Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.

Coldplaying

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.

Coldplay sample Peter Allen's 1976 single 'I Go To Rio' on 'Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall'

fashionstatement1a.jpgColdplay's long awaited comeback single 'Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall', takes a sample from Australian 1970s songwriter Peter Allen's single 'I Go To Rio', the band have confirmed on their recordings page for the new single. The track was released in 1976 on Allen's fourth album 'Taught By Experts' and has since been covered by a number of high profile artists, including Peggy Lee. Listen to both tracks together at the Coldplay forum now.

 

Allen, who died in 1992, enjoyed a successful music career in the 1970s and 1980s, releasing over ten solo albums. He has also seen his songs covered by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dusty Springfield and Olivia Newton-John. Coldplay have credited Allen as a songwriter on the list of writers for 'Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall' on Coldplay.com. More reaction to Coldplay’s new single 'Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall' is after the jump...

James Murphy sampled Velvet Underground on LCD Soundsystem's Drunk Girls. Nobody tell me that LCD weren't one of the best bands of the past decade. Samplings are hard to pull off and require a lot of talent to make it their own. Personally I love the new track, I think it's fantastic and could dance/jump/be enthusiastic to it all day. It remind my of LCD's All My Friends in that it follows the same two chords throughout and builds on them to a big ending. Great work. [thanks R_Burns]

 

An absolutely amazing song - full of euphoria and joy. I love the boldness and the colours, the experimentation and the 'heart on sleeves' pumping thrill of it. Some people only want Coldplay to do sad introspection, but I love that sometimes they just say, 'Sod it, this makes us happy'. Also, I'd love anyone on here who's being negative to write a song that is a quarter as good as ETIAW. Turn the volume up, open the windows and throw your arms in the air for this one. [thanks Adam84]

 

I gave it a 4. That was nice. It might be a 2 or 3 in comparison with Coldplay's overall catalog, even though "Viva la Vida or Death and Blah Blah Blah" was hit-and-miss for me. I gave it a little nudge because if it's anything like "Viva la Vida" (the song), it has live potential, especially since Chris's voice isn't very pure in this studio version. Whether this is the biggest single to come out of the next album may not be relevant, though. Yeah, "Violet Hill" wasn't released so far in advance before the album, but I ended up liking it better than probably half the album, and better than VLV too. But most songs on the album didn't sound like "Violet Hill" at all. But I could be in denial about this just because I'm so disappointed in this lead single. [thanks Corkus]

 

I think it's worth considering that this song might not be indicitive of the album at all (we don't even know that's it's on there, although I imagine it will be) and maybe they wouldn't have released it first if they weren't playing all these festivals...but Glastonbury, especially, must have been playing on their mind and maybe they wanted to release something summery, upbeat and festival friendly (which it most certainly is). Hopefully they'll play some more new songs tonight and we can get a feel for what they've been up to. [thanks mimixxx]

 

Well, what can I say... obviously, old coldplay is gone forever but that's not bad at all, all the albums are different in some way. After a couple of listens I think that is a fresh song, great for summertime (although it's almost winter here ) and it's a fun song to sing along. I don't believe that every song on this album is going to be like this, or at least I hope so, because even though I like this song I would like to hear the Coldplay I fell in love to. For example, when Beady Eye released their first single "Bring The Light" everybody (including me) were excited for it but when it came out it was quite disappointing actually, and everybody was saying how simple it was and how shit the lyrics were. But when the album came out, it turned to be one of the best albums i've heard. I hope Coldplay had released this song just because they're playing some festivals and they thought this song could be nice for summertime, and then when the album comes out, it will blow out our minds. After all, we've waited 3 long years, and they come out with Ritmo De La Noche?? [thanks juanif94]

 

First impression was...hmmm different, but as the song goes on you realise it is a growing succession of the VLV Album. One may say Coldplay's style in RoBH and Parachutes is missed but, then again, those albums haven't gone away. If Coldplay produced another album similar to the two previously mentioned, it becomes quite ordinary and may suggest a lack of new ideas. The idea that the best of the band has been heard and that they're going backbto their safe zone would have also resulted. This single suggests the work of Coldplay is one of progress. We just mustn't forget, they're still the same awesome band we love. Thumbs up to being ever-learning and ever-maturing. Hope the rest of the album is awesome! [thanks Rey810]

 

At first listen, I really disliked the beginning pop-ish sample. It really ticked me off from what I thought the song would be like. Hopefully the album isn't too far into pop crap that is popular these days. They need to make music for the music, not popularity. It's called "Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall" and they said they were going for a more stripped-down, acoustic album. But it definitely is not that at all. It's more of a summer anthem dance-pop song. I was a bit disappointed but I think it's a grower. Just another bit, I'm really used to Coldplay songs having that beautiful ending to every song. Even Christmas Lights had a touching ending to that song. Lovers in Japan had an epic ending with the guitar back to the main beat/melody. But this song just doesn't hit the right place. The drum ending is obviously Will's idea, and I know it's something new for them to try, but it didn't make me think, "wow that song was epic." So I gave it a 7. It might be 7-8 after a few more listens. I seriously hope this song is like the Violet Hill of this album, and there will be some underrated songs such as "Cemeteries of London", "Death and All His Friends", "Strawberry Swing", and "Lovers in Japan". [thanks laxwatcher]

 

Fun song. I can already see the big festival crowds singing and waving and jumping along to it. Makes me wish I could be there. It's definitely meant to mainly be a live song, and it's going to be one of the highlights of their show I would say. As a recorded single? Not their greatest and not their worst. Just really fun. [thanks Space Cadet]

 

Once almost everybody has heard it I'll give you my humble opinion. I think the song is catchy, but it's not a brilliant song, really... not the one they'll be remembered. But I think that this one is not going to be finally in next album. Really. At least, I hope so... [thanks locust7]

 

Strange...I experienced the same build-up with everyone all week long, full of unspeakable anxiety. But the moment I sat in my car this morning and blasted the song for the first time, I wasn't thinking about "old Coldplay", or the "new direction" or all the premature negativity around the lyrics or cover art. I suppose my head was quite clear from all of that because I just sat there fully enveloped, mouth dropped open, soaked in a blissfull ambiance of Coldplay magnificence. I listened to it repeatedly on the way to work, so excited to see the comments on these forums; to see how others must be drooling similarly about how the song made them feel. Instead I'm completely taken aback by how downplayed the response is: the "so-so's", the ranking of 4's and 7's, the immediate likenesses drawn to LIJ and VLV (which was a predictable comparison given the early insight) while even some now dissillusioned about the new sound, even putting into question their continued devotion to the band. It's sort-of heartbreaking to see. Perhaps on the flip-side it's heartbreaking for those "old-school" fans to embrace...I dunno. Not this fan. I also don't see the song, as some hyperbolize, as aimed at "15 year-olds". Coldplay's music has always trenscended age groups regardless; and I greatly respect their ability to do that. I think it's also a bit unfair for so many to immediately assume that the rest of the album will share the same mold of this first song. Had VLV been the first song on the previous album perhaps that would've been the same conclusion to draw. However, that album turned out to be quite different altogether (admittedly, more ecclectic perhaps). These are my opinions of course, and I do respect everyone elses' even though I may dissagree. I just wanted to convey my dissapointment, less with the song, and more with the reactions. I'm honestly baffled..it's an amazing song that was completely unexpected even with all of the early rumors about it being "dancy", etc.. It actually leaves me starves for more as if waiting for the punch-line. I'm so impressed by their growth and development, and the culmunating of their talents; reaching in new ways. I can't wait to go for another swim it again already. [thanks Voltaire72]

 

I just can't help myself from loving this song, and I don't care if it's 'not creative' or 'boring' to some people, it's a lead single and it's a fun one at that. But it also bears the mark of Coldplay lead singles, they're good, but not the best on the album and Jonny always has some killer riff (Shiver, In My Place, Violet Hill). If it's treated like anyone of those songs I'll be perfectly happy.. as a potential album closer I'm not so sure.. but please please Jonny don't let this be the only song where you actually play guitar, please let it carry over for the entire album once! [thanks toddbluezoo]

 

I personally am loving the song but i want to say something to any people who fall in the group of people who think they haven't done enough with the song. for those people who thinks its too big of a change, i just can't understand where you're coming from. i can respect your opinion but not understand it. while i love this song, i also realize it might be the "broadest" song on the album - it's their first single. those songs are always the most mainstream for any band. very few bands would do a radiohead and put out some crazy song - even they don't do that anymore. so i really do think the album looks good if this is the first single. i'm excited and i really love this song! [thanks footyfan10]

 

I was taken aback at first because that's not at all what I expected. I was kinda thinking it would be like a LiT kind of vibe. But this works too. Sampling works sometimes (LiT) but LiT was integrated so prefectly and struct a perfect balance between Hopkins and Coldplay. They seem to do it A LOT though. Once every album since X&Y, if I'm not mistaken. Arguably, more that once in Viva (Cough Cough Santarini) (By the way I'm on Coldplay's side for that one). I'm just saying a lot of people may sat that. The haters mentioned above, perhaps? Anyway, it's not the best Coldplay song, but neither was Violet Hill (my least favorite from Viva), which was the first out of the gate from Viva, which was stunning. Is that what they're trying to do, anyway? Come out with the best song right away? I still have faith in something great. Have we forgotten that these guys are geniuses? They know what they're doing. This is "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love The Samples." [thanks Baw8cc]

 

Not really understanding the bashing of this song. What isn't to like? This song is a mixture of classic Coldplay, Viva, and a new direction, I think it's absolutely brilliant. Let me just say this: When Violet Hill came out 3 years ago, the first single off of Viva La Vida, I was NOT too excited. I enjoyed the song, but wasn't in love with it, never have been. But I LOVED Viva as an album. So, if this song is any indication of how the album is going to sound, I think we are all in for a VERY special treat, and an album that will be timeless, as is all Coldplay music. ENJOY THIS SONG FOR WHAT IT IS: An upbeat, happy, motivating song! [thanks ISawSparks06]

 

I gave it an 8. Mostly because I love the sound, lack of verse-chorus-verse structure and gradual build-up, but I'm really surprised they went down the 'sampling' route after all the fiasco of VLV so deducted a couple of points as the originality is lacking. It is still better than a lot of current pop songs. Coldplay have definitely confirmed their move towards more mainstream/pop than their alternative rock past with this single. I remember thinking this when VLV was released, but thought it might be short-lived. I don't necessarily see it as a bad thing, but I can also see how others might feel alienated! Ultimately, they'll always lose fans and gain fans as their career progresses. I feel while there may be a lot here that give up on the band, a lot more will come in and take their place. [thanks mrman78]

 

I gave a 8 ! I already listened to it many times and i do like their innovation in this song...new rhythm and new catchy melody. They took the risk to make something different and they did it very well. Ok, it's not mindblowing compared to Fix You and Clocks, i agree, but what if each new song from their LP5 was the same or almost the same as the previous ones ? people would certainly find a way to say there's anything new ! So, innovation sometimes is pretty good as they did it here...just a way to express something new with creation and imagination ;-) Plus, they did something "swinging" in this song...i'm sure more than one person will dance during the festivals, trust me ! :-) So, here's my opinion. But, btw, i just want to specify that i agree with the fact that some people don't like this song or are disappointed (and that's their choice !), but please, is this really intelligent to write some nasty words ?? like "Coldplay is a fucking load of shite and this just confirms it.", for example. Anyone has the right to not like this song, but please, express yourself with respect for the band ! ... [thanks laurenev49]

 

Well.. i've learned not to judge coldplay songs on the first day everytime i do it grows on me that much that i regret giving it negative comments . It makes me happy anyway .. the song ... although the lyrics dont make that much sense and could be a bit more complex and flowing. but ah wel let's see what comes out of the album ! I like it , not in my top 10 maybe but that might aswell be so in a few weeks. [thanks tom043]

 

I can't understand people being so negative about this song. Two of three posts are angry/disappointed/contemptuous... Well I understand that anticipation made you believe that whatever they put out should be mind-blowing genius and in the way you want it to be. A mixture of Politik and Clocks, or The Scientist and Viva la Vida, whatever. Perhaps when hopes are too high, it spoils impression, because ETIAW is a nice summer song. It's catchy, dance-y, cheerful. It's good for listening in the car and hopping to at the festivals. Music must be different, for different people and different moods. Have you ever had that happy, cheerful attitude in the summer, just having a good time? I had. And I know what's this song about. And people, there is whole wide world around you with a lot of great different music. Try to switch a bit to something different, and than listen to ETIAW again - you'll see this song is half not that bad. [thanks lafinion]

 

I'm torn between a 5 or 6. I gave it a 6 because it's a little closer to good than bad, I guess. The lyrics are bad, I suppose, but they're pretty standard Coldplay material. Certainly better than many favorites around here like Lovers in Japan, Glass of Water, Fix You, and so on. The music is nice enough, but my biggest problem is that (in a way terrifyingly similar to many songs on X&Y) the song never really takes off. It's loud and shiny, but I'm a bit bored by minute two. Usually their best arena songs manage to be bombastic but dynamic. Viva La Vida (the song), for instance, surprises with the little bells between the first two verses, before exploding at the end and then disappearing into lovely synth. Even so, I'm not calling this a sell-out. They're already one of the most popular bands in the world. Putting out pop as opposed to say, Clocks 2.0 (or maybe it'd be 3.0 by now) is riskier given the already established fan base. [thanks MasoKnight]

 

At first I was really excited for the single and once I heard it at first I wasn't entirely sure what to expect and whether I liked it or not. After listening to it a couple of times, I really liked it! I loved the colorful fast paced rhythm of it and I loved Jonny's guitar part! The lyrics weren't so bad and I'm sure it will grow on me. This is definitely the era of a new Coldplay and I can't wait to see how the next album or single will turn out! However there were something I didn't like about it.

 

1. I was worried in the intro that Chris sounded autotuned, since his voice is great and I really would hate it they messed with his voice; 2. The sampling, it's a large part and I'm scared they'll forget how to be creative and just be lazy when it comes to making music; 3. Chris almost sounds like he's been drowned out by the sound and trying to yell, but now that I think about if they were purposely trying to do it and show a sense of urgency in the music then it worked. [thanks taameen**sparks**]

 

I'm not sure what to feel. Really at a lost for words atm. It's not what I expected though, I will give them that. But there's definitely hope. I've listened about five times since returning home a short while ago and it seems to get better every time. It's not a bad song I don't think. I just don't know how to process it yet. I might well be obsessed with it in a week. Not true about the Violet Hill thing I read awhile back. Well, maybe it was here and that people were skeptical about/displeased with it. But for some reason i loved it since the first time I got it off the site and heard it. It had that somewhat hard-rock feel with the jarring riffs that I always listened to with my Dad. Maybe that's why. [thanks Fix42YellowClocks]

 

rockimparkwill1.jpg

Coldplay head to Rock im Park festival tonight... (source: Coldplay's Twitter)

 

 

User Feedback

Recommended Comments

There are no comments to display.

Guest
This is now closed for further comments

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.