Disco de Coldplay: “Parachutes”

In "Parachutes" Coldplay has produced an album that is both simple and elegant at the same time. The guitars are stripped down, and largely acoustic. When electric guitars are used, they act as a nice counterpoint to Chris Martin's superb vocals. At the same time there is heavy used of keyboards, and the drums and bass actually act as a rhythm section instead of acting as rock and roll heavy artillery. The lyrics are as straightforward as the music, without being any less sophisticated for it. Martin sings of timeless themes like love, alienation and hope, but never seems trite or derivative. The end result is an album by a band that clearly recognizes that passion and talent are what make a band, not gimmicks and grinding guitars and morose wailing.

On a song-by-song basis, it would be almost impossible for me to pick a favorite song, for two reasons. First, every one of them is good, which is almost shocking in today's music market. Nonetheless, there is not a single song that I skip past, and more than that, there's not a single song that is noticeably sub-par when compared to the others. Secondly, Coldplay has actually produced an "album" as opposed to a collection of songs, another rarity today. Each song carries through common musical and thematic elements such that each one becomes something akin to a movement within a symphony.

That said, the songs are by no means redundant, and as such warrant some mention as individual entities. First off is "Don't Panic", a plainly stated case for hope in a difficult world, the chorus "We live in a beautiful world..." pretty much sums up this track. With great drum and keyboard work, "Don't Panic" sets the tone for the album.

Next up is "Shiver" a refreshing song about devotion in the face of unrequited love. I say refreshing because in a world of throwaway relationships, Martin actually places some hope in blind love. This is one of the prettiest songs on an album that has a lot of them (I know "pretty" is an odd description of a rock song, but you'll just have to trust me), and the heavy use of electric guitars is effective and fits in with the rest of the album.

Third is "Spies", which if I had to choose is probably my favorite song on the album. As Martin sings about paranoia, the discomfiture we all feel in our own skin sometimes, the song takes on a spooky, befuddled vibe that is difficult to describe but fascinating to listen to.

"Sparks" is another beautiful, mellow song about devotion and love within a relationship. It serves as a nice counterpoint to the well known "Yellow" (which received heavy radio rotation), in that its contemplative thoughtful love serves as a counterpoint to the overpowering infatuation considered in "Yellow".

Next up is "Trouble" which sets the stage with a beautiful piano melody. It also contains some of the most interesting lyrics as Martin sings of regret, and the desire and effort to overcome the mistakes of the past. Part apology and part introspection, this is a great track.

The seventh track is the eponymous "Parachutes", which despite only being forty-six seconds long is one of the prettiest love songs you're likely to hear in rock and roll today. It is followed up by "High Speed", which contains the most unusual arrangements on the album. Again, the tone is set by the first lyric "Can anybody fly this thing..." and the song goes on to consider what it takes to live in our complicated world.

The final two tracks perfectly bookend the album. "We Never Change" is Martin expressing his desire to live a simple, decent life that focuses on what's really important rather than the trappings and complications of modern life. And finally, "Everything's Not Lost" is another pleafor hope in a difficult world that perfectly captures what Coldplay is all about.

In the end this is truly and exemplary album. From start to finish it maintains a consistent musical vision that is a joy to listen to. Each track is a puzzle piece that fits into something larger than the sum of those pieces, but at the same time, each piece can be appreciated individually. Ultimately, this is the rare album that transcends categorization and is approachable by anyone who appreciates great music.

Jake Mohlman

There is some similarity between Coldplay and Radiohead, but this does not prevent the band from making its own unique contribution to modern rock music. The track 'Shiver' is a poignant look at unrequited love that isn't warmed over, melodramatic, or contrite, a tremendous feat in and of itself. It's understated and that's where its power lies. I heard 'Yellow' on the radio and was instantly drawn to its unusual and memorable sound. 'Yellow' may be the most original love ballad I've ever heard. It is what initially compelled me to buy this CD, and it was most certainly worth it. 'Trouble' is another fantastic cut. The CD is full of gems. It alternates between rough and edgy and soft and subdued, sometimes all in the same song. The entire CD just *works.* Every track can stand alone, but the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, thanks to a common feeling of quiet, thoughtful reflection that flows from beginning to end.

Coldplay has established for itself a distinctive feel. This band should have a huge impact on the modern rock scene and I can't wait to hear more from them. My only regret is that the CD isn't longer, ten tracks wasn't enough, though I understand the Import has two additional cuts.

If there's one band to keep your eye on, it is Coldplay. Their 10-track debut has me craving for more. These guys are good! The sound of the album is incredible. It's like the music is soaring yet on the ground at the same time. Nevermind, that sounds stupid. Well, listen to the album. Hopefully you'll have an idea of what I mean.

Chris Martin's voice is unique. It's not Dave Matthews. It's not David Gray. It's not Thom Yorke. It reminds you of all 3 at different points but it's unique in it's own right. The lyrics are infectious. At times you'll swear the guitar riffs were stolen from Radiohead's "The Bends" or "OK Computer". Whether they were or not, they are very good.

"Yellow", being the big hit off the album, is an obvious standout. Other personal favorites are "Don't Panic", "Spies", and "Trouble". Starting with "Parachutes", the end of the album is notably slower and less "radio-friendly". Still excellent songs though. There is one glaring weak track: "Sparks". It sounds like the band got really bored one day and made that tenth track to fill out the album. Perhaps being sandwiched between the marvelous "Spies" and "Yellow" hurts it even more. In any case, with that one exception, the music on this CD is refreshingly well done and deserves to be bought by any music lover.

Also, I could've gone for a couple more tracks of this caliber. So, only 10 tracks + 1 disappointing track = 4 stars. There you have it. Superior work Coldplay!

Coldplay conquered their UK home territory when "Parachutes" was released there in July 2000. The album "officially" arrived in the US in November, and is finally making some headway due to the exposure of the hard-rocking singalong track "Yellow". Coldplay's "Paracchutes" is the logical extension of Travis' "The Man Who" of a year ago, and is equally compelling, mixing hard to resist melodies (at times rocking hard, at times very intimate) with touching lyrics about love, regret, hope, life.

"Don't Panic" is a stunning album opener, with the immortal line, and pseudo-motto for the band, "We Live in a Beautiful World". (An earlier version of this song can be found on the "Blue Room EP, without that guitar riff during the "Beautiful World" chorus.)

"Shiver", in the UK the first single from the album, starts off with a great riff and then showcases an interplay between vocals and guitar. One of the "harder" songs on the album.

"Spies" starts off with the electric guitar whaling away, to give room to the quiet vocals of Chris Martin, with the rest of the ban then joining in. One of the better songs on the album. (It also is the opening song on their current US tour: with the stage still dark, opening music of Ennio Morricone, yes he of the "spagetti westerns", eventually giving way to the band coming on stage and starting "Spies". If you have a chance to catch them live, don't hesitate! Go! Run!)

"Sparks" is a quiet song, with Chris leading on accoustic guitar and leading to a haunting chorus. It reminded me of Fiona Apple's most "desparate quiet" songs.

"Yellow" is the track that put the band on the US map, and while of course not bad, I find it to be one of the less compelling songs on the album. But a good "singalong" rocker, for sure.

"Trouble" is another piano-led, softer song. Then comes the title track "Parachutes", lasting all of 41 seconds, with Chris on accoustic guitar. After that, the album loses direction for a while, till we get to the closing track "Everything's Not Lost", which is a fitting finale as it nearly sums up what Coldplay is all about: strong melody, touching lyrics, emotions all around.

"Parachutes" is the best album of the year, so far... I know it is technically a Year 2000 album, but oh well... (Incidentally, the album's music samples which you can click on at the top of the page, are pretty good and representative of the album.)

Coldplay are huge in England and look to be cracking the American market now. Their gentle swooping guitars, infectious basslines and lightly resounding drums come together to create a sound experience quite like no other.

Other bands in England of their genre, Brit-Indie, include Radiohead (exclduing thier most recent album), Doves etc, but Coldplay have become current favorites in the UK.

Although the albums is not too varied, there are many wonderful songs, perfectly complemented by the voice of Chris Martin. Yellow is a complete classic with a beautiful melody; Shiver is more of a rocker but still has the same touchingly precarious sound. Coldplay do use some heavier guitars in their songs: the opening riffs in both Yellow and Shiver are pleasingly low-fi.

Other songs are great driving music (Sparks) Soaring beauty (Don't Panic) Painstaking Melodies (Trouble), Excellent falsetto (Spies) and acoustic gems (We Never Change).

Definately worth buying.