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Viva La Vida |  | Artist: Coldplay
Label: Capitol
Category: Music
List Price: $18.98
Buy New: $6.90
as of 7/29/2010 03:20 PDT details
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Seller: sterlingcds
Rating:  506 reviews
Sales Rank: 211
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 5.1 x 0.2
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 Español
Cuando Coldplay anunció con bombo y platillo que su cuarto disco, bajo el ambicioso título de Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends, vendría acompañado de la producción de Brian Eno, dos escenarios se convertían en posibilidad: o se trataba de su peor álbum o la obra maestra de su carrera. Afortunadamente, la producción de Eno no lleva a la banda británica a imitar a U2 por ningún 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 álbumes 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 Sánchez (People en Español  )
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:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 506
 Assuming We Knew Nothing of Coldplay... June 17, 2008
Liam F. (Melbourne, VIC Australia)
55 out of 61 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
Liam F. (Melbourne, VIC Australia)
19 out of 20 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
I simply don't understand... June 18, 2008
M. SEBOURN (Searcy, Arkansas)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
Why so many negative reviews for an album that is solid all the way through?
In some ways this is classic Coldplay, in some ways it's something totally different. It's mainstream, but it's intelligent, and it's obvious that the band put forth their best effort with it.
A classic case of fans having a preconceived mindset of what a band's album should be before it's released.
Want cookie cutter predictability?? Go elsewhere..... June 26, 2008
L. Stacy
7 out of 7 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.
Absolutely GORGEOUS and MASTERFUL music! June 25, 2008
CQ DX (Ohio, USA)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
'Coldplay' are unquestionably at their most creative peak right now. Just like other great 'progressive' bands they draw some influences from (The Church, Rush, XTC, Radiohead), they have retained elements of their recognizable signature sound of previous 'albums', yet have managed to expand their musical forays in a slightly different direction later in their career. There is a good mix of uptempo, and slower, more introspective and ethereal music on 'VLV'. Brian Eno's 'footprint' is clearly evident here, and that is a good thing. There is much texture and layers here without the whole thing sounding 'overproduced' or pretentious. Frankly, this is a MASTERPIECE, and unlike ANYTHING i've heard since first listening to all kinds of music way back in the 70's while in high school. Sonically, the CD sounds excellent as well, with much less 'compression' and good dynamic range. Play it on a good set of cans (headphones) or thru a high quality sound system, and you'll be amazed (MP3's/iPODs are convenient, but pale in sound quality compared to a good CD or LP record)!
Showing reviews 1-5 of 506
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