Reviews:

On 2008's VIVA LA VIDA OR DEATH AND ALL HIS FRIENDS, Coldplay follows up X&Y's accessible anthems by tweaking its signature Britpop sound with the aid of renowned producer Brian Eno, celebrated not only for his own innovative ambient albums, but also for his behind-the-boards work with U2. Eno's contributions don't result in a ZOOROPA-like foray into dance-pop, however--VIVA LA VIDA sticks with Coldplay's knack for mid-tempo majesty, but expands these tracks with studio bells and whistles that pull the group out of its stadium-ready comfort zone.
Though the pulsing instrumental opener, "Life in Technicolor," might make listeners think that they're accidentally playing the latest M83 album, VIVA asserts itself as a Coldplay outing with "Cemeteries of London," a dreamy tune that finds Martin singing in a comfortable middle register. Still, the group's quest for a different sound is exemplified by the three distinctly different parts of "42," which range from piano ballad to post-rock workout, while "Violet Hill" boasts uncharacteristically amped-up guitars and crashing percussion. VIVA LA VIDA isn't Coldplay's most consistent offering, but it's still more unpredictable than past outings, and surprisingly intriguing.

It's been three years since Coldplay's X&Y didn't garner nearly as much goodwill as their first two efforts, prompting many to suggest that the U.K. foursome's reign of Radiohead-lite chart-toppers was petering out. After a long hiatus to take on various social and political causes, falsetto-rocking frontman Chris Martin started to appear on hip-hop singles, of all places. He graced Swizz Beatz' debut, Jay-Z's comeback album and is currently all over the airwaves on Kanye West's "Homecoming." So, naturally, Viva La Vida will be stoked with cameos from Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, Lil' Wayne and T-Pain, right? Er, no. With
legendary producer Brian Eno at the boards, the band surprisingly decided to flex their creative muscles, crafting abstract compositions that aren't as radio-friendly as you might expect. First single "Violet Hill" is a noisy, drone-y march that seems not of this decade'"and it's a step in the right direction.