MasoKnight

Having heard it in the context of the full album, the song kinda feels like their triumph (more than A Sky Full of Stars). The instruments and production are new Coldplay, but the structure (and especially the last minute) of this song is built like an anthem from the AROBTTH era.

The opening minute of Ink and the majority of A Sky Full of Stars are cringe-worthy, but otherwise this is miles better than MX. Obviously the Eno influence is still strong; the textures aren't quite as smooth or coherent, but I think it works with the album's atmosphere. Edit: I was also worried that Midnight would sound weird as the centerpiece, but it actually works really well.

The solo is one of the most interesting things they've ever done. Edit: The beginning riff is, as someone else mentioned, very reminiscent of Taylor Swift's "Love Story" haha

Wait, is it really on iTunes? I'm on the wrong computer to check.

I wish the guitar was turned up a little in the first chorus and bridge, but the rhythm section is mixed well.

1. Oceans 2. Magic 3. Always in My Head 4. Another's Arms (live) 5. Midnight 6. ASFOS

Coldplay is apparently the only band in history to manage to "sell-out" on four consecutive albums. The reality is that the band could release anything and sell millions. ASFOS is on the album and sounds the way it does because the band likes it.

Has someone posted this? Sounds like an authentic instrumental. [video=youtube;qUwGcG6-TD0]

Extended preview here. Perhaps already posted....

Studio version preview: https://soundcloud.com/clubcoldplayer2/oceans-adelanto-version-estudio

They added lyrics, a melody, and the entire climax of the song (with a number of additional instruments). Saying that Midnight is a "remix" is like saying ETIAW is a remix. And Hopkins is listed as both a producer and writer according to wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Stories_%28Coldplay_album%29

Ah, thanks!

Oh, I see. I just assumed that Chris starting with "Okay boys!" meant the song had just started.

It's about a minute shorter than the album version. Probably shortened the intro and/or outro.

Hmm... there's a lot of DLIBYH/Every Teardrop in this one. Not really liking it, but who knows what it'll sound like when it's better quality.

Admittedly, people read way too much into the connection between an artist's work and his personal life, but it does seem very strange that this news would break as Coldplay is about to release what seems to be their love song album.

Really? How so? In any case, going off my limited knowledge, many of the judges on the voice--Cee lo green, Christina, etc.--are respected artists and better singers than Chris even. Having said that, I thought The Voice supposedly came about as a response to American Idol: the show was too much about appearance and marketing, so they dedicated a show to discovering real talent?

;)

Coldplay need to stay in their serious artist box. Like when they did The Nappies and guested on The Simpsons. They definitely shouldn't be appearing on singing shows like hacks Queen, Rod Stewart, Diana Ross, Andrea Bocelli, Barry Gibb, Barry Manilow, Beyonce, or . . . wait, Coldplay?? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_American_Idol_episodes

How is this any different from releasing b-sides? Edit: Prior to recent amazon/itunes explosion, it was either buy at a premium on ebay or pirate. And as someone else pointed out, this still happens regularly with limited edition vinyl.

You guys are awful. Good for Chris. It's probably a lot of fun to spend a few days on a TV show, hanging out and singing with people who are absolutely desperate for a break. There are a ton of talented people on The Voice, including many artists who've been trying to make it for years by performing in bars and recording when they scrape the money together, etc. And I've seen quite a few legitimately incredible singers guest on shows like American Idol for the purposes of "coaching" the contestants.

I think Chris typically embarrasses himself when he tries to be clever. His metaphorical range is that of a high schooler. Straightforward lyrics at least carry more meaning than cliche.

[video=youtube;KMTIW7MvmWA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMTIW7MvmWA To me this was always their most devastatingly beautiful song. Would be cool if Chris did a bit of it for the next tour. I could see a verse or two being used as an intro to something else.

I rated this an 8 a couple days ago, but I dunno... It might be better. Can't get over how good it is. Edit: Does anyone else think of the line "Oh, oh, yes I would" from "Moses," when he says "Oh, yes, I do" at the end here? haha

The verses are lovely, particularly the piano accompaniment. The first half of the song is a "return to the roots" in the strictest sense--it recalls songs like "For You" and "Harmless" (although admittedly with touches of newer material like "Prospekt's March" and "Christmas Lights"). But the chorus is boring and flat, particularly given the expectations that necessarily build with the word "explode." And we might ask where the rest of the band is. We get a bit of "Fix You"-esque drumming and sparkling guitar toward the end, but it mostly feels like an afterthought. 5/10. Not bad.