Coldplay: Mylo Xyloto

Coldplay
Mylo Xyloto
Capitol Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Another radio friendly record that most certainly will get in your head.

Album Review:
Mylo Xyloto is Coldplay's fifth studio outing and like Viva La Vida [2008], it sets out to prove why this band is currently one of the biggest draws on all continents. The record takes a step back from the seriousness of Viva but still allows Coldplay to showcase their artistic focus, while keeping the ability to make rock radio hits.

There is nothing over the top or pretentious on Mylo, which is always something I think Coldplay gets unfairly blamed for. Instead, Coldplay have no shame in their success, they have no shame in the fact that they can write big stadium anthems like "Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall" and "Paradise", they have no shame that solid ballads like "U.F.O." and "Up In Flames" rank among their best and they certainly have no shame that they can create a catchy duet with Rihanna called "Princess Of China".

Mylo Xyloto sounds like a Coldplay that is enjoying themselves, as the record offers many new avenues for the band but still retains their signature sound. This cultivates an entertaining listen and even though Coldplay are never going to be that great indie band nobody has heard before, they are one of the biggest rock acts out there right now and Mylo Xyloto lives up to the "big time" hype.

Key Tracks:
"U.F.O.", "Don't Let It Break Your Heart", "Paradise"

Bands With Similar Fire:
U2
R.E.M.
Snow Patrol

Coldplay: Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall EP [Fire Note Review 6/30/11]
Coldplay: LeftRightLeftRightLeft [Fire Note Review 5/18/09]
Coldplay: Prospekt's March [EP] [Fire Note Review 12/3/08]
Coldplay: Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends [Fire Note Review 6/18/08]

Coldplay Website
Coldplay Facebook
Parlophone Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony