Hey guys, I decided to create this new thread because I've been meaning to do this for quite some time now. =) It's an analysis of all that we know of the 4th Album including some of my own views as well.
It's a pretty long post, haha, but I hope you find it interesting. =)
None of this is confirmed, except where stated.
---Release Date & General Info---
First up, we know that the release date of this album is 'Early 2008' and that it is currently being mixed by Jon Hopkins.
Many of us think that the title for the album is '42'. We also considered other titles such as 'Prospekt' and ' Viva La Vida'.
The album's proposed time length is 42 minutes, follwed by the release of 2 other independent songs.
Most of these, except the title of course, is pretty much the most concrete information we have on this topic.
--Song Style--
We know that Brian Eno and Marcus Dravs are working on this album. We do not know if Timbaland is. Personally I don't think he is producing the album (And I hope not) because of one main reason: There has been no official confirmation as of yet.
Considering that Brian worked with them for 'Low' (Which, I have to say is a fantastic song to see how high up Chris's vocal range can go) I would expect the songs in this album to be very different from the previous 3.
It's suggested to have a Hispanic feel to it.. plus. The drumming is supposed to be leading the song rather than being in the background. Why do I get the feeling we're going to get a 'military/war' type album with loads of drumming and crazy guitar riffs? Haha. But that's just me.
If we compile all the info that we have, we may be able to figure out something..
-If I'm not wrong, Chris mentioned there will be less piano in this album? But later in one of the news articles, it's said that Chris had let someone hear some of the upcoming songs and there was one with just Chris and his piano, which the person described as 'amazing' (I think, I'll have to check the news archive on this.)
-Hispanic feel! Background vocals recorded in churches! =) We do know that there are 'No maracas or castanets, but a vibracy and colourfulness that owes much to the atmospheres of Buenos Aires and Barcelona. The effect is subtle but important. ' (Taken from Prospekt Entry, 24th July 2007). It may also mean we may hear all of the band members singing together (along with Brian Eno! =D) a la 'Fix You' live.
-In one of prospekt's entries, it describes the album as followed:
"This is the album I always dreamed they would make. It's the sound of a band realizing their own strength. The sound of four men with total confidence in themselves and one another.
It's the sound of a songwriter at the peak of his ability. Lyrically and melodically, Chris seems to have broken through past constraints. There's a new confidence to venture beyond the limit of the known and comfortable. An urge to explore and discover. His energy is electrifying - sometimes intimidating. A manic bundle of love, passion, and rage. A veracious appetite for life, eagerly devouring every minute of every day. He knows that time is short.
Jonny, too, has explored a whole new universe of sounds magicking up a new world for each song. His guitars are all over this album. Will has manipulated, mashed and spliced beats and time signature to produce rhythms that lead rather than follow the song. Guy - always the tastemaker and musical authority of the band - has guided and shaped the whole process always pushing but unafraid to rein things in when necessary.
The four of them together make up a formidable unit, and this is the album people will remember them by.
Prospekt "
-If I remember correctly, there was an article saying that it was hinted that Coldplay's 4th album would sound 'electronic'?
-Chris has stated that one of the songs in the album has to be heard by everyone before thay die. (Pointing toward a 'Life' theme for the song, perhaps?)
I made an observation that many things about the album seem to be referring about 'Life'. The 'Viva La Vida' (Translated as 'Live the life!') from Will's video.. The song that everyone must hear before they die.. Maybe I missed out a few but this album seemingly has to do with how precious life is. I'm kind of expecting most of the songs to be darker and full of energy. Maybe the songs will start out slow and then build and build until the climax (Think of the vibrant hispanic feel).. A bit like 'Fix You', only more Hispanic, maybe?
Some songs we do know, however:
If you haven't listened to 'Bucket for a crown' (One of the songs that was sung by Chris and is rumoured to be for the 4th album, though it seems unlikely now), do check it out. For those who have, it kind of feels like the song is pretty dark isn't it? And and and. The violin. Piano and violin. It gave me this really eerie but amazing feeling when I was listening to the song, though, of course, it wasn't really completed at the time.
I've been searching high and low for 'Mining on the Moon' and 'The Fall of Man' but I haven't been able to find them. If I remember correctly, Chris played 'Mining on the Moon' on a show but later decided to discard it because it resembled closesly to an already existing song. (If anyone has the mp3 file, i'd be glad to take a listen). As for 'the fall of man', I haven't heard anything yet. Haha.
There is one more song, titled 'The Butterfly' that Chris announced while on tour. So far it has only been mention and never been played publicly. (At least, that's what I know)
--Songs--
At first we had the title of the proposed tracklist:
-Lost!
-Cemetries of London
-Violet Hill
-Poppy Fields
-42
-Yes!
-Leftrightleftrightleft
-Rainy Day
I'll start of with these first. Despite some people feeling that these titles are rather cheesy/ seemingly pointing that Chris is on drugs (I don't really think so), I have to say that these titles are rather catchy and unique. It gives me the feel that Coldplay is venturing out to new territory.
The song title 'Cemetries of London' seem to hint at a 'Life and Death/ Life is precious' theme to it.
'Violet Hill' could refer to a violet hill, or it could refer to a person perhaps? haha, I'm not sure. Does anyone have any anologies regarding 'Violet Hill'?
Alright. 'Poppy Fields'. Haha. I laughed quite a bit when I heard this title. It's interesting though, from what I've read from several posts on this forum 'Poppy' refers to 'drugs'? Hmm..
Rainy Day. Alright, for this you may want to check out the message that Will Champion wrote on the Coldplay myspace (I just realised they updated their banner, haha.):
"
A blog from Will - 23.7.7
Hello,
We've just got back from Spain where we've been recording some vocals. It was very hot and very beautiful. We returned to find England under water. Is it just me or does it feel like the world is ending? While we are all still here, there is great music to be listened to: Eugene Francis Jnr. Something to lighten up your day whilst contemplating life in a wet suit.
www.myspace.com/eugenefrancisjnr
Love,
Will"
From what I understand, it was raining really heavily at the time, right? So perhaps this song could be referring the that particular timeframe? Or maybe it is just talking about a 'Rainy Day'.
42, the title that sparked off the rumours of it being the name of the album. It has a lot of referrences. Hitchhiker. The 42 songs that were supposedly written for X & Y. The 42 minute time length for the album- A lot of references and possibilities for this one. I tend to think that the song may be talking about the 42 minutes of life that you'd be spending listening to their new album. Haha.
Leftrightleftrightleft. It gives you the impression of soldiers marching, doesn't it? This may be the song where Will's drums are supposedly 'leading' the song rather than following it. =D It gives me a very 'war-ish' type feel.
'Lost!' and 'Yes!'. Don't really know what to make of those, but really interesting titles. I have a feeling these 2 songs have a lot of focused energy. Maybe really loud vocals from chris, noting the exclamation marks at the titles? OR... Could they be thrash-metal songs that were written as examples in one of Prospekt's entries?
There are a few other songs in that tracklist that were 'cancelled' out. I'll try to make out a few over the next few days (You can see a few of the letters if you look hard enough)
Later, after the news of Chris's Uncle passing away, 2 songs were announced: 'Famous Old Painters' and 'Glass Of Water'
To be really honest, I don't have any idea on these but if you guys do, I really hope you share your views too! =D Perhaps the songs may be about antiques or the lives of famous people? Glass of Water seems to make me think of 'Low'..
--Rumours--
Okay, so recently there was a release of a few song titles on Wikipedia:
-Double Sunset
-Sleeping on the minefield
-Snow Covered Window
-The Let Out Cry
-Forwards In Time
I don't really think that these song titles are genuine because they haven't been confirmed by Prospekt on the Coldplay website yet. However..
I have to admit that I may be wrong but I have this feeling that these songs may actually be demos that did not make the cut for the 4th album? OR. Possible candidates for the 2 songs that would be released independently?
That's about it for my analysis. Haha. WHOO. Long post. Hope you found it compelling? If you do have your own analysis, I really hope you'll share it with us too. It'd be great =)
Now we'll just have to wait for more updates and the new album to arrive =D
Cheers.