Famous Old Painter

I get what you mean, but it makes a lot more sense if you examine the lyrics as well.

It feels crass and inappropriate to speculate but I can't help myself, do you think this song could be about Scott? Several of the lyrics seem to point that way. If so, it's a really touching tribute. I had no idea Scott had any sort of relationship with Coldplay, but his death seems to have affected them enough to write this song. Or maybe they were working on it before his death and it's all just a coincidence.

Looks like it’s been spelled wrong for over 10 years now. You’re the first to point it out in all that time

[spoiler=I'm Richard. Hey!]

I mean, that's exactly what happened when it came to swearing

I don't think I'm spoiling too much when I say you're in for a treat

Yeah, wasn't expecting that at all. I assumed Ghost Stories was about as dark as Newplay were ever going to get. I was very wrong. This album might be even darker than AROBTTH, which is crazy considering they just came off the heels of AHFOD.

That's goddamned beautiful

I’m glad they’re finally moving away from the MX/AHFOD sound but not gonna lie, I’m not enjoying it as much as I hoped I would

Maybe it's because I've known these songs for ages by Orphans and Arabesque sound completely out of place. The rest of this album is so quiet and sad that it makes Parachutes sound like a death metal record. Not what I was expecting at all.

If the rumours are true and EL will feature a pop disc and an experimental disc, and we’re also getting a pop album next year, that’d be disappointing. I’d like more than half an album of experimental Coldplay if they’re being that prolific.

I remember an old quote about David Bowie only being as good as the people he collaborates with. I think that’s a bit unfair towards Bowie’s own genius, he’s obviously brilliant in his own right, but there’s a reason why his album featuring Donny McCaslin and Maria Schnieder was better received than his record with Mickey Rourke rapping on it. The same idea is just as applicable to Coldplay I think. Obviously a brilliant band in their own right, but they need the right collaborators to bring out the best in them.

I also suspect Wonders of the World/Power of the People may be a double track like Army/X Marks or Yes/CSC

Everyday Life is 53 minutes. Removing the singles we're left with 44 minutes. Assuming the average song length is 4 minutes (some will be shorter, some may be longer) that leaves us with room for about 11 extra songs as a best case scenario. So there are either gonna be some super short songs on here, or there will be about 3-4 interludes. Maybe 2 interludes per side? Just a guess though.

AHFOD: We're working with Beyonce, Stargate, Aviici and there's a song inspired by Flo Rida Everyday Life: We're working with the Kuti family, Jacob Collier and using leftover ideas from Brian Eno Yeah, I think I'm allowed to feel more excited this time around!

Hard disagree. Imagine Viva la Vida without Jon Hopkins, Davide Rossi or Brian Eno?

I keep listening to this song over and over. I can’t believe they actually did this. Like, Jesus Christ guys, where the hell have you been the last 10 years?

I dunno, the fact the two singles sound so different, and the fact it’s a double album, still gives me no idea what to expect

Sideways one

I went in as a complete cynical bastard - Coldplay have burnt me so much this past decade. But I have to agree with everything you said. Both of these songs are extremely special

That's why I said a lead single and not the lead single

Don't wanna just repeat what everyone else is saying but, holy shit this thing is insane! The fact the world's biggest pop band chose to release this as a lead single bodes very well.

Both new tracks remind me of Viva tracks (Orphans/LiJ, Arabesque/Yes) which is a very positive sign It's far too early to say "Oldplay are back!" but y'know, early signs are good

It's what they were attempting with MX/AHFOD but actually done well. It's undeniably poppy, but it's genuinely feel-good poppy, which the band hasn't really been for a long time. It kinda reminds me of Lovers in Japan actually

I hope it’s in Daddy