TheBigBadBono

I don't think anyone's to blame here. Will's important to the band not just because he approves the songs but because without him it wouldn't be the same. He left the band for a few weeks and it all went to shit - the song Trouble's kind of an apology to him, saying like - Hey Man, we shouldn't ever doubt you anymore. Even if some of the songs coming through are questionable and generic I don't doubt Will for a second. He's probably rejected so many songs that when he does accept - even if it's trash to you, you don't question the band's intentions. Secondly, I think all of Chris' trend with collaborating isn't due to him being greedy for money. Have you seen the guy? He's probably in contention for one of the nicest people ever - he's gone to Africa to help starving kids, helped with the Eavis family, donated millions of dollars, splits money with the band equally though he could very well take it for himself, shoulders all the media and bashing by others (such as yourself), and much more. He's so earnest and just wants a better world - everything he's said in the past 10-15 years has been geared towards it. His collaborations happen because he loves human beings. He loves human collaboration and people working together. He loves the collective strive towards something better. In that sense I don't see any problem with collaborations. Sure, sometimes they're geared towards money or at times generic songs, but that doesn't arise from any of the band being greedy. Not at all. If you've SUPPOSEDLY (supposedly being the key word) analyzed each band member for 18 years then you'll know what I mean. It's okay to not like Coldplay for their music or artistic direction. But I can't take bashing because of Chris or how nice they are. That's like the ultimate dick move. All they just want is love and unity yet they receive praise but at the same time criticism, harsh and unnecessary insults, and bashing. So don't blame Chris for leading Coldplay where they are. Don't blame anyone. As he said in another interview their style may have changed but X&Y is still there. Parachutes is still there. As are Viva and AROBTTH. Everyday Life came out barely a year and a half ago. Even if you don't like their newer records you can still listen to and appreciate the old ones. And don't insult Chris like that. Pardon my language but that's just fucking stupid, insulting one of the nicest men who's tried so hard to bring everyone together. Just stop.

Just came back and saw a barrage of messages and arguments - some of which I actually agree with. Bland vocals and terrible lyrics. I also somewhat side with the following trends, but not entirely because the way it was delivered seemed awfully condescending and the sender of the message spoke as if he was one of the band members himself. I'd just like to point out that I don't think they're selling out. Sure, they're following trends and making sorta generic music, but it is better than a lot of their recent radio hits, and the band seem to truly love what they're doing right now. Also, for the guy blaming Chris, don't Coldplay work as a democracy? Chris usually comes up with the idea and Jonny usually approves it, but most of the time many songs are cut off by Will and Guy. So whatever song comes through, you know that at least the band members love it - so why should we call it heartless? The song, though an unashamed pop hit, was written by Max Martin but also co-written by the members - it isn't one of those other pop songs which has a barrage of producers, writers, and people trying to cash in. I feel like people's reactions have been too negative. Sure, I didn't like the song when it came out and I still find many faults in it today, and I do miss the more melodic and adventurous Coldplay of their first four records, a bit of Mylo, and Everyday Life. But to call the band sell-outs and say that they pay so much attention to money is ignorant. If you guys keep on spewing stuff like that without further research then I suggest watching the 20 or so interviews - it really gives you a look into how they're thinking right now and is also quite enlightening. Oh, and if you're wondering I do have high hopes for this album. I think to an extent many of the things Chris said are just teasing - I don't think a BTS collaboration is incoming, because they usually don't collaborate with groups. Sure, the Chainsmokers are the exception, but their music needs the input of a vocalist, unlike other bands who generate music purely by themselves. I'm not that worried about the emoji things either (well not as much) because they usually do this kind of thing with weird titles in the past few years - O from Ghost Stories, A L I E N S looks like a shitpost, there's a title in Arabic, one that's abbreviated as WOTW/POTP, Color Spectrum is stylised as an actual spectrum in the album cover, etc. - I think it'll be more along those lines. Lastly, when Chris mentioned possible collaborations, I think this will at least be more along the lines of the collabs in Everyday Life rather than in MX or AHFOD. If there were by now we would have gotten serious and credible news of a collaboration but so far we haven't gotten anything bar the rumours with BTS that are mostly thrown around by the fans. So calm down, guys. We have an incredible era ahead and if you didn't like the song I'm sure there's plenty more, whether it be a synthpop 80s song, a Jon Hopkins-assisted song, an experimental Brian Eno song, a calm piano ballad, or some old unreleased song that they want to work on. The era seems too ambitious and well-planned for it to be just a pure pop album with radio-friendly hits. AHFOD had none of this planning and concepts, and neither did Ghost Stories to an extent. So yeah, there's my take! Feel free to engage in constructive discussion but please no bashing!

Just a small addition - the song might seem generic but in no way is it soulless - the band have always talked about how much they love 80s music - A-Ha, Peter Gabriel, David Bowie, Paul Simon, Echo and the Bunnymen, etc. Guy's bandmates with Magne Furuholmen (idk how to spell it) from A-Ha. So though it might seem in line with trends it certainly also feels inspired because of the band's favorite music.

The lyrics are terrible - can't argue there. But you speak of them as greedy politicians who gobble up money at the expense of poorer people. That's a laughable comparison when they're probably the NICEST band in the world by a long shot. I've given up arguing because I feel I've said enough on my end. Go vent to someone else and spread your negativity to others on this thread.

It's actually impressive how arrogant you seem to be about your one point that you're just suggesting and repeating over and over again. Literally every response I've seen from you is incessant bashing without reasoning nor proper discussion. This thread is for proper and constructive discussion, not attacking others and insulting the band themselves all because you dislike a song. Music is subjective. Let me get that out of the way. Sure, some songs are objectively better than others but to each their own - it doesn't matter if I hate a song that you think is brilliant and vice versa. I also think you're overexaggerating it being "crap" because there's a lot of good elements to be found in the song, particularly in the instrumentals and live versions. Sure, the lyrics are terrible and lazy but that's what you get from collaborating with Max Martin. I have a problem with calling the band you've supported for years clowns when they make the stuff that makes them happy. Sure, it might not be what you like, but calling them embarassments and clowns is a step too far. Do I like the song? Kinda, but it has yet to stick with me. Will I still support the band? I've done so since 2007 and always will - they've helped me in times of depression, soundtracked many of the important events of my life, and have provided me with many great songs. Calm the f down and please try to calm yourself down instead of arguing with others.

Everyday Life is my favorite album because it did something that post-2010 Coldplay didn't often do, which was step outside of their comfort zone. But I think to say their pop songs aren't heartfelt is a bit of a stretch. Sure, some pop songs can be pandering and trend-chasing but also be very soulful. Disco songs in the 70s. New Wave in the 80s. I think though they were aiming for a chart-topping song they seem very happy about it and love making music. Granted, it's not music many of us love, but if they love making it, then why would we call the song not heartfelt? Genuine music is also subjective - I personally don't like Ghost Stories nor Mylo but they put so much ambition and effort into the latter and the former was a breakup album so I'd say that's pretty genuine. As is most of the stuff from AHFOD, bar some certain songs. Again, the songs might not be very good at times, but it certainly seems that they love the feeling of music and making music - so I don't think it can be called heartless and ingenuine.

I disagree somewhat. Guitar isn't appealing but that doesn't mean it doesn't serve a purpose in making a song better. We saw how much better Higher Power became because of the louder guitar effects in the live version. Coldplay have always succeeded commercially and critically (with certain songs) though with guitar parts in their songs - Charlie Brown, A Head Full of Dreams (the song), Hurts Like Heaven, Major Minus, True Love, Up&Up, Trouble in Town, Champion of the World, Church, Every Teardrop, All I Can Think About is You, Everyday Life, Birds, Don't Let it Break Your Heart, etc. I do disapprove of overnegativity and too much bashing but it is disappointing that guitar was underutilized given how good many of their other songs are. But I do agree with nothing being wrong in being inspired by current music - my issue is that this sounds like trend-chasing at times rather than original inspiration. The song's good, but sometimes the issue is what the song was made for.

Garbage is a bit too strong a word and a bit too much of an overstatement - is it mainstream? Very much so. Is it generic? Sort of, but better than other pop songs nowadays. Is it lazy? Yes. Is it catchy? Yes. Is it one of the worst songs Coldplay have made? Not as bad as some of their other singles. Is it one of the worst songs ever made and deserving of all the hate it gets? Certainly not. I don't hate the song - don't love it either, but I think we'd benefit from a more positive than a pessimistic mindset. It isn't garbage - it certainly isn't great and isn't as good as their better singles and older songs, but to call it garbage ignores all the good elements the song has. Lmao how can you say they're not confident? Have you watched the interviews? Have you seen how much they're promoting it? Yes they're aiming to get the song as much airplay as possible which I don't agree with much, but they seem their most confident since Viva La Vida. I wouldn't call it desperately either. You want people to be more realistic about this but then go on to call the song garbage and make all sorts of stupid assumptions and exaggerations just to show how disappointed you are.

It's so confusing - the song's clearly a million times better with the guitar so I don't know why he was so obscured and underutilised.

I know many here are complaining about Jonny's guitar being too underutilized in the song - and it's true - but he's not totally absent. There are little nuggets and guitar licks throughout the song's opening choruses and verses and even it does sound rather unrecognizable due to the effects on the guitar there's no mistaking the guitar in the final chorus - which arguably should have been there the entire time, to be honest. Overall my thoughts on the song are rather mixed - yes, it's a tad bit generic and in line with the resurgence of 80s' synthpop throughout the past 5/6 years (excellent records include Lorde's, Carly Rae Jepsen's, Dua Lipa's, and The Weeknd) but if it had to be a generic song at least it isn't any of the drivel Maroon 5, Imagine Dragons, Lil Nas X, and other pop artists make - it's a "good" kind of generic if such a thing exists. My main problem with the song is the lyrics - arguably some of their dullest and strangest lyrical choices - a random shoe being untied lyric for no reason, a lazily written bridge, over-repetition of certain lyrics, etc. These are arguably some of their worst lyrics - yes, the song still sounds heartfelt but Ghost Stories' songs (which had some of their worst lyrics) had much better lyrics - even Adventure of a Lifetime, Up&Up, and Everglow, pop songs with cheesy lyrics, feel better lyrically than this. But there is more to this song than meets the eye. I did mention that it's a rather generic song - which is true to an extent, but there are weird and random little things that do catch my attention - the backwards lyric (drocer nekorb a ekil me), weird asian-style chanting vocals in the bridge and first verse, the song's hesitancy to fully burst into a wave of euphoria like Hurts Like Heaven or Birds, weird guitar effects and little licks, that signature bit of ambience at the end that either signals a transition into the next song or some ambience supplied by Brian Eno/Jon Hopkins, the rather quiet and subdued ending rather than a loud bang like ETIAW, ASFOS, or Paradise - the song may be generic but there's more to process than one might expect. Now to get to the good stuff - the production and melody. The lyrics are awful, but much of the song's happiness and euphoria is found in those signature, uplifting, and ascending melodies. The Instrumental above shows how good the song could be and - should different lyrics be applied - it could be a really good piece of music rather than just a fun pop tune to dance to. The instrumentals and melodies feel so uplifting and euphoric that it really gives one the feeling of speeding through space at "a million miles an hour". And btw, Guy's bass SLAYS in this song. His bass work in EL was some of if not his best with more pronounced and powerful bass lines and the bass is so far forward in the mix that it feels. so. good. Vocally this is also one of Chris' better outings recently - sure there's probably autotune but it feels more natural than his vocals in ASFOS, Magic, Paradise, AOAL, or any of their more recent work. His falsetto at the last chorus is a particular high point. Lastly, the production in this song. When I heard max Martin would be producing this song I raised my eyebrows. In fact, I still do, but for entirely different reasons. Those lazy lyrics are signature Max Martin writing, but it's impossible to ignore how good the production here is. Music Critics from NME and even Anthony Fantano have praised the mixing - which, for the first time since 2008, isn't overproduced in a Coldplay pop song. Synths are vibrant and bouncing all over the place, the bass as I mentioned is so loud but well-mixed, the drums, while electronic, are also upbeat - my only gripe is how soft Jonny's guitar and the Love Choir's vocals are - if you have multifaceted and talented musicians then don't bury them in the mix. But other than that, excellent mix. Overall, I have more to like about the song than to dislike. It's no Arabesque, Trouble in Town, or A L I E N S, which contain that progressive experimentation that many of us were hoping for, but for a radio-friendly summer pop song it's quite alright. It's not breaking any boundaries and that's a bit of a disappointment, and though the lyrics give me worry for the upcoming album, I have a feeling many of us will be surprised by the album. I think - just like this song - there's more to the upcoming album than meets the eye. OVERALL SCORE: 6.5/10

I don't know why but I have a sneaky feeling we're going to see Brian Eno and Jon Hopkins on this record, even if Max Martin's heavily involved. Space is their "thing" and the concept originated with Eno so I wouldn't be surprised if he had at least a small role in all of this.

seriously? This is quite an ignorant post tbh. They're not confident to tour EL because 1. it's not an album to tour with - only songs like Orphans, Arabesque, Champion of the World, and Trouble in Town are fit to play in huge arenas and stadiums - not the delicate melodies of Daddy, Eko, Old Friends, or Cry Cry Cry, and 2. because they hadn't figured out how to be more sustainable when touring. Of course they'd like to make a comeback after their more stripped-down album and now that they've figured out how to tour better they will. Secondly, how on earth can anyone accuse them of selling out and only caring about the money when they literally just made Everyday Life a year and a half ago and the Kaleidoscope EP a few years before? Ghost Stories minus ASFOS? The new song does sound generic but it sounds so much more heart-filled and hopeful than Coldplay's peers' recent releases - Follow You by Imagine Dragons? Beautiful Mistakes? Yes they're chasing trends which I'd rather they not do but if there was one pop style to copy it's synthpop, not the blander music people like Lil Nas X, Maroon 5, or Cardi B are putting out, but that electronic revival that's being released by The Weeknd, Lorde, Carly Rae Jepsen, etc. I'd agree with this as well. Most of the time a lot of the people - on Coldplaying, on Facebook, on Twitter, on Reddit - accuse the band without even watching interviews, actually thinking about what the band put out, and trying to listen to it without the mindset of it being the best song ever, but just a simple pop tune, the most radio-friendly on their upcoming album. I don't mind criticism - music always needs its critics and this song is rather underwhelming for me - terrible at times lyrics, sometimes lazily written, and no huge payoff - but the instrumentals are great. Critics from NME and even Anthony Fantano (the harshest critic on Youtube) have praised the production on this song, one of their best production-wise. Like I said, I don't mind criticism - but being overly negative about the song to the point of ignoring the good aspects of it or blindly accusing Coldplay of something that they haven't done I simply can't stand. Don't get me wrong, some people here are making good points. @I ran away has a lot of the same sentiments as I have about wanting them to return to organic and heartfelt music, but never blindly criticized the song. Yes, she did say it was generic, but also recognized the unique elements that could have been improved but were nevertheless good parts of the song. But other idiots on Reddit and here are blindly accusing them of selling out and only (keyword is only) caring about money and not making good music are absolutely blind. One guy said they make music for children, like Toys R' Us? Seriosuly? Another guy said that their potential is wasted and that there's no hope for them anymore - okay? A third said that we're gullible to fall for a song like this because we don't appreciate "Real" music". Like, seriously? I'm sorry if I'm venting, but I've just seen so much needless negativity over the past few days. Criticism is okay - like I said I too have more to dislike about the song than to like - but to spread needless negativity because of the way we feel about our song to others who might like it is foolish. Let someone enjoy music for their own happiness. Don't accuse a band for selling out when they're clearly putting a lot of effort and heart into making supposedly "soulless" pop music. Criticize the music, but don't criticize others who like it. Chris wears that "Love" button on his shirt since 2014 - and I do think we should spread more of that. If anyone tries to point out that I'm a newplay fan and that I only like them for their "shallow" pop music - you're wrong. I'm an Oldplayer at heart. I saw them at Singapore in 2006 and again in Manila in 2017. I've longed for them to make another X&Y or Viva (which came with EL) and I do dislike many of their modern songs. But I also dislike some of their older stuff, I don't let being an oldplayer blind me from the fact that there are some songs in their earlier work that I don't like. I also really like Mylo and Ghost Stories. However flawed those records are they still have that Coldplay magic, as do most songs on AHFOD and even Higher Power. I'm an Oldplayer sure, but whatever new music they put out, I'll support them because they've been my favorite band since 2008 and always will be regardless of what they do. Coldplaying should be a place to criticize music but also have fruitful and constructive discussions on the music and band we love, not mindless rabble about a song we didn't like and non-existent "Selling out". I joined this server a few months ago to speculate about new music and everyone seemed excited - even when the forums got busier there was a sense of camaraderie and hopefulness that now kinda feels absent because of all the needless negativity and bashing. Again, sorry for the venting, but I just wanted to share my thoughts with y'all. Peace!

Jacob Collier/Brian Eno/Jon Hopkins. Please.

this is a great album! I'd love a song like this as well, with U2/30 Seconds to Mars guitar effects!

Nice! Any idea about which flag was voted to be sent to Glastonbury? IIRC there was a poll containing other flags and the winning design would be chosen.

Lmao people jumping at expectations that this is going to be AHFOD 2.0 where they sell out - that's not going to happen. Max Martin is likely a one-off producer for the hit single because he doesn't really do albums, just hits. This concept was in the works since 2009, the post-Viva era - guess which other album was in the works by then? Everyday Life. There's a chance that Jon Hopkins might be coming back, as well as Brian Eno. There's a chance that the talented Jacob Collier might be on it - if so, then we're in for a great album. Also, this is pretty inaccurate. The band creates whatever they want to because they love creating music, bonding with people, and connecting the world - even in their most inaccessible album, the one that sold the least, they expressed that very sentiment. Stop judging that they're all about the money because they're still clearly very passionate not about the money but about the music and the fans. Also, it's 15 seconds. You can go ahead a judge the song when it releases on Friday but please refrain from unwarranted criticism and nitpicking until then. And please stop judging the album based on the first single. In addition, I'd say this is the most confident the band have felt in years. The promotion, hype, and confidence with which they're speaking tells me that this might not be just a commercially acclaimed but a critically acclaimed album as well. Just a feeling.

I think it's because of Max Martin's role in the song. We know he's still working because the photos he's shared on instagram hint at him working in the studio. I think it's just for this particular song.

I agree - let's not assume the quality of a song based on the first 15 seconds. Let's also not assume the quality of an album based off of 15 seconds of one of its songs! IMO Max Martin's probably just helped with one to two singles here and - since they're singles - they're bound to be the poppiest on the record. In case anyone's worried, Jon Hopkins might come back. Jacob Collier might help with some of the songs. The Dream Team, though not mentioned in the liner notes, are probably going to come back. Brian Eno might have a few says in this. I personally think the single's okay as it is, but I just have a gut feeling that this album is going to be good. Really Good.

It seems like he's painted a planet (whatever that thing is) onto his wrist. Jonny's guitar looks so cool as well! Plus the Mylo Spray paint is back!

ICMYI the performance yesterday is rumoured to be a rehearsal as Coldplay are supposedly the opening act for the BRITs on May 11th! New set designs and some great clothes as well! (Article here)

I don't think there's been a long list of writers apart from the four of them - the single cover lists Max Martin, Denise Carite of the love choir, and Fede Vindver (who co-produced COTW, Church, Orphans, and Everyday Life. It might be poppy but I think it'll be much better than some of their poppier singles given the lack of Stargate production, the introduction of a choir, and a more ambitious album. I could be wrong, though.

Matt McGinn (Jonny's roadie iirc) published a book in 2011 called Roadie: My Life on the Road with Coldplay. It covers most of his time with Coldplay (from X&Y or AROBTTH onwards), up until recording past Viva La Vida. One of the pages in the book contains a reference to Brian Eno and the Music of the Spheres. You can find the line yourself here: https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=3k4mEAAAQBAJ&pg=PT97&lpg=PT97&dq=an+insanely+overcapable+piece+of+high-end+silliness+that+probably+contains+the+secret+answer+to+the+Music+of+the+Spheres&source=bl&ots=iOpYCDCw0Y&sig=ACfU3U3jzgTeV-KCBGY4zYcHz9ESfeBFpQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjnkLrIvaXwAhVJGaYKHdVcANoQ6AEwAHoECAEQAw#v=onepage&q=an insanely overcapable piece of high-end silliness that probably contains the secret answer to the Music of the Spheres&f=false It's also worth noting that A L I E N S was heard way back in 2009 on the South Bank Show (43:34 in the Youtube Video) So yeah, I have reason to hope for a Brian Eno influence in this album. I'm pretty sure Jon Hopkins is helping with this album, although I might be wrong.

IMO this is probably the most reasonable theory. Even though the single's poppy and Max Martin's producing it, the marketing, themes, concepts, and planning for this seem so much more ambitious than anything since Mylo. The entire set-up of codes, alphabets, radio stations, etc. just screams a more ambitious (maybe not as experimental as EL) album. Not to mention that the term Music of the Spheres appeared way back in 2010 - the same time A L I E N S and Moving to Mars were written.

IMO this song is part of the album but it'll be the only song produced by Max Martin - just like how Stargate worked on Church on EL. Let's not forget that Max Martin also did the production on both Orphans (an alright song) and Champion of the World (a fantastic song). There was news a year ago about Chris heading to Max Martin's studio in Sweden (which I presume was for the song) so I can assume that they only had him produce the lead single (if this is the lead single). I think he will wield some influence over the song but generally he's a very versatile producer who works to the band's, and any artist's, strengths. Adele's Send My Love sounds very different stylistically from Katy Perry's Last Friday Night and The Weeknd's Blinding Lights. If anything he's going to inject his magic into the song while maintaining the band's main strengths, something Stargate failed to do during production. It's also worth noting that the song on Apple Music is marked as "alternative". Not that that means anything but we can possibly expect a pop song with rock influences - like ETIAW or Charlie Brown, hopefully. I'm still keeping my hopes up for Hopkins and Eno playing an important role - which could very well happen. EDIT: In their post they mention the song coming from the bathroom and a keyboard - so I think we could expect synths or piano in the song at the very least.

yup, they're definitely prepping their spotify for the album. I spotted a Twitter user a few days ago saying that they also stopped highlighting their singles playlist on their front page - something's definitely coming up really soon.