X and Y

Description

Three years after the second album, the new Coldplay is awaited like the messiah. Long delayed, it is preceded by the single "Speed Of Sound," which suggests another great record from the English quartet. And finally, in this sweltering summer, there’s nothing better than to lock yourself away and enjoy X&Y on repeat. Perfect in times of happiness, and absolutely to be avoided during periods of depression. To go so far as to agree with the New York Times critic (who has a significant influence in American bourgeoisie) calling Coldplay the "most unbearable band of the decade" is a huge leap. While the album is uneven in composition quality compared to the first two of the "trilogy" (cf. Chris Martin), it reflects the singer's state of mind at that time, his loves, hopes, and fears ("White Shadows," reminiscent of Echo & The Bunnymen, even The Cure, with the synth contributions of Brian Eno), especially the latter. A true gradation of emotions, rich in colors and diverse harmonies. Coldplay has that rare talent to ennoble the most tragic themes and to vary the most monotonous. Their colors are bright, soft, or fierce. The imagination remains as fertile as ever, but for the first time, some tracks sound a bit similar. Commercially, the gamble pays off from the first listen of the opening track, "Square One," pure Coldplay. The flamboyant "Fix You" guarantees a buzz, with its haunting piano against a backdrop of organ swells, piercing guitars, and Chris Martin's falsetto, with choruses irresistibly evoking a Procol Harum + U2 composite. "Talk" remains the standout track of this disparate album, a great intriguing pop song justifiably acclaimed. It is based on the melody of Kraftwerk's "Computer Love" from 1981.