Let Down
The ideas and intentions underlying VivaLaHova are plausible because Jay and Coldplay are some of the biggest names in music right now and because history has shown Jay-z mash ups to be worth while but unfortunately for Mick Boogie and Terry Urban its only the finished product that counts and their product is definitely a disappointment.
At first, I was very excited when I read that someone would mash jay with coldplay because his mash ups with the beatles and linkin park were very good. I would say that the linkin park mash up was the best for a few reasons. One, the original songs used from both artists were hardly changed. Two, both artists sang on every track. Three, I feel that the tracks were evenly divided between Jay and Linkin Park. Fourth, Mike Shinoda from Linkin Park actually produced the mash up (called Collision Course), not some DJ. Fifth and I believe most importantly for fans, Linkin Park and Jay-z could actually come together and perform the songs live [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiiHIQB6nz0]YouTube - Jigga What/Faint(Live)[/ame] I know I would sure like to see the musical talents of Coldplay and Jay come together for a mini-concert but they can't play the stuff on this album live.
Looking at VivaLaHova, we see an album created by two random DJs (probably just looking to get their reputation up by putting "the commissioner" and "Terry urban" at the beginning of every track. I hate that stuff.), we hear songs that are vocally dominated by Jay and we hear traces of Coldplay songs that have been put through a meat grinder and glued back together. We don't hear Chris singing at all...instead we hear a digital version of Chris which I don't understand because chris's voice is damn near irreplaceable.
Maybe I'm wrong about it all but with as high a reputation as both Jay and Coldplay have, I believe this album is an injustice to both. These DJs just ruined Coldplay's songs and through some Jay-z lyrics on the top like a sloppy pizza pie.
I feel that as a true coldplay fan, this album is a C+. This album is more for people who like hip-hop or the club scene.
Oh yea, Collision Course went to #1 on the Billboard 200 and if you think VivaLaHova will do the same or even come close then I would have to call into question your thinking.