Coldplay were beaten by U2 to the Best Original Song at the Golden Globes award ceremony in Los Angeles recently, and even failed to make the shortlist in the Song Oscar contenders (both for Atlas), but all is not lost for Coldplay while they are in the US during 'awards season'. The GRAMMY Awards 2014 are tonight - and they're up for two awards. Latest discussion on the ceremony at the Coldplay forum now.

Read on for a preview of tonight's GRAMMYs and the Golden Globes mini-review...

As we reported at the end of 2013, put forward for a GRAMMY award are: Atlas for 'Best Song Written For Visual Media' and Live 2013 for 'Best Music Film'.

The GRAMMYs will be broadcast on CBS tonight (26th January 2014) at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. A complete list of this year's nominations can be found on the official GRAMMYs website. A quick poll suggests that Coldplay may take one, but probably not both GRAMMY awards:

Below are the categories that Coldplay are involved in:

Song Written for Visual Media

"Atlas," Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion & Chris Martin, songwriters (Coldplay).

"Silver Lining," Diane Warren, songwriter (Jessie J)

"Skyfall," Adele Adkins & Paul Epworth, songwriters (Adele)

"We Both Know," Colbie Caillat & Gavin DeGraw, songwriters (Colbie Caillat, ft Gavin DeGraw)

"Young and Beautiful," Lana Del Rey & Rick Nowels, songwriters (Lana Del Rey)

"You’ve Got Time," Regina Spektor, songwriter (Regina Spektor)

Music Film

"Live 2012," Coldplay

"Cuatro!" Green Day"

"I'm In I'm Out and I'm Gone: The Making of Get Up!" Ben Harper With Charlie Musselwhite

"Live Kisses," Paul McCartney

"The Road To Red Rocks," Mumford & Sons

From the recent Golden Globes awards, this mini-review of U2's triumph over Coldplay and Taylor Swift is taken from the entertainment.ie website:

After a botched start that included a round of "Fix You," Chris Martin led the band into their first-ever live performance of "Atlas" in London (19 Dec), writes Rolling Stone in a review of the Under1Roof charity gig. They focussed on Coldplay's latest single, which is Coldplay's contribution to the Hunger Games: Catching Fire Soundtrack.

More reviews, videos and photos are at the Coldplay Live forum now (49 pages and counting!). Read on for the rest of this media review...

Rolling Stone continued: Bathed in blue light, a very sweaty Martin looked relieved as the band kicked into the song together. As he began singing the opening lines – "Some saw the sun, some saw the smoke" – the audience joined in just as loud. As the song built, Martin sang "carry the world" while guitarist Jonny Buckland coaxed some plaintive notes from his instrument. The performance went so well, unlike that of their previous song, that Martin jumped up from his piano with an ear-to-ear smile and did a little victory lap on the stage.

The performance was part of an event Coldplay organized called "Under 1 Roof," and it also featured sets by Lily Allen, Robbie Williams and Ricky Gervais as his Office character David Brent, among others. The concert benefitted Kids Company, a U.K. organization that provides "practical, emotional and educational support to vulnerable inner-city kids."

When the group released the song in August, it was Coldplay's first new music since their 2011 album Mylo Xoloto. Catching Fire director Francis Lawrence praised the song for how it fit into the movie: "I have great respect and admiration for Coldplay," he said, "and we are thrilled with how well they have connected to the themes and ideas within the film."

The song subsequently made it into the Number One position on 43 countries' iTunes charts and won the band the Hollywood Song Award at the Hollywood Film Awards in October. It was also one of 75 songs on a list of possible Best Original Song nominees that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts for Oscars 2014 consideration. The Academy will reveal whether it made the cut at a nominations presentation on January 16th.

Coldplay, Taylor Swift and U2 are among the names shortlisted for the Best Original Song prize at the Golden Globes 2014. More on this is at the Coldplay forum now [thanks Tash] The five nominees were announced yesterday (12th December) with Justin Timberlake, U2 and Idina Menzel also included. Coldplay's 'Atlas' for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire will go up against Taylor Swifts's song 'Sweeter Than Fiction', recorded for the soundtrack to the Paul Potts biopic One Chance', and U2's 'Ordinary Love,' from 'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.' Justin Timberlake shares his nomination with Oscar Isaac and Adam Driver for their contribution to the movie Inside Llewyn Davis on the song 'Please Mr. Kennedy.The winner of this category will be announced at the ceremony in Los Angeles on January 12th. The Golden Globes are determined by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, a group of journalists who write for publications outside the United States.

Best Original Song – Motion Picture nominees: Atlas - The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Let it Go - Frozen... #GoldenGlobes

— Golden Globe Awards (@goldenglobes) December 12, 2013

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire score tracklisting has been revealed today, and the Coldplay-penned track "We're A Team" is on it. Read to the end for the full tracklisting. Not only that, we can reveal that Atlas will be played during the closing credits of the film, due for release later in November.Said Coldplayer Mellark on the forums just now: "We're A Team confirmed to be part of the Catching Fire score. Atlas will be played during the credits, and We're A Team is a melody of this."As we reported on 10th September, it was revealed on the messageboard that Coldplay co-wrote a song called We're A Team with James Newton Howard for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire movie. This was according to the ASCAP database - now it’s official that the track is part of the score. [thanks CP-EST Tash, Mellark & anniea89]

Uh Oh. Atlas plays over the end credits in #CatchingFire. Oscar nom chances are now dwindled. @coldplaying

— annie armenian (@anniea89) October 31, 2013

ICYMI: The tracklisting for the Catching Fire score by James Newton Howard has been revealed!! http://t.co/2snWBbuvSO

— THG Australia (@THGAustralia) October 30, 2013

Coldplay were honoured with the Hollywood Song Award at the 17th Hollywood Film Awards on Monday for their latest song Atlas from Lionsgate's The Hunger Games: Catching Fire soundtrack.The Hollywood Film Awards awards ceremony took place on Monday night (21st October 2013) at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. Chris Martin also gave a solo performance of Atlas, the first live public performance of the song. In addition, Chris accepted the award on behalf of the rest of the band - their particular award was presented by 10-time Grammy winner Kenny 'Babyface' Edmonds.No official footage has emerged, but an audience video shows Chris Martin performing Atlas, then speaking on stage. If you haven't yet seen the performance, you can watch it below:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXbzmHeUrWcYou can read more discussion on this award and performance at the Coldplay forum now. In addition to the video you can now download a ripped audio version in the Multimedia forum now (registration required). [thanks wabbit, ColdplaySheffield, Cubie255, soss, gai, Charlie B, Comicforce, luci&lia & joecortazzo]Some of the messages tweeted live during the awards ceremony:

Chris Martin performing the song from "Hunger Games" says: "This is our bid to host the Hunger Games in London, 2020." #HollywoodFilmAwards

— Jenelle Riley (@jenelleriley) October 22, 2013

Chris Martin calls Hunger Games "a true story" before performing Atlas. #hollywoodfilmawards

— Marshall Heyman (@heymarshall) October 22, 2013

Chris Martin, finishing his song, blurts out: "I messed up the end but the rest was okay!!" #HollywoodFilmAwards

— Jenelle Riley (@jenelleriley) October 22, 2013

Chris Martin joked he went method to write ATLAS by imagining being a woman whose dress keeps catching fire pic.twitter.com/MCTsYsy3ny

— KidsPickFlicks (@KidsPickFlicks) October 22, 2013

Coldplay.com have reported today (Tuesday 15th October) that new song Atlas (from the soundtrack for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire) will receive this year's Hollywood Song Award at the 17th annual Hollywood Film Awards. Chris Martin will attend the ceremony on 21st October (this Sunday!) at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles to collect the award, and to perform the song (which will be the first time it has been played live). More discussion on this forthcoming performance and ceremony is at the messageboard now [thanks Tash]

The Hollywood Film Awards are determined by founder and executive director Carlos de Abreu and an advisory committee. De Abreu told The Hollywood Reporter, "The Hollywood Film Awards is thrilled to present the Hollywood Song Award to a band as globally respected and prolific as Coldplay. They continue to build their legacy and, with ‘Atlas’ marking the first time they have recorded for a motion picture, we cannot think of an artist better deserving of this honor."

Altas, which was released in September, reached No. 1 on iTunes in 43 different countries. The entire soundtrack for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire will be released by Lionsgate and Republic Records on 19th November 2013, and the film will open worldwide on 22nd November.

Next, a reminder that Phil Harvey, Coldplay's fifth member / creative director needs your help in starting a stamp collection. Here is his message on the official site:

"hello coldplayers, i'm starting a stamp collection. if you're feeling kind, please could you help me get it started by sending me a letter or postcard from your corner of the world to the address below. include your postal address because one lucky sender will receive a big bag of coldplay goodies. thanks so much in advance, love phil. // Phil Harvey, c /o Dales Evans Accountants, 88 Baker Street, London W1U 6TQ, UK. (Postal submissions only - personal deliveries cannot be accepted). PS closing date: Friday 9 November 2013."

And finally, it is all over the media now (e.g. The Metro, BBC) that Chris Martin, Jay-Z and Timbaland surprised fans by taking the Tube to Jay-Z's Magna Carta Holy Grail gig at London’s O2 Arena before their duet on stage. [thanks wabbit, gai, Tash, mayurshikotra, macky, LdySpace & PrincessofChina]

As we reported in the earlier related article recently, heading to the O2 for Jay Z’s gig they were spotted at Waterloo underground station casually waiting on the platform for the next train.

The Metro reported: "Jay Z and Chris Martin might be global superstars with more money in the bank than they know what to do with but they proved how down-to-earth they are by surprising Tube passengers on Saturday night, Seemingly taking a leaf out of Rihanna’s book – who often rides the Tube to her gigs at the London venue – they looked more than comfortable on the London Underground and laughed and joked with excited fans. And while fans and Twitter users were surprised to see the music legends slumming it on public transport, they were even more shocked when they actually boarded the train and headed to North Greenwich for the O2. Twitter user aminott4 excitedly shared the news on his feed, writing: ‘Casually getting on a train with Jay Z, Chris Martin, and Timbaland,’ along with a picture of the trio mixing in with the crowds. AlwaysRocNation posted: ‘Jay Z, Chris Martin and Timbaland took the tube to the O2 Arena tonight!’, while Maverick_AC said: ‘It’s cool when JAY Z, Chris Martin and Timbaland get on the tube at Waterloo for tonights o2 gig.’

Clearly in the giving mood, the night before they’d given fans a real treat as the Coldplay frontman joined his pal on stage. They performed Ain’t No Love (Heart Of The City) together, while Timbaland worked his magic at the back. Writing of the gig, Twitter user CharleyLampard said on Friday night: ‘Jay z, Chris Martin & timberland!!! Not bad for a Friday night,’ while xandercs tweeted: ‘The Jay-Z show last night was absolutely amazing and then 2 songs from the end he brings out Chris Martin from Coldplay #unbelievable.’"

New photos: Chris Martin (and Jonny) with Jay-Z in London (11th October 2013):

More questions answered by The Oracle... (circa. 4700! questions now answered - submit yours now!)

September 26, 2013 - submitted by Alex M, United States of America

Q. Hi Oracle! I was curious to see what the smallest-scale concert that Coldplay has ever done and how small would they go? Thanks!

The Oracle replies:

Obviously when the band started they were playing pubs & clubs with very small capacities. The last time they played anywhere as small was December 2011 when they went back to perform at Dingwalls (Camden, London) which has a capacity of less than 500. It's not a case of how small would they go, but can they go and for what reason. Dingwalls was a special radio event and obviously their production had to be reduced heavily for such a tiny venue. I have to say, watching Chris on that stage being restricted, unable to do his usual running around, was like watching a caged tiger!

September 26, 2013 - submitted by Qwert, United Kingdom

Q. A beautiful band that you may or may not know about and I know they want to keep it that way. Long division is a start.

The Oracle replies:

If you have any bands you'd like to share with us - and the world - please don't send them via the Oracle Q system. We have the hypnofeed for such things. Feel free to submit the link (that I have edited out) there. I assume you're joking about them wanting to stay a secret.

September 25, 2013 - submitted by Alejo, Peru

Q. Dear Oracle. Do you know how Chris felt during and before playing this beautiful cover of Nightswimming with Michael Stipe himself? I mean, he was playing with musical icon, did he feel nervous, anxious? It would good to know some advices from him. Greetings from Peru, your loyal fan Alejo :)

The Oracle replies:

They have performed this together more than once. The first time was at a Coldplay show in Atlanta back in 2005. Before the show they rehearsed backstage to make sure they got it right. The band are good friends with Michael so any initial nerves dissipate once they're onstage. The last time Chris & Michael duetted was 2012 at the Sandy benefit concert.

September 25, 2013 - submitted by Zeynep, Turkey

Q. Hello Oracle..I have got a question, did Coldplay's logo change? From what I hear it changed... To be honest, last logo was beautiful, please don't change! :)

The Oracle replies:

The font and therefore logo have changed since Parachutes. Mylo Xyloto was a marked departure from previous albums. Atlas is a standalone track & the MX font wouldn't have fit at all. That said, I don't know if the Atlas font will remain for album 6 - only time will tell - but the MX font will not.

September 25, 2013 - submitted by Nicklaus , United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, Today I found myself watching the music video for Shiver and couldn't help but wonder... Is there any place I can buy Guy's Space Invaders t-shirt? I love it.

The Oracle replies:

I've no idea where you can get an exact t-shirt from almost 15 years ago but Space Invaders tees are very easy to find. Whether online, specialist vintage shops or any stockists of retro clothing. You may even get lucky at a thrift shop. FYI: Will is also wearing a Space Invaders t-shirt in the Shiver video.

September 25, 2013 - submitted by Denisse, Mexico

Q. Hello Oracle!! You previously confirmed that @OracleColdplay Twitter account is official. However, today I found out that you had no tweets at all and had only 5 followers (including me). Is this normal? Is there any other account I'm missing? Thanks a lot!

The Oracle replies:

That's not right, Denisse. I'm here.

September 24, 2013 - submitted by Bella, United Kingdom

Q. Who made the Atlas video? Love it!

The Oracle replies:

You can find out more about the creative team behind the video here.

September 24, 2013 - submitted by Josh, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, In what accent should I read your answers?

The Oracle replies:

A rich, deep RP (Received Pronunciation) vocal tone should do the trick.

September 24, 2013 - submitted by Chris, United Kingdom

Q. Is it true that Coldplay played over 100 gigs in 1998, before getting signed?

The Oracle replies:

No, more like 10. They signed their record & publishing deals in 1999 but there were only a few gigs in 1998/9 before that point.

September 23, 2013 - submitted by Caro, Argentina

Q. When fans ask you about Coldplay-related topics, do you first check it out with the band or you directly answer whatever you think is closest to your perception? I really want to know the answer to this.

The Oracle replies:

I have occasionally double-checked a fact out with someone else inside Team CP - Phil, crew & Anchorman and definitely get the experts to help answer the more technical questions but generally my memory (& knowledge) means I'm pretty much good to go with bona fide answers. I think it's more interesting for you guys to every so often get other people involved such as Miller, Hoppy, Bash, Matt, Mat...

September 23, 2013 - submitted by Hayley, United Arab Emirates

Q. Dear Oracle, I'm into this boy from my university but he is British and I'm just an Indian. I can't stop thinking about him but I know I have no future with him because he would never consider me. Do you have any advice for me ?

The Oracle replies:

My advice is to work on your self esteem and negative self-image issues. What's all this '"just" an Indian" nonsense? You don't "know" you have no future with him or that he would "never" consider you! Get to know him. If he's not into you, it doesn't mean it's for any of the reasons you think. Just be yourself and talk to him. Find shared interests and maybe suggest hanging out outside of University. You have nothing to lose - especially as you already think it's impossible. Go for it, he may surprise you.

September 23, 2013 - submitted by SG, United Kingdom

Q. Thanks for your excellent work Oracle I wonder if you could clarify has Chris relocated to LA for a while?

How will this affect recording the next album? Will the other guys move out there too or will he commute back to London?

The Oracle replies:

As you may know, I'm not keen on commenting on any personal aspects but the work part is something you need not worry about. As far as I know Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol lives (at times) in the U.S. and that works for both his bands. It doesn't really matter to be honest. When a band tours, they're all in the same place at the same time. Writing & recording can be done in various ways - here, there, anywhere. It's all good.

The full 15-song tracklisting for the soundtrack for 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' film was revealed today (September 26th), and Coldplay's latest track Atlas is the lead single on the album. Other artists announced include Christina Aguilera, The National, Patti Smith, Ellie Goulding and Antony and the Johnsons.

Christina Aguilera has contributed "We Remain," a new song that she started teasing just today. Rock chart-topper Lorde is also contributing what appears to be her version of Tears For Fears' "Everybody Wants to Rule the World; her contemporaries Imagaine Dragons and Of Monsters And Men are also in line with fresh material. The National have added "Lean" to the mix - the song was originally titled "Dying Is Easy" but the filmmakers requested a little lighter of a name.

'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' soundtrack (curated by Alexandra Patsavas) will be out in stores on November 19th, and the opening of the film on November 22nd. The first "Hunger Games" soundtrack made it to No. 1 on The Billboard 200.

1 Coldplay - Atlas

2 Of Monsters and Men - Silhouettes

3 Sia (ft. The Weeknd & Diplo) - Elastic Heart

4 The National - Lean

5 Christina Aguilera - We Remain

6 The Weeknd - Devil May Cry

7 Imagine Dragons - Who We Are

8 Lorde - Everybody Wants To Rule The World

9 The Lumineers - Gale Song

10 Ellie Goulding - Mirror

11 Patti Smith - Capital Letter

12 Santigold - Shooting Arrows At The Sky

Deluxe edition:

13 Mikky Ekko - Place For Us

14 Phantogram - Lights

15 Antony and The Johnsons - Angel On Fire

Coldplay have co-written a song called We're A Team with James Newton Howard for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire movie according to ASCAP today. More on this is at the Atlas sub-forum on the messageboard now [thanks CP-EST & Tash]

We're A Team is affiliated to Chris, Jonny, Guy and Will as well as Howard, and Universal Music Publishing and Universal Pictures Music. It is not yet known whether the song will be the second from Coldplay to feature on The Hunger Games: Catching Fire soundtrack, but there are rumours that it could simply be an instrumental.

Said Coldplayer Mallark on the forums earlier: "A second Coldplay song on the soundtrack isn't surprising considering that Taylor Swift had two songs on the first soundtrack but the fact that James Newton Howard has also written this song is very surprising and a little exciting."

In October 2012, composer James Newton Howard confirmed that he will return to score the film The Hunger Games - Catching Fire, after working on the soundtrack for the original film, The Hunger Games (2012).

James Newton Howard is one of the most recognised composers for film and is also one of the most popular and respected composers for cinema, and has scored over 100 films. In 2009 he was awarded a Grammy along with Hans Zimmer for the soundtrack to The Dark Knight, and in September 2010, he was appointed visiting professor of media composition at the Royal Academy of Music in London.

James Newton Howard is the recipient of eight Academy Award nominations, some of Howard's best known film scores include The Prince of Tides (1991), The Fugitive (1993), Dinosaur (2000), The Village (2004), King Kong (2005), Batman Begins (2005) (with Hans Zimmer), I Am Legend (2007) The Dark Knight (2008) (also with Zimmer), and, most recently Green Lantern (2011), Snow White and the Huntsman (2012), and The Bourne Legacy (2012).

Our latest poll...

[poll id=2]

This is our third installment of fan reviews of Coldplay's new song Atlas, released on Friday (6th September). On the day that Coldplay's official Twitter account announced No.1 positions for Atlas on eighteen iTunes charts around the world, read on for another eighteen Coldplayer mini-reviews of the track!A reminder also that since yesterday, we have had new content available in the Atlas sub-forum such as gifs, banners, and pictures, new song covers (various videos), a whole host of new media/external reviews of the new song, and the outcome now of over 600 votes cast on the song in the last 24 hours.[poll id=2]

Atlas has now reached Number 1 on iTunes in 18 countries! Amazing. Thanks everyone. http://t.co/UmOemDlLMN A pic.twitter.com/Lp2r65tXBi

— Coldplay (@coldplay) September 7, 2013

We have had so many new fan reviews of Coldplay's new song Atlas that we have expanded yesterday's article into a second separate page... with our promise of even more new fan and media reviews to follow soon. A second collection of review-bites are below, along with the very latest poll results on what you thought of the new track.

Since yesterday, we have also had new content available in the Atlas sub-forum such as gifs, banners, and pictures, new song covers (various videos), a whole host of new media/external reviews of the new song, and the outcome so far of nearly 600 votes cast on the song in the last 24 hours.

What we are all talking about...

[poll id=2]

Latest forum poll results: what you thought of the new song, Atlas:

Latest Coldplayer reviews of the new song, Atlas:

It reminds me of the Rush of Blood era (or a mixture between that and X&Y)... it definitely sounds like old Coldplay and that's cool. However, from a songwriting perspective I think it could've been better. It's "pretty" and "mellow" but it doesn't have that epic flair to it that most great Coldplay tracks have in them. The lyrics aren't bad, but they are short and simple, they could have been smarter but there's nothing really wrong with them per se. It's strongest assets right now I think, are that it's new and sounds like old Coldplay. But I wouldn't say, at this time anyway, that I think it's amazing by any stretch of the imagination. It's just... alright. I definitely like the chorus. Just feel like it never quite reaches where it COULD go. Feels slightly underdeveloped. Also, I highly doubt the sound of this track is indicative of LP6. I think it's, it's own thing. 8/10 [thanks bleed0range]

I don't get why people say it sounds like old Coldplay. If anything, it sounds like new Coldplay. It has the classic sound, buildup and finale of an MX-era song. And those are definitely electric drums near the end. Let's say that's the part I like least. But for the rest, it's a good song. Not fantastic but good. If this were still the MX era, it would be among their best songs of that era. [thanks Tryptophan]

In my opinion is absolutely beautiful, i mean, isn't the perfect song that i would like to hear from the band but is the bass line it looks like a little bit Paradise's, the drum beats are soft, i like them. Jon's solo is amazing, i like the old Coldplay songs with more Jonny's solos haha but, anyway i love this one. Chris voice and piano are wonderful. 7/10 [thanks ST]

I would like to call Atlas the first example of post-Coldplay. Its haunting beginnings go back to Parachutes but towards the end there is that grandeur resulting from five years of stadium rock, but it is used sparsely, not in a distasteful ETIAW way. The soundscape is beautiful. To me it is a good sign that Coldplay have chosen to give wide exposure to this single as opposed to Moving to Mars, this other gem which had more or less the same vibe but was removed from the MX EP in the end. Viva post-Coldplay. I rated it 8/10. [thanks walewein]

The deep bases reminds me alot of the MX era, yet the lyrics have more of an X&Y feel to it. So cool seeing the different eras mesh together in one song. In general an awesome song, totally blew my expectations! [thanks golfing7861]

The song is very beautiful. The chorus is fantastic, and if Coldplay can carry this quality of music into LP6, it may be their best album ever. When Chris sings "carry your world," this is about as good as Coldplay can get. I love how stark the piano is, and the 'wer wer wer wer wer' of the guitar in the background during the verse really hearkens back to the pre-Parachutes era (see No More Keeping My Feet On the Ground). Put simply, this song is a love letter from Coldplay to their fans. If I had one gripe, it would be that the verses could be better. Or maybe it's just the chorus is too damn good. 9/10 [thanks aschall]

I guess I'm not too fond on the chorus after my first full listen, but the rest of the song is quite good! Sort of somber and melancholy, but I like that. X&Y was clearly an influence on this song, and I fucking love that. Also everything from the introduction of the other instruments and on is seriously just superb. I think that one minute had more emotion than the majority of Mylo Xyloto. 9/10 (on first listen). [thanks DundahMifflin]

Is Atlas on the legendary level of Clocks, Paradise, and Moving to Mars? Not quite. But it's right below it. If there was a 9.5 on the poll, I'd have picked that. Yet again, our beloved Coldplay delivers another epic. But are we really surprised? We've come to expect greatness like this from these guys. I just love Coldplay. [thanks heelsrule1988]

Really, really like this. Hope this is showing off their current sound and direction, it sounds really great. Like many have said there's a real sound of previous albums (X&Y and Viva especially with arangment) but still having some of the production elements of MX and even tones of AROBTTH. Feels comparable and more on the level of a B-side track, rather than an album or single track though, if that makes sense? But that's by no means a bad thing. (Moving to Mars for example). If Atlas has a good reaction and reception/reviews, I hope they feel confident and maybe decide to release info/plans of LP6.. 8/10 for me I think. Really pleased! [thanks TomJMusic]

I will start with a rather bold statement: in my opinion from 2:30 onward is as good as anything this band has ever done. I agree with others who have said that on first listen the verses may seem a little lacking (although I do find the vocal phrasing interesting in the way that Chris puts the emphasis on the verbs in the middle of the line as opposed to the nouns at the end- the last word of each line is very sudden, almost sharp in contrast to the rest of the delivery) but the piano throughout the verses and that killer chorus are enough to pull it off in a big way. Extra points for even more fantastic guitar work from Jonny in the song‘s final moments. Attention rest of world: can this man please start getting the recognition he deserves! This does sound like the perfect soundtrack song and in that capacity it works brilliantly. While listening to it I caught myself thinking how great the carry your world part would be in romantic or dramatic movies and had to remind myself that it was made for a movie. More importantly though I also feel that this song will stand alongside the rest of the band's catalogue very well and will not be remembered as just that song that was on that one soundtrack - the way a lesser effort might have been. This is definitely not a reworked studio leftover or a throwaway track by a band looking to cash in - this is the new Coldplay single that just happens to be off of a soundtrack...

As with everything they do - they went for it. You know that they were thinking that if they were going to make a soundtrack song then why not try to make the best soundtrack song of all time. Did they succeed? Perhaps not but they did manage to produce one hell of a Coldplay song. Plus can you imagine hearing this closing out a concert a year from now with thousands of fans singing I’ll carry your world in unison. Watch out Fix You chorus - you just might have some competition. With such a diverse mix of all the elements the band has given us before hardcore fans should love it and if the general public just gives it to that epic chorus we might have another hit on our hands. Being a part of a huge movie franchise won’t hurt but I still can’t help but think that this song is good enough not to have to depend on that association alone. To my ears this is the sound of a band not only claiming new fans but maybe even reclaiming some old ones who may have slipped away. If this is any indication of where they are at going into the next album I think we are all in for a real treat. Some bands would be lucky to get on a high profile release like the Hunger Games Soundtrack. In this case The Hunger Games Soundtrack is lucky to get a high profile band like Coldplay… and boy did they deliver. 8/10 [thanks oldmuckers]

I don't think its an amazingly strong song, in that it isn't a 10/10 or 9/10 like others have said, I'll probably put it 8/10, though atm I'm on a bige of listing to it, so I'm probably just not used to it yet. I do like the tunes and stuff, but I'm more liking the build up and end then the start. I just think the start is just to ambient for something, iddno lol! [thanks trinest]

I love it but I agree with those who said that the lyrics are uninspired. However, I think it showcases what the band does best -- they make simplistic sound epic. The melody is pure & simple, while the background layers build and add texture, without becoming overpowering. And Johnny shines from 3:10-3:36. I'd love this to be a glimpse into #6, but I don't want to get my hopes up. This was written for a specific purpose and I bet they were given direction as to the mood of the song. The movie is the focus and the song had to compliment it. Also, Chris's vocals are great. His voice is strong where it needs to be and restrained where it needs to be, It's clear, emotive and his phrasing is perfect. Good job, boys! Bring on #6. 9/10 [thanks Pink]

I loved the melody, i like the lyrics (people complaining about the lyrics... many of mx's lyrics were less profund than this one, it's an ok lyric) i like the feel, though i was expecting something more guitarish, more... played and less produced but this... this sounds great. what i didn't like was chris voice, it sound rusty, he cuts it early sometimes and somewhere in the beginning he's really close to being off key. but still, it makes me funny inside thinking about how the next album will sound like... i like the radiohead vibe, (just more positive... more coldplay!) it's accurate to compare this one with moving to mars and it was a great freaking song so yeah! jonny rocks in this one... man do you guys feel that this song is perfect to be lying down in a park at night with someone and just looking at the moon? i love songs like that... rating: 8/10 [thanks tutegarra]

Ohmygod! I think my vote was the 200th 10! Beautiful. Wonderful. The very beginning with that piano bit, Chris' voice takes you to heaven, Jonny is a freakin legend with that little solo, the second half is incredible. I really really really hope they will include it in their future setlist. There's a big singalong potential and it could work really well. I hope this will be a hit. Since there hasn't been much promotion, we're gonna have to trust radios to play it a lot and hopefully get a video. The song sounds like Coldplay, it's not a revolutionary song, they didn't experiment nor progress or anything, but with Atlas they do what they do best, except perhaps for the lyrics, that aren't the best Coldplay lyrics I've seen, but then again the music itself is wonderful enough for me not to care too much about the lyrics. Coldplay is back, bitches. [thanks Coeurli]

Obviously 10/10 !! It's a great song! I love that sort of contrast between the relatively quiet beginning and then the very very powerful ending! The piano is wonderful as well as the guitar, the drums, the bass. Well actually everything! Chris' singing is great and especially the part 'we're about to explode' really does it for me. It's very emotional and haunting! It really is a sort of mix of a lot of their old songs' styles but it's also new and special. Coldplay did it again, huh?! [thanks m@r@]

Gave it 8/10. Love the song but as many had said, could have been better (maybe because it's short?, but that's just me) Fantastic second half and.. Go Jonny Go! [thanks matti]

Chris' vocals are beautiful, nice and mellow, and as with many Coldplay songs the tone of the song seems to raise the further it gets towards the end. The bit directly after the lyric "I'm about to explode" where the drums come in and some heavy piano playing from Chris sounds great too! And as for Jonny's solo at the end, well, that's just Jonny Buckland at his best isn't it? The end of the song, particularly Jonny's guitar, reminds me very much of the Viva era; it has a touch of 42 & DAAHF with the guitar (in terms of a big crescendo from Jonny and then back down to normal level if you know what I mean?). It gets a thumbs up from me! Very impressive I must say! But what else did you expect from Coldplay? They aren't the greatest band in the world for nothing! 10/10! [thanks ColdplaySheffield]

I am Crying .....This SOng is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Beautiful! Though the song is bit short I admit...I wish it had a piano riff ...Johnny is great though. I love the bass stuff and the epicness it creates. It is like VLV ers darkness mixed with MX era epicness....Its really beautiful . I just wish it was a longer song with a sing along or something like 'VLV' had. But Its very good none the less. For me it is 10/10! [thanks teernabh5]

Well...I like it, I mean...it's nice, not a masterpiece. Very nice but nothing so special. Maybe it will grow up into me with the time. To be honest I think it's a little flat. 6/10 [thanks Kristal Siderglace]

So different to what we've been used to in recent Coldplay times, but a great song. I'm genuinely interested to see if the new album stays consistent with 'Atlas' or whether it was very much 'Hunger Games' soundtrack focussed. Good to have the lads back...and Jonny's intricate yet perfectly-fitting riffs. [thanks Placebo88]

I just heard the song. It´s classic Coldplay, incredibly well-crafted and have you tearing up already by the first chorus! I could not give it a 10 because it is simply too short, but it fits the movie perfectly and it is just gorgeous. Would I want an LP6 ONLY filled with songs like this? Probably not but I think they have shown incredible diversity in MX: a band that can write both a wonderful hip-hoppish song and a quiet diamond like Atlas is a true artistic band, as we all know Coldplay to be. [thanks valypan]

Even more Coldplayer reviews to follow... add yours now!

Earlier on Thursday we posted a preview of Coldplay’s song Atlas for 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' soundtrack. But it looks like the full track - all 3m56s of it – has now leaked online via torrents a day early... and to a plethora of positive reviews from Coldplay fans.

After just the first hour since leaking, 54% of Coldplayers gave the song a perfect 10/10 in our sliding scale poll. Early media reviews were also favourable - website DirectLyrics in one of the first reviews said: "It definitely feels like the band decided to go back to their roots for this new song, as the delicate piano ballad is giving me early 2000s Coldplay teas. Chris' vocals, and the flawless mellow rock production on "Atlas" is to die for. This is perfection. And no doubt "Atlas" will feature on a key scene in "Catching Fire". It has 'EPIC' written all over it."

What do you think of Atlas if you have already heard it? We'd be very pleased to hear your written reviews (the longer the better!) and your 1-10 sliding scale poll vote at the Atlas sub-forum now!

[poll id=2]

Latest forum poll results: what you thought of the new song, Atlas:

Latest Coldplayer reviews of the new song, Atlas:

I couldn't rate the song a 10/10 after listening to it 5 times now. It is right now a great, great song! It has a good chord progression, and sounds like old Coldplay. But it also sounds like it originated during the Viva era and was molded through the years between the Viva and MX era. The piano is certainly Coldplay-esque, and the buildup is also. I feel that in terms of Coldplay, this is one of their better songs, but certainly not in my top 25...yet. Lyrics: 7.5/10 (Could have been better, but I think some didn't really fit when he sang them). Music: 8/10 (Typical Coldplay with some new sounds in there, and definitely great to hear, but not what I was expecting from a soundtrack). Overall about an 8/10. Great in music standards and by Coldplay standards, but I really wanted them to do something different/soundtrack-y and definitely a longer song than 4 minutes. [thanks laxwatcher]

Atlas reminds me a lot of the X&Y era. The preview starts with simple piano and Chris's deep voice (Moving To Mars) then comes the spacey feel from the X&Y era. I look forward to the buildup towards the percussion when I hear the entire version. I love it so far. [thanks harrisonrules]

1st listening done. Song builds and builds, and in the end i didn't have to disappoint. Jonny Boy guitar magic was like a icing on the cake. Great song for a soundtrack. And i have to say, production of that song is REALLY good. Spacey synths and guitar sounds make a amazing atmosphere. [thanks CP-EST]

Gave it a 9. I love it. And I'm so happy that its soo different from their latest work. Music is amazing, its sort of lo-fi meets hi-fi and the style is X&Yish. But lyrically it could be better. After a long time a Coldplay song that doesn't need to grow on me its great after the first listen. [thanks lndnsky]

I find it utterly beautiful. Maybe the lyrics could be better, but the hook of "carry your world" is great, and the build up sent goosebumps the first time I heard it. Nice small solo by Jonny too at the end. [thanks winterjoey]

9/10, I love the dark and dreamy mood of the song, thats one of the styles they do best imo has a sort of X&Y feel to it with deeper vocals which I prefer from Chris atm, I have enough falsetto to last me a while. The song is such a tease too, 'im about to explode' then goes somber again but then the ending is amazing, im still waiting for that day too when Johnny pumps out the guitar solo of his life after that mentioned lyric then it will be a perfect 10. [thanks 42rock89]

Well i heard it a few times now. It sounds a bit like the old Coldplay, from the first 2 albums. But not at their best. It sounds predictable. Still, it sounds better then most MX tracks. Maybe i will like it more after repeat listings, but i doubt it. For example, i like Moving to Mars more. 7/10. [thanks Nature]

I'd give it a 9 out of 10. It truly is an amazing track nonetheless! The song really resonates once Chris gets to the bit, "I'm about to explode...I'll carry your world". I was expecting a big guitar solo full of "oohhhh's", but right before it lifts off the ground, it lands back softly with Chris on the piano. Overall, I think Atlas is a beautiful track. We can expect more great things to come after this. [thanks Spider-Man]

I really like the build up of the song and the instruments, but I really, REALLY dislike the lyrics, they sound like some 5 year old trys to tell you a fairytale. But they still sound awfully simple, I hoped for something more lyrically complex... [thanks Batman]

The piano intro heavily reminds me of the Viva la Vida era, "Death and All His Friends" to be more specific. Will then makes his entrance in the song with repetitive, sweeping hi-hats, building up the intensity. When the electronic beat breaks in a little past mid-way in the song (reminiscent to that of "Paradise"), it mixes the elements of the Viva and MX eras as the band's brings in epic amounts of epicness. Carry your wooooorrrrlllld.... Well, that's what I think of it anyway. The song itself sounds darker than to that of MX and it's really intriguing to me. It's better than most songs on MX and is by far one of the best songs Coldplay has ever put out in the decade. I give it an 8 out of 10. [thanks Texas Rez]

Absolutely stunning! The minute Jonny's ringing guitar comes in, you know it's a classic. Really think it could be among their best yet. Great to hear something more like AROBTTH, but at the same time it's completely different. The soundscapes are beautiful - Sigur Ros standard! Forget Paradise and Princess of China. THIS is why I love Coldplay. [thanks robsmith7]

OK I gave in. Listening for the fourth time. It's beautiful. Melancholy, but at the same time uplifting. It gives you a sense of urgency, but relaxes you! The middle chorus gives you goosebumps. Then Jonny's guitar comes in at the end.. wow! It makes me happy and makes me cry. It reminds me a little of parts of Amsterdam, parts of it like MTM as people have said.., parts of Rush of Blood, there are elements of Christmas lights even maybe? But most of all it's an epic, brilliant new Coldplay song and will be perfect for the movie. I can't wait to hear it in the theatre on surround sound. Oh and I have the song on pre-order, so I don't feel too terrible about listening early. I love it. [thanks Comicforce]

I think they have made a perfect song for a movie sound track, and tbh I think its a great song in it's own right! Reminds me of U2 in some places. Loving the Guitar and the Tack piano Towards the End! Fuck the haters.. 9/10 [thanks Dannyrobertsonviva]

After 2 listens, my initial impression is: meditative. It kind of leaves you in a tranquil state, which I appreciate. The melody is one that is uneasy to say the least, the piano melody sort of has you on edge, in the beginning but it opens up into a very nice chorus that is very "airy" if I could describe it, like you can breathe after the initial verse. It's like riding a roller-coaster. Think the band really captures a range of emotions in the span of four minutes. I think the ending is uplifting and optimistic, much like many Coldplay songs of the past. I rate this as a solid six -- musically I enjoy it, it's a nice hybrid and very "Moving to Mars" esque. I just can't connect emotionally to it RIGHT NOW, that may change. I quite like it though. [thanks Coldplayfan1294]

Seriously I love it. Sounds like it's right out of X&Y which is fantastic. I honestly think if I'd never heard X&Y before and this song was in the place of Twisted Logic (Not a fan, definitely their weakest closer, also I think Atlas would work well as a closer, sort of like Amsterdam) I think it would work perfectly. If this is on the same lines as what LP6 will sound like, then I am going to be very pleased with it. MX was good but I'm over it and I need classic Coldplay back! [thanks Jonesey16909]

I simply adore it. It's sweet, dreamy, a bit dark and the build up is intoxicating to me. I love the background, music and voices, the guitar at the end and think it's perfect for this movie. I'm thoroughly impressed. [thanks LdySpace]

They still can do it. God what if LP6 has got this style? It would be like MY GOD. BEST RECORD TO DATE. [thanks MorningGlory]

this song is seriously EPIC! EPIC EPIC EPIC! after the huge disappointment that was MX I was on the verge of a breakdown leading up to the release of Atlas because I kept being pessimistic and thinking its gonna be like MX. but I'm glad I was very wrong. the song is in fact so good I wish it wasn't released as this film's soundtrack. I'm gonna ignore the movie and the possible music video so it doesn't ruin the feel of the song for me. I really hope they follow with this on LP6. a ubiquitous positive reaction from us would certainly send a message. [thanks nvdmm]

It reminds me of the Rush of Blood era (or a mixture between that and X&Y)... it definitely sounds like old Coldplay and that's cool. However, from a songwriting perspective I think it could've been better. It's "pretty" and "mellow" but it doesn't have that epic flair to it that most great Coldplay tracks have in them. The lyrics aren't bad, but they are short and simple, they could have been smarter but there's nothing really wrong with them per se. It's strongest assets right now I think, are that it's new and sounds like old Coldplay. But I wouldn't say, at this time anyway, that I think it's amazing by any stretch of the imagination. It's just... alright. I definitely like the chorus. Just feel like it never quite reaches where it COULD go. Feels slightly underdeveloped. Also, I highly doubt the sound of this track is indicative of LP6. I think it's, it's own thing. 8/10 [thanks bleed0range]

I don't get why people say it sounds like old Coldplay. If anything, it sounds like new Coldplay. It has the classic sound, buildup and finale of an MX-era song. And those are definitely electric drums near the end. Let's say that's the part I like least. But for the rest, it's a good song. Not fantastic but good. If this were still the MX era, it would be among their best songs of that era. [thanks Tryptophan]

In my opinion is absolutely beautiful, i mean, isn't the perfect song that i would like to hear from the band but is the bass line it looks like a little bit Paradise's, the drum beats are soft, i like them. Jon's solo is amazing, i like the old Coldplay songs with more Jonny's solos haha but, anyway i love this one. Chris voice and piano are wonderful. 7/10 [thanks ST]

I would like to call Atlas the first example of post-Coldplay. Its haunting beginnings go back to Parachutes but towards the end there is that grandeur resulting from five years of stadium rock, but it is used sparsely, not in a distasteful ETIAW way. The soundscape is beautiful. To me it is a good sign that Coldplay have chosen to give wide exposure to this single as opposed to Moving to Mars, this other gem which had more or less the same vibe but was removed from the MX EP in the end. Viva post-Coldplay. I rated it 8/10. [thanks walewein]

The deep bases reminds me alot of the MX era, yet the lyrics have more of an X&Y feel to it. So cool seeing the different eras mesh together in one song. In general an awesome song, totally blew my expectations! [thanks golfing7861]

More Coldplayer reviews to follow... add yours now!

A clip of the brand new Coldplay single, 'Atlas' has been revealed online. It was initially available for a short time via Apple's official website, but you can click here to listen to the preview from entertainment website PerezHilton.com now. Let us know what you thought of the preview (or indeed if you'd rather wait for the full song tomorrow) at the Atlas sub-forum on the messageboard now. [thanks Tash, tickkle & Blue Nails]Music wesbite Gigwise listened to it and described it as, "downbeat and melancholy, on a delicate piano ballad which bears all the hallmarks of Coldplay at their finest."The full track will debut on radio stations across the world from 11am EST (4pm GMT) including Absolute Radio in the UK. If you know of any local stations to you, please post the listen live links for other Coldplayers to access. [thanks Jenjie]Atlas preview: Listen to 1m30s clip courtesy of PerezHilton.com:

Listen to this - 4pm on my show tomorrow first play of the new Coldplay single 'Atlas'. Who's attending? I'll put on a spread. Bush xox

— Absolute Radio (@absoluteradio) September 5, 2013

Atlas cover art:

Coldplay's forthcoming track, Atlas, will be 3 minutes and 56 seconds long, if today's reports citing iTunes are to be believed. [thanks coldpatrix & Tash]

Last week, prior to its release date being pushed back to 6th September (8th in the UK), Atlas was rumoured to be just 3m27s long, but today's latest sources appear as official as you get - iTunes, along with other digital retailers will be selling downloads of the song and have been taking pre-orders for a while now.

Meanwhile, the cover art has been officially revealed this week. Coldplay.com posted the cover, featuring film character Katniss Everdeen (played by Jennifer Lawrence) standing on a ledge with her trademark bow and arrow. Behind her, the clouds appear to take the shape of a Mockingjay - which becomes the unofficial symbol of rebellion in Panem (a nation risen from the ashes of a post-apocalyptic North America in the film). The words "COLDPLAY ATLAS" are placed along the top of the cover.

If you want something bigger for your PC desktop, look no further than the wallpaper in this post at the Atlas sub-forum [thanks Witfang_7]

The art is taken from the similar film cover for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. The tagline for the poster is a line drawn straight from the Suzanne Collins' book: “The sun persists in rising, so I make myself stand.” Catching Fire, the second installment in Lionsgate’s four-part series, hits cinemas and theaters on 22nd November. [thanks Dicoldp]

Some saw the sun

Some saw the smoke

Some heard the gun

Some bent the bow

Sometimes the wire must tense for the note

Caught in the fire say oh

We're about to explode

Carry your world, I'll carry your world

Some far away

Some search for gold

Some dragon to slay

Heaven we hope is just up the road

Show me the way, Lord because I

I'm about to explode

Carry your world

I'll carry your world

Carry your world and all your hurt