Genre: Alternative Rock, Art Rock, Post Brit-Pop, Experimental
EVERYDAY LIFE
Coldplay
Daniel Green, Bill Rahko & Rik Simpson, producers; Mark “Spike” Stent, engineer/mixer; Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion & Chris Martin, songwriters; Emily Lazar, mastering engineer
Maybe it’s because we’ve been limited in our ability to be in public spaces in 2020 or perhaps its the experimental approach the Coldplay took with their creativity, but somehow Coldplay’s album “Everyday Life” seemed to fly under. The 16 track double disc opens with a 2 minute string arrangement that sets the tone for what is a clear departure from the recent Coldplay releases that seemed to be drifted ever closer to being a permanent soundtrack in any given European discotheque.
The experimental departure from the apparent path of the band has led to a more organic sound that connects the bands roots to the experience of living through a global pandemic that has seems to bring out a mix of both the best and worst of what humanity has to offer. Lyrically, the turmoil of the times is thematically placed as a centerpiece to album which is both commendable and at times unnerving. “Trouble In Town” has some powerful, profanity laced audio samples that highlight how something so powerful can also affect the replay value of a track. While it is moving, it is not exactly something that you can rely on to carry the vibe of house party or even just a casual listen.
This is album is an experience that is highly suggested even though we wouldn’t say this is an album full of instant classics that will withstand the test of time. That said, songs like “Daddy” are so heart felt and emotive, showcasing the brilliant melodic sense of Chris Martin that it is no wonder the album captured the imagination of Grammy Award voters. There are also some very impressive arrangements and production on tunes like the hit single “Arabesque” which is laced with powerful horns and a music arc that builds steadily before dropping abruptly into the ethereal “When I Need A Friend” which sounds like evidence of the growing friendship between Chris Martin and fellow Album Of the Year nominee, Jacob Collier.
Interestingly, the track features the vocals of Chris Martins children, Moses and Apple as well as the shared talents of the legendary Femi Kuti, but none of those names made the guest list on streaming platforms.
Conceptually, the album is deep and thoughtful with the first half of the album titled “Sunrise” and the second half title “Sunset” which is reflective of the debut performance of the songs which were performed and live streamed from Amman Jordan with the first half being played at sunrise and the second half being performed at sunset. Clearly, no effort was left on the table in making this a thoughtful production.
Despite the experimental nature of the album, Everyday Life reached number one on the UK Charts and a top ten spot on the US Billboard 200. Now with a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year, Coldplay will have the spotlight turned on their latest release that has come on the heels of speculation that the group was on the verge of disbanding.
[vc_video link=’https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HmiFxqdgq4′]
