By Amanda Newell
Staff Writer
When bands alter their style of music, they face the possibility of disappointing fans. Coldplay, however, tweaked their style just enough with their newest album, “Mylo Xyloto,” to still please the band’s diverse fans.
Coldplay’s fifth album puts the band back in the lime-light of the music industry after the international success of the multiplatinum album “Viva La Vida.” The album’s brilliant composition and fresh take on the band’s traditional acoustic feel proves to fans that “Mylo Xyloto” was worth the painfully long wait.
The scattered arrangement of slow-paced and upbeat songs in “Mylo Xyloto” cause extreme feelings of joy and sorrow for the listener. Although the album’s pop sound differs from the acoustic ambiance of Coldplay’s older albums, the raw and meaningful lyrics remain the same.
Featuring songs of both heartbreak and affection, such as “Up in Flames” and “Us Against the World,” the album continually contrasts the themes of closure and new beginnings. Each track streams together, creating a story-like aspect to the album.
Unlike previous Coldplay albums like “Parachutes” or “X&Y,” the band strays away from its traditional style and adds more of a unique arrangement of instruments. In the album’s first song, “Mylo Xyloto,” electro beats are synced with synthesizer chords to provide an original and entertaining sound.
One of the more cheerful and romantic pieces is the love ballad “Us Against the World,” which is very remenscint of Coldplay’s old style of slow-paced serenades and songs of admiration.
Coldplay continues expanding their pop palette. “Princess Of China,” featuring guest vocalist Rihanna, maintains the same meaningful and deep lyrics, with more of a cheerful sound to it. Although the song leans toward a poppier sound, it only furthermore displays Coldplay’s vast variety of musical talent.
“Mylo Xyloto” is a sonic treat to longtime fans and to Coldplay skeptics as well. “Mylo Xyloto” is available in stores and for digital download.
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