Coldplay – Parachutes

I’ve been going through some ‘writer’s spells’ lately and I figured this one would be the best one to start off with clearing. My heart’s been feeling a lot warmer than usual lately and while that’s certainly contributed to my lack of writing, I haven’t figured out yet if that’s the entire reason. But before I clear out what I need to put in the j, I need to point out that Coldplay has also progressed higher and higher into my realm of endorsement – add pretentious tag here. I’ve gotten through X&Y and realize it’s probably very great, but I just recently got Parachutes and at this very moment, it’s very much a deep swell. While I haven’t reached for the most two recent albums yet, the first three showcase a band that dynamically tried to expand, grow and mature into a declaration of three distinct albums and mostly, they achieved that. Parachutes just highlights what some consider their peak to be.

Maybe it’s the way “Shiver” just sort of, in a melancholy, lovely, adorning style, sings out to the backdrop of crashing drums and trembling guitars. There’s very little lingering doubts to how good this guy’s voice sounds, especially when he calls out, “don’t you shiver” to his lover because, he’ll always be waiting for her. It’s affectionately strong and still, sweetly delivered. I love the way it collides through the loudness and never loses steam. And the music has this rolling, captivating feel that just sort of lulls you in, it’s easily one of the many standouts on here. 

Once I reached “Trouble,” not only was the nostalgia reached back to high school and singling this song out, as well as the epiphany that as the sixth song of ten, right after the shattering “Yellow,” the first true, gorgeous Coldplay ballad. They really do know how to write slow songs extremely well and while very simple and not-so-subtle as something as spectacular as “All I Need” (I apologize immensely for the comparison I always swore was never merited, never worthy…), the piano on “Trouble” is remarkable enough. Here, the notion is more depressing, sad and alone because the love is gone and feeling like a burden, and all the while the music with the guitars and the piano: a sad swoon. No need to feel sad though, this is a pretty great band actually; and this album might be their best. Still, here’s to hoping the block/spell is broken even after she returns and we continue, we’ll have to wait and see. – Bryan