For Coldplay purists who didn’t particularly savor the direction they took with 2008’s ‘Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends,’ it doesn’t get much better than this. With a mixture of more soothing sections that isolate a single instrument with high intensity combinations of heavy bass, percussion, and strings, ‘In My Place’ is one of their more famous hits, as well it should be. This song, more so than any other, is perhaps the best representative of the overarching style of Coldplay at this point of their career.
The American television series “Alias” used it for a seduction scene, and rightly so. With searing vocals and an intensifying melody, the sultry verses and soaring chorus of ‘God Put a Smile Upon Your Face’ reveals a far more fiery and energetic Coldplay than ever before. Though ‘Parachutes’ was what first propelled Coldplay into the charts, it was their sophomore album, ‘Rush of Blood to the Head,’ that made them internationally well-known, along with garnering them a near deluge of awards from the likes of Rolling Stone and The Grammys. A deliberate, easy tempo with acoustic guitar and simple lyrics make this one of the more laid-back songs on the album, as compared to their better known ‘Parachutes’ hits like ‘Yellow’ or ‘Shiver.’ Also underrated on this album-‘Don’t Panic.’
Their debut album ‘Parachutes’ showcases a generally quieter, less energetic Coldplay, particularly compared to later albums like ‘Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends.’ Featured in the movie Wedding Crashers, it is ‘Sparks’ that is the ultimate chill-out song: Any attempt to feel aggressive about anything while listening will fall flat. What follows is a basic cross section of a few of the different approaches of Coldplay through the years. Coldplay is nothing if not consistent in its song strength and lyrical ability, but they have shifted stylistically over the years. Unlike fleeting songs with a shelf life of approximately five or six plays, it’s songs like those listed below that have staying power. Some may find their style of rock bland, but legions of fans have stuck with Coldplay because their music sticks with the fans. In the 10 years since the band released their first album ‘Parachutes,’ they transitioned from University College students in London to internationally known artists. Love them, hate them, love to hate them, or hate to love them, there is no doubt Coldplay have had an incredibly successful career.