and even rock out a bit.
The beginning intro track "Politik" crashes you into the experience that you are about to partake in before the symphony of sound that Coldplay has been known for comes in with "In My Place."
From there, the album navigates through meaningful vocals and moving instrumentals. Some of my favorite songs from all music come from this cd: "Green Eyes," "The Scientist" and "Clocks."
However, I think what puts albums on this countdown is the personal experience I have with them. And personal stories is something I have plenty of with A Rush of Blood to the Head.
*"Amsterdam" - This song may be one of the most meaningful I have ever heard, and is one of those rare songs that is truly an experience when you hear it out, containing some of the most heartfelt lyrics I've ever heard come from Chris Martin "You can say what you mean / But it won’t change a thing / I’m sick of the secrets / Stood on the edge, tied to a noose / You came along and you cut me loose." I've heard rumors that Coldplay's next album will tell a story and if this song is any indication of what Coldplay can do with that method, music fans are in for a treat.
*"Green Eyes" - For a band that is considered "deep" (or whiny, depending on who you ask), this is one track where they are positive with a good vibe. Also, it was one of my favorite songs to sing along to when Martin performed it acoustic at the concert I attended.
*"Clocks" - If I ever get around to learning the piano, this is the track I will jam out to.
*"In My Place" & "Warning Sign" - Here is where I am going to be completely honest with anyone who reads these things. These are the only two songs in my musical history to make me shed tears by listening to them. Of course, I had to listen to them at the right time for it to hit me in the right way, but when they did they took a hold of me. Both times were from different break ups with the same girl, but both are still tracks that I hold close to my heart even today.
So for those who wanted this album to be #1, sorry for the disappointment. But hopefully you will still come back the day after Christmas to see who claimed the top spot. Until then, check out some of the songs I mentioned.
This is probably my favourite Coldplay album. It's pretty fantastic.
ReplyDeleteGreen Eyes has always been one of those little ditty's that warms my heart. It also feels someone personal, as I have green eyes...so maybe one day a boy will put this on a mixed tape for me (a girl can dream).
Anyways - I'm super curious about #1...I have a guess, but I feel like I might be wrong.
Happy Christmas Mr. O!
Not a disappointment at all. A lot of people criticize Coldplay or just write them off as being some whiny British band, so the fact they they are in your top 50 at all makes me extremely happy. :)
ReplyDeleteI have been listening to this album A LOT lately..."Amsterdam" in particular. Pretty sure it is close to being my favorite Coldplay song ever. I can't even explain what it means to me...it is just a very powerful and personal track. And "Green Eyes"...well, let's just say that I will definitely have it played at my wedding one day. :) "The Scientist" makes me cry sometimes depending on what mood I'm in, and I love the guitar in "God Put A Smile Upon Your Face."
"Politik" is a good one too-- sort of heavy for Coldplay. I remember reading on some forum a while ago about some guy who got a Coldplay tattoo that said "give me love over this" and I just thought that was awesome.
For a long time "Parachutes" was my favorite Coldplay album, but this one has been taking over the top spot within the past year or so. I love how an "old" album has the ability to do that, even when you listen to the SAME songs years later. Funny how they can develop different meanings to you over time..as you change and grow and experience new things in life.
Now it's time to end my longest comment ever.
Perfect choice, Mr. O. :)
Allison:
ReplyDeleteI hope you have that mix tape one day. Message me what you think my #1 is. Of course I won't give you the answer though haha
@Lisa:
I really really appreciate your longest comment ever. That should almost be a post in itself, just a suggestion.
I also forgot to mention that my one and only tattoo features piano tabs from a "In My Place."
I almost gave you a shoutout when I mentioned Amsterdam because I saw it on your blog one day. I love that song.
We've talked about my love for Coldplay and this album, for me, defined my love. I love Parachutes for a lot of different reasons but this album just confirmed the amount of talent. Anybody can have a good record... but to have multiple? It's hard and you just don't see band putting out solid records one after another front to back. With that.. "In My Place" is one of those songs that when I hear it I just stop what I'm doing and sing. I can't help it. It just describes my feelings at certain points in my life better than I ever could.
ReplyDeleteoddly enough, the song that my blog is titled for rarely gets played anymore, even though i still strongly feel the sentiment of the quoted line...i cant believe the countdown is almost over!!
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