The Review - Coldplay A Head Full of Dreams
Why do bands say ‘this is our last album’? Is it a sales ploy, used to create buzz that generates album sales? Is it to put pressure on themselves to be as creative as possible, squeezing every last drop they can in hopes of making something great? Regardless of the answer it’s a saying that has accompanied both of Coldplay’s latest album releases, 2014’s Ghost Stories and this year’s A Head Full of Dreams.
The immediate first reaction I had while listening to Dreams, is that it’s an overwhelmingly positive and brighter album than its predecessor. Lead singer Chris Martin was in a very different spot recording 'Ghost Stories', faced with a very public divorce, and the album reflected that sentiment of a love that has grown apart.
With Dreams it feels like an awakening and coming out of that darker space to embrace life and have some fun as a band again. And fun is exactly what Coldplay needs to continue to do. From the sidelines Coldplay seemed to be overwhelmed with the pressure to continually follow-up the perfection of 2002’s 'A Rush Of Blood To The Head’. Every subsequent album has seemingly fallen short in various critics’ opinions, while fans still snatched up each album and the band had no problem selling out multiple arena shows across North America (including Vancouver).
The first single from the album, ‘Adventure of a Lifetime’ is easily one of 2015’s best tracks. An instantly catchy up-beat dance song that proves that the band still can surprise their fans, even after seven albums. There is some good experimentation from Coldplay on this album. The 6-minute-plus ‘Army of One’ takes a complete 180 at its mid-point to become a completely different sounding song. It goes from a 70’s era disco feel through the first half and then flips into a present day bass backed hip-hop track vibe.
'A Head Full Of Dreams' has many good moments but also suffers from some unnecessary and dull moments. Songs like the spoken word ‘Kaleidoscope’, ‘Amazing Day’ and ‘Colour Spectrum’, all add little to this record (yes even with Obama on Kaleidoscope) and because of their placement in the second half; they bring the album to a slow grind.
Things do pick up and close nicely with the Noel Gallagher guitar and choir backed (almost 7 minute) Up&Up. It radiates the positivity I believe the band was going for on this album and brings back the feeling the record opens with.
When I first heard ‘Adventure of a Lifetime’ I thought Coldplay was set to release an album that would be a late addition to my year-end best of list. Unfortunately what I’m left with is a decent album. A decent album that has some really bright moments but than gets pulled down by the above-mentioned dull segments and blocks it from being a great album.
Essential tracks: Birds, Adventure of a Lifetime, Army of One and Up&Up
Track Listing
1. A Head Full Of Dreams 2. Birds 3. Hymn For The Weekend 4. Everglow 5. Adventure Of A Lifetime 6. Fun 7. Kaleidoscope 8. Army Of One 9. Amazing Day 10. Colour Spectrum 11. Up&Up
Coldplay - Adventure Of A Lifetime