Here's my take:
Since we've heard a good portion of the first half of the album, I cant really say anything on MX - Major Minus. However: MX, HLH, CB, and UATW were awesome!
MX+Hurts Like Heaven
MX is nice, I like the airy guitar effects.
The intro to HLH is a quick cut off of MX. Now I understand that that's how its supposed to be, but unless you listening to the album in order via Windows Media player, or iTunes, it sounds chopped off.
Charlie Brown
I feel like the intro to CB was a bit bland. It's like the iTunes Festival version (minus the audience.) But nether-less, I love it and the backing tracks + the outro were EPIC!
Us Against the World
I absolutely LOVE this version of Us Against the world. The guitar riff really make a statement before it cuts into it's acoustic self. The part when the whole band get's together is just nice to hear the guitars and piano working together and finally Chris takes the floor for the outro.
Now as for the 2nd portion: UFO - Up With the Birds
This maybe a bold statement to say this is like Parachutes Jr. but I dont know how else to compare it.
UFO
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but this song reminds me of something from the Viva Era. Not necessarily a certain song, but the soothing acoustic atmosphere along with the lyrics. But thats what makes this song great: it's soothing, not to hard on the ears; another winner. (The end sounds like a song off the iPod app Wavebeat or Beatwave :lol:)
Princess of China
I think most of us have heard this one, but if you haven't: Not much has changed since the Rock in Ring festival. ALOT OF SYNTH. Not a bad thing, but this song is built around synth and a lot of guitar overdrive effects. Chris starts off and then Rihanna takes the stage (or mic is you prefer :D.) She does a nice job and they both blend together well. I like this song, but for some reason I'm not too into it :thinking: BUT IT'S GOOD!
Up in Flames
I was really looking foward to this little number and I'm just sobbing on the inside.
The song didn't change a whole lot since the ACL's concert so it's basically the same song. However: The soothing piano chords and Chris's voice are united as one here. Then when you hear that guitar riff/melody it's like the conclusion to a story is drawing near if not ended. I just love this song.
A Hopeful Transmission + Dont Let it Break Your Heart
AHT sounds like a song you would play when you in the safari :lol: it really flows and you get a sudden wonder of freedom and BAM
DLiBYH cuts in! An amazing fast tempo-ed song that really wants to make me jump and play along (Hal Leonard WHERES THE MX BOOK?!) I really, really, really, love this song, it's tied with UiF. Jonny's guitar effects can be hear all around despite it beening just echos! This song in a nut shell: It makes you want to do something amazing,heroic; LET YOURSELF GO
Up With the Birds
Up With the Birds ties in very nicely has DLiBYH's ending, but it's an amazing song on it's own. At first it's just Chris and the piano with the last guitar chord of DLiBYH. After Chris complete's a verse, you can hear the band go "ah." It's so quiet and strong, then it picks up with strings, and a thump of the drum. You can hear someone else singing echos, possibly Will and Chris back-ups, and then it gets quiet. You can only hear what appear to be strings and "ah's." Then guitars start playing and Chris comes back and so does the band. The song continues and then it fades out, with the piano playing the guitar riff.
All in all I really love MX! Some people may hate me because I'll like anything Coldplay, but you would be wrong. I give this an 8-10. I dont know if it's because the first few tracks were over produced or what, but the really love UFO - UWtB, as well has MX+HLH, CB, and UAtW.