Viva La Vida - Coldplay Single Review

Viva La Vida - Coldplay Single Review

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Single Review

The latest release by Coldplay, ‘Viva La Vida’ became the first track in 11 years by a British band to top the American billboard chart, since Spice Girls ‘Wannabe’. Despite the track not currently having a video, it also became Coldplay’s first U.K number 1.

The song follows the theme of Coldplay’s experimental album, opening with an orchestral sound including violins. The chorus is very vocal based, with Chris Martin voice only being backed by a hushed string arrangement and the ringing of a bell. The band have clearly abandoned their dependency on keyboard, with it sounding restrained in both this and for the majority of ‘Violet Hill’. The unusual lyric of

I know Saint Peter won't call my name;

has drawn some attention, with the band citing it being about damnation and judgment day. Aside from the curious lyrics and experimental sounds, Coldplay has created a unique sounding track. The band didn’t look quite their best with previous single ‘Violet Hill’, but ‘Viva La Vida’ is up there with their greatest successes. The addition of violins in indie-styled music is rarely used, whilst drummer Will Champion lived up to the task of playing a bell ahead of his usual drumming responsibilities. With this single, their first number one, the band are definitely going places and perhaps could become kings of England.

Tom Crowther

Gigs

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