#AOAL - Please post your review

[I ran away]

They need to break up for good or go on lengthy hiatus. Only chance for them to return back to artistically relevant output (or in the case of "for good", being remembered for their early stuff more instead of another 20 years of dance pop)

[I ran away]

Chris really needs to go solo now. It's horrible to see what is happening to the band. Amazing Day is just so average and now the new single is bland pop. Time to go solo and get back to what he does best, writing pure simple emotional melodies.

 

Really ? I feel Chris solo would be worse. HE s the one driving the band into the dance/pop direction.

[Famous Old Painter]

I have faith Coldplay could turn it around again one day, even if they never match the quality of their 2000s output. Weezer recently put out a decent album with Everything Will Be Alright In The End so you never know.

 

The 2010s will probably become known for Coldplay what the 1980s are for David Bowie. Something to look back and cringe upon.

[anthamic]

Really ? I feel Chris solo would be worse. HE s the one driving the band into the dance/pop direction.

 

It's probably him. I remember in a video "The Making of A Sky Full of Stars" he said he was listening to "constant Katy Perry" and he said something about how the song is better because of a "melody" or "upbeat-ness" or something like that (basically poppiness) which was their inspiration for ASFOS. Not sure if it was the entire band or just Chris (likely Chris) but if it weren't for that Katy Perry spree, we probably would've gotten a less synthed-up ASFOS w/o Avicii.

[HowCouldIForget]

I feel... mislead, by my own expectations, by the clip but perhaps most of all by the title.

 

I can't shake the feeing I'm listening to a more cultural/dynamic Maroon 5 at points. Jonny sounds strikingly like their guitarist's signature short, polished riffs during the verse here and the stronger bass reminds me of them too. I also hear R.A.M. influences in AoaL, with Get Lucky coming to mind. What hurts the most is the superior musical talent present there (so it sounds to me).

The latter's instrumentals win out- I prefer the guitar up front and the more disco-esque tune; it's not nearly as jumbled.

 

The strongest feeling I get is one of sounds discordant, out of place. Someone else mentioned the mish-mash of influences- there are definitely genres stepping on one another. I thought from the start it would turn into something rocky, the bass gets really quiet and I think maybe it'll turn into house, somewhere along it gets electronic like there's an EDM bass drop coming and then a sprinkle of a guitar that reminds me a little of Yes, leaving as quickly as it came in.

 

On top of it all are hand claps and deep bass following from Miracles, while "magic" is back without welcome. For such an ambitious title, Chris's lyrics hurt worst of all. I was expecting something prolific or "legendary" (as he says). The title this song deserves is "You Make Me Feel Alive" and Chris sounds nearly as generic here as he does on GS, just with more R&B flair.

 

Overall, it's not too bad, just unoriginal. I'm not entirely sure how to feel about it- I could see it growing on me because of how much I love RAM. But as far as their past influences go, I've never listened to Arcade Fire (among others) and I never felt Radiohead's presence on the first two albums near as strongly as I do with some artists here. While I prefer this a bit to GS, it's at a cost; GS sounded slightly unique. This doesn't at all.

 

Those guitars at the end give me hope but above all this song taught me something; Jonny guitar and "real" drums don't count for much when it sounds as thought they slammed three or four hit songs from prominent artists into one.

[AMDB9]

Alright, let's just start off by saying, this song is GREAT!!!!

Starting from the beginning, I'm like "Yeah, Jonny is back and rocking!!!"

And then the beat drops....wow!!! Will and Guy just come crashing in as a perfect complement to Jonny. Like we already knew, this song is GROOVY.

Then Chris starts singning...."Turn your magic on." At first, I was like, "meh, okay the lyrics are just okay" but then, as the song progresses, the lyrics just keep growing on me. I especially like "Everything you want is a dream away" and "I'm a dream that died by light of day" and, I thought I wouldn't like this but I do, "Under this pressure, under this weight, we are diamonds taking shape."

I love the Indian-sounding guitar and the distorted bass in some places. Oh and that guitar bit at the end...just excellent.

Overall, this is an superb 'feel-good' song, and I think Coldplay has got their instrumental talent back. Every Coldplay song usually takes a few listens for it to grow on me. As I write this, I am on my 6th listen to the song, and I like it more and more each time. One could say all the "oohs," background clapping, and backing vocals make it sound like mainstream pop. But this is not, this is Coldplay at a magnificent, new level, and they've truly mastered it. The boys are back.

[gentleparachute]

I've copied this from the main thread, and I stick to it (with a minor change - I take back the bit about the repeating guitar riff after listening to it full blast on headphones - I think it's powerful enough):

 

This is everybody's best dreams and worst nightmares come true :laugh3:

 

Personally, I like it... although I would have preferred a bit more muscle and "liveness" in the repeated guitar riff throughout the song, rather than a very measured / controlled repeated riff - just my own preference... So it's got EDM, contemporary pop, some 70's disco, some Indian / Oriental themes, and a bit of rock... A bit for everybody :D They have so played us... what are all the lovers / haters gonna say now... Do you love it because it has what you were hoping for, or do you hate it coz it has want you did not want???

 

Additional notes - I did wonder about Daft Punk, although was hesitant to say much as I do not know their music well... Oldplayers, who want a return to their old sound - think about it, this is the best case scenario for them as people and musicians - it shows they have grown and moved on from their youth, and come to terms with their place in the world, and making an effort (and a choice) to be happy. It is also them being true to themselves.​ It'd be pretty sad if Chris was still doing melancholic lyrics 20 years down the track, and the whole band still sounded the same ol' disappointed and angry with the state of the world. You would hope a group of successful nearly-40 year olds​ would have more to sing about and to celebrate in their lives by now. :) Also, what's the point of staying melancholy if they are no longer... ;)

 

This is the sound of them telling us what they love and what they listen to and are influenced by... They have always tried to please. And I think this is the sound of them catering to as many influences as possible - all the motifs are done well, so I think they pull it off. I understand that some people feel it's a confused jumble

[kaka1991]

R.I.P. Coldplay

 

The first album i won't pre-order.

[HurtsLikeHeaven42]

I will say as mentioned on here earlier, I feel mislead. The snippet seemed really promising. We went "yes rock! Drums! Guitar!" And then there was that but turned into that. I don't know how I feel. Yeah, it is dancy and funky and I can see myself after sometime blasting it out and dancing around the house to it.

Live? I feel this is going to be pretty spot on live. I think it might be like MX how not the greatest album but the tour, the atmosphere was brilliant and amazing. I feel it'll be like that.

I'm still undecided after 2 listens. Give it more and it'll grow on me.

Is it a good song? Yes

Is it a good Coldplay song? Sorry guys, no.

[Prospector]

Doesn't feel like Coldplay.

 

AAAAAND THAT'S GREAT. Like, if Chris wasn't singing this could be Daft Punk or Two Door Cinema Club, that's the first time I feel like they've released something that doesn't sound even a little bit like themselves before.

 

 

My first post in ages btw

[I ran away]

Oldplayers, who want a return to their old sound - think about it, this is the best case scenario for them as people and musicians - it shows they have grown and moved on from their youth, and come to terms with their place in the world, and making an effort (and a choice) to be happy. It is also them being true to themselves.​ It'd be pretty sad if Chris was still doing melancholic lyrics 20 years down the track, and the whole band still sounded the same ol' disappointed and angry with the state of the world. You would hope a group of successful nearly-40 year olds​ would have more to sing about and to celebrate in their lives by now. Also, what's the point of staying melancholy if they are no longer...

 

I feel their new songs just don't speak to us Oldplayers on a personal level any more. They don't feel as deep. To me, this forced happiness feels a bit superficial, if you know what I mean ? Nothing I can connect to. I can connect so well to their earlier works...where Chris poured his heart out into every single note he sang. There is something missing nowadays.

[getithom]

Doesn't feel like Coldplay.

 

AAAAAND THAT'S GREAT. Like, if Chris wasn't singing this could be Daft Punk or Two Door Cinema Club, that's the first time I feel like they've released something that doesn't sound even a little bit like themselves before.

 

 

My first post in ages btw

 

Instead of repeating myself, I will say this fits exactly what I'm thinking. Couldn't agree more.

[Famous Old Painter]

I think the assumption of Oldplayers disliking the song because it's happy doesn't stack up. VLV is an incredibly happy album and Ghost Stories is a very sad one, yet Oldplayers dislike GS and love VLV. Strawberry Swing is my favourite song by this band, and that song is as positive and upbeat as anything.

[AMDB9]

Wow, what's with all the negativity? I get it, this isn't AROBTTH Part 2, but it's a pretty good song. It will sound great live. It may not have that darker emotion, but I believe Chris is pouring his heart into this. He feels great, and this song is a reflection of that

[oriol]

I'm waiting the next single since the majority of times the first single is not the best of the album. Maybe AHFOD could be a great song, it is the first track in the album. AOAL is more a pop song which during the tour we could dance, and it feels happiness. Guy will be happy with this song and the new coldplay sounds.

 

It is a good song but i expected more. I miss songs like fix you, the scientist, in my place or so on. Anyway i need to hear more times the song.

[I ran away]

I miss songs like fix you, the scientist, in my place or so on

 

This

[aschall]

I really hoped Coldplay would eventually go in this direction. They've never been so groovy before! The lyrics aren't great, but who cares; I don't think Coldplay are worried about making art projects anymore. With Ghost Stories and now Adventure of a Lifetime, Chris seems very unfiltered, and it creates an intimate relationship between us and the band. Listening to new music from Coldplay now-a-days is like like running into an old friend and catching up on things. Last year Chris walked us through his emotional hardships, and now it seems he is having a major rebound. It's good to see him smiling again.

 

It's quite a heavy thing-- to fall in love, only to find yourself alone. But being able to get back up and exclaim that you're ready to love again is a profoundly beautiful thing. And AOAL captures this feeling perfectly. Nothing is more therapeutic than getting down to this killer groove that Guy and Will have constructed. I mean... MY GOD, is this song gonna be so fun live or what?? Johnny's part is superb, as usual, and the vocal sampling gives the song enough differentiation so that its not too basic. Chris's melody is just OK in my opinion; he's capable of doing much better, but all-in-all a very solid track and a promising indication of where this album is heading. VERY EXCITED! [ 8 / 10 ]

[AMDB9]

I'm waiting the next single since the majority of times the first single is not the best of the album. Maybe AHFOD could be a great song, it is the first track in the album. AOAL is more a pop song which during the tour we could dance, and it feels happiness. Guy will be happy with this song and the new coldplay sounds.

 

It is a good song but i expected more. I miss songs like fix you, the scientist, in my place or so on. Anyway i need to hear more times the song.

 

Yeah, you never know, this song could be the ASFOS to GS (although, I seriously doubt that). But, it could be one of the more poppier songs on the album.

[Coeurli]

AMAZING. LOVE IT. 10/10.

 

Coldplay are being insanely creative and risky here (i mean, for Coldplay, of course). It's funky, it's groovy, they had never done that before!!! They're all slaying here too. And for once in ages i'm pretty sure none of us have anything to say about the production other than: THERE YOU GO, PERFECT.

[gai]

the thing is, coldplay cannot win, whatever they do. if they went back to the pre viva sonics, there will be a major backlash by media as well as the casual listeners, and some hardcore fans. because two of the main criticisms against coldplay are :everything sounds the same" and "why are they always down in the dumps?" but if they do something new, unless it's traditional "rock" that the more musical fascists approve, then they've sold out, no soul, etc.

 

that's what happens when you are this big and established with more than a decade of work behind you. it's just music afterall.

[AMDB9]

the thing is, coldplay cannot win, whatever they do. if they went back to the pre viva sonics, there will be a major backlash by media as well as the casual listeners, and some hardcore fans. because two of the main criticisms against coldplay are :everything sounds the same" and "why are they always down in the dumps?" but if they do something new, unless it's traditional "rock" that the more musical fascists approve, then they've sold out, no soul, etc.

 

that's what happens when you are this big and established with more than a decade of work behind you. it's just music afterall.

 

This

[gai]

I really hoped Coldplay would eventually go in this direction. They've never been so groovy before! The lyrics aren't great, but who cares; I don't think Coldplay are worried about making art projects anymore. With Ghost Stories and now Adventure of a Lifetime, Chris seems very unfiltered, and it creates an intimate relationship between us and the band. Listening to new music from Coldplay now-a-days is like like running into an old friend and catching up on things. Last year Chris walked us through his emotional hardships, and now it seems he is having a major rebound. It's good to see him smiling again.

 

It's quite a heavy thing-- to fall in love, only to find yourself alone. But being able to get back up and exclaim that you're ready to love again is a profoundly beautiful thing. And AOAL captures this feeling perfectly. Nothing is more therapeutic than getting down to this killer groove that Guy and Will have constructed. I mean... MY GOD, is this song gonna be so fun live or what?? Johnny's part is superb, as usual, and the vocal sampling gives the song enough differentiation so that its not too basic. Chris's melody is just OK in my opinion; he's capable of doing much better, but all-in-all a very solid track and a promising indication of where this album is heading. VERY EXCITED! [ 8 / 10 ]

 

ditto! couldn't have said better myself.

[ttm]

I just went on a run, and had it on repeat for 45 minutes...I really liked it! Some of Guy's best work...very funky! I'm probably considered an oldplayer, but things change. I'm a lot different than I was when Parachutes was released. Time marches on, like what you like!

[Prospector]

Man, I haven't been reguraly here since like 2012 and we are STILL on this oldplay/new coldplay/AROBTTH 2 stuff?

[aschall]

Man, I haven't been reguraly here since like 2012 and we are STILL on this oldplay/new coldplay/AROBTTH 2 stuff?

 

apparently lol