The Band:
Chris Martin (Piano/Guitar/Vocals)
Jonny Buckland (Guitar)
Guy Berryman (Bass)
Will Champion (Drums)
Released: 2002 (Parlophone)
A Rush Of Blood To The Head is the second album from British Band Coldplay that saw them emerge as one of the biggest acts on the planet. It followed in 2002 from their debut album "Parachutes", and in this recording they shook off their tag as the "new Radiohead" and showed they could fill arenas worldwide.
The Songs:
1.
Politik-A highlight of the album that immediately shows how Coldplay have matured. It contains the loudest intro they have yet recorded with all four members blasting their instruments simultaneously, and according to Chris was inspired by 9/11. This song also contains some wonderful lyrics and a 2 minute or so coda at the end that it is piano dominated. This has been used as a set opener at live concerts, and works wonderfully.
5/5
2.
In My Place-The first single off the album that features a very catchy guitar part courtesy of Jonny Buckland. It's a very simple song, based around one basic idea but nevertheless is strangely beautiful. Not a classic song but still very good.
4/5
3.
God Put A Smile Upon Your Face-This is mainly an oppurtunity for Chris to show the improved quality of his voice, with a more adult tone to it than on Parachutes. It's based around some metronomic drumming from Will Champion, and mutates live into a more "rocking" song.
3.5/5
4.
The Scientist-The breakup song to relationships everywhere. This track is Chris at his best, with a phenomenally easy piano part fitting the mourning tone of his voice perfectly. This is the big ballad of the album and is magnificently reflective without being corny. Calm, sad and lovely.
5/5
5.
Clocks-Based around one of the most inspired piano parts of recent years, this won Record of the Year at The Grammies in spite of being nowhere near the best track of the album. This is a very well structured song, which is a fan favourite live.
4.5/5
6.
Daylight-The album starts to flag a bit here, with this song being possibly the weakest on the album. Having said that, there's nothing wrong with it-it's just uninspired. It does possess a fine middle section of the song though.
3/5
7.
Green Eyes-A tribute to a lover either past or present, some people dislike this due to the schmaltzy nature of it. It has a campfire vibe based around an acoustic guitar. Personally, I find this song very enjoyable and moving, although it doesn't display what the band is capable of.
3.5/5
8.
Warning Sign-This is a very sweet song, with Chris regretting a failed relationship and showing off his vocal range in the process. It's another, good if you like Coldplay, ammunition if you don't moments. Perfectly inoffensive and with an outro where Chris's vocal talent is expressed.
3.5/5
9.
A Whisper-One of the louder songs on the album, and a return to form. You get the feeling of pressure slowly building up in the intro as the music gets louder, and hard to discern lyrics add an air of mystery to the track that again refers to Chris's preoccupation with death. Something that I feel may preview their future work.
4/5
10.
A Rush Of Blood To The Head-Completely extraordinary. This song is marvellously written and simmers slowly for two minutes or so before exploding into life with pure emotion that drags you in. This is one of the most powerful songs they have done, with a chorus that can probably be heard from Mars, and deserves to be recognised as a classic.
5/5
11.
Amsterdam-Follows the formula of track 10 to a certain extent, but is still a great ending to the album. Chris's full vocal range is used here, with a suitably dramatic ending to the album being provided by full-out stadium rock that leaves you reflecting on how much Coldplay have progressed.
4.5/5
If you have not bought this album yet, I reccomend it very highly as it contains some truly wonderful moments that have catapulted Coldplay into rock's super league. Their new album is predicted next year, and could well raise the bar still further. If you get the chance as well, see them live. They put on a great show and Chris has immense charisma. I am torn between 4/5 and 4.5/5, but the overall rating I am giving this is
4.2/5.
