I recently decided that Chris Martin writes songs with more depth and meaning than almost anyone else in the world, so I've decided that I will periodically go through and rate every song based on the following criteria:

1.) Originality

2.) Musicality

3.) Meaning

 

Each criteria will receive a maximum of five points, a perfect score is a fifteen out of fifteen, I started from song one of album one which was Don't Panic from Parachutes, and am up to song two of Album one which is "Shiver"

 

 

Shiver

 

Originality: 5/5

This is a true Coldplay song, it has everything that we have come to expect from Chris Martin. Similar to "Don't Panic", this song repeats similar stanzas throughout, as do most songs from "Parachutes". This song earned it's perfect score for originality as it presents us with a clear cut visual of the rejection Chris felt from whomever inspired him to write this. The rhythm and varying intensity of the song also helps to set this song apart from other main stream "Love Songs".

 

Musicality: 5/5

Musically this song is perfect. Johnny Buckland opens with a nice little intro on the guitar before almost immediately breaking into an up beat solo and bringing it back down for Chris' Vocals which really sets the tone for the rest of the song. Guy Berryman lays down a nice mellow Bass line which doesn't over power Chris, Johnny or Will and adds to background to help complete the song. Will uses his symbols in very good unison with Johnny's varrying riffs on the Guitar throughout the song adding a nice dramatic effect, and Chris Martins' vocals in this song are perfect. His falsetto is about as good as it gets, Chris uses it perfectly when he sings the main line of the song "Don't you Shiver", elevating the note and then slurring it back down to add a uniqueness and remembrance to the song. The lyrics as a whole are excellently written and do well getting the main idea of this song across. The best part of the song is when Chris intensifies his falsetto for the penultimate stanza creating a feeling of urgency and then brings it all the way back down for the ending stanza to leave you in a sense of peace.

 

Meaning: 5/5

A song's meaning tends to vary between individuals, but "Shiver" manages to present rejection in the most beautiful and poetic way possible to almost anyone. At times in this song Chris is seemingly pleading; "Did you want me to change? Well I changed for good...". The fact that all throughout the song Chris mentions his rejection yet orders someone "Don't you Shiver" just shows that Chris wrote this song with the intent of showing someone his true colors.

 

Overall: 15/15

 

A perfect score with just the second song on the first album, I tried my hardest to find a fault with this song but failed to do so. It is musically invigorating and mentally stimulating, a crowd favorite and a timeless work. Chris Martin shows everyone a flash of his brilliance and future to come with "Shiver", and unlike a lot of artists who fail to build on success, Chris not only replicates this level of song, but he actually surpasses it with others.

 

Please feel free to rate this song yourself and to give me feedback (Negative or Positive) on my analysis, I feel this is a good way to learn more about who Chris is as a person, because if you listen close enough, he pours himself out in some of his songs.

I agree, it's very hard to find a flaw. It's a terrific song and it has no real weak points.

my favourite from parachutes :rolleyes:

Eh, I'd agree with the folks in the Don't Panic thread that it'd be easier just to confine things to a single thread, or this place is gonna get real cluttered.

 

Shiver is a great song. My only beef with Shiver is that when I attempt to sing it, it's like I'm first hitting puberty again. :lol:

nice review, cool song!