Coldplay - A Rush of Blood to the Head
2002 / 54:12 Minutes / 11 Tracks / Studio
Release Date: August 27, 2002 - Capitol
Produced by: Mark Pythian
Website: http://www.coldplay.com/

Reviewed by Matt Rowe on August 29, 2002

I am smitten with Coldplay. Initially, my reaction was that it had a few great songs and that the rest was filler. But 2 complete listens later and I was enraptured by the sheer pop perfection that is Coldplay. Britpop has its audience but none has captured the world like Coldplay has.

This disc has 11 pop beauties, each sung with entrancing detail by vocalist Chris Martin and accompanied by the other members of Coldplay. Together, they create what is easily the finest crafted set of songs that herald, thus far, the dreamy quality of pop music from Britain with apologies sent out to every other band in this genre. The band has exceeded our expectations.

The band's last outing with "Parachutes" gave us the highly lyrical and successful "Yellow" along with "Trouble". This disc jumps out of the gate with "In My Place" that shows the band has not lost the ability to produce radio friendly material. The disc is actually heavier with potential singles than its predecessor. With hints of Beatles throughout, "Rush of Blood..." is poised to become this year's favourite child.

Every song shares writing credits with the whole band. Either this shows a tight unit with uncanny ability (which I believe) or it shows a cohesiveness unseen in music. It's as if these boys are around for the long haul despite their words to the contrary. Their command of the ingredients to bake this treat is well honed.

I am hard pressed to choose songs here but let this be your guide. Coldplay has executed the rare Royal Flush play. Every card is high and counts toward perfection. But I do have favourites. The dainty and eloquent "The Scientist", is as sweetly sung and melts in your heart like sugar. It's my prediction for the next single. The gorgeousness of "Clocks" with its wonderfully minimalistic piano loops and expert vocals is just plain catchy. "Politik", lyrically top notch and musically adept, is an excellent kick off for the album.

To borrow a phrase from one of the songs on this album "God Put A Smile Upon Your Face", '..God put a smile on my face...'

DISC

The sound of the disc is satisfactory. There is nothing special in terms of channel play but this is a pop record and it requires luscious production. The piano tracks are clear. The disc plays nicely and sounds great.

PACKAGING

C'mon guys!! What the hey? While the disc is spacious and full of greatness, the booklet is sparse and throwaway. An insert with no lyrics is a no-no and the notes are lean. We like meat and we demand it. Incentive is needed to prevent people from downloading tracks. There is nothing compelling here to urge one to go out and buy the disc. This is a great disc and needs more to complete its journey.

THE FINAL SAY

Coldplay spread the word last year that this album, "Rush of Blood to the Head" would be their final contribution due to the stress of creating followups. The fear was that they would not be able to replicate the success and beauty that was "Parachutes" prompted the easy out. I'm here to tell you that not only has Coldplay succeeded in creating a more than worthy followup, they have done it with aplomb. Take your time, guys, in creating the third disc but do not give up. We wait impatiently for the next.

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