I haven’t met anybody who doesn’t like Coldplay.
Some talk about the city they were in when they first heard “Yellow” and others talk about how “The Scientist” helped nurse a broken heart. In fact, a friend once confessed how he’s been in love each year an album was released.
We’ve all been there—we like the melodies, the lyrics and the fact that Chris
Martin is always lovestruck. Between Coldplay’s new hit Hymn For The Weekend (filmed in Mumbai) and his awesome carpool
karoake on James Corden Show,
lie 20 long years of 40 singles and 7 albums. Here are some of my favourites
from Coldplay.
Yellow
One of the first songs we ever heard from
this Brit pop band back in 2000, the song has a great melody to it. “Yellow”
(apart from being a colour) has a connotation of being cowardly which is why
Martin “ran across” and “jumped across for you”. Listen to it every time things
are looking a wee bit down or just at a friends’ place—it can get everyone
singing in 15 seconds.
Album: Parachutes
Paradise
Sometimes you need some alone time—just to escape the banality of the world. I think Martin relies on the imagination for this song. While the video features a giant elephant head—the song features awesome lyrics with multiple connotations. Add 2012 Paris Version to your YouTube playlist —something about Stade De France on New Years’ Eve and neon lights will give you chills.
Album: Mylo Xyloto
Fix You
Lyrically brilliant—the song strikes anyone
facing hardships and heartbreaks—or just taking a trip down memory lane. The
song is not sad—infact, he reiterates hope again and again—‘lights will guide you home and ignite your
soul—and I will try to fix you. The song caught on like fire which is
probably why they’re thousands of videos on learning the keys right.
PS: Does anybody remember this song being used in The OC Season 2 finale? Sigh!
Here’s the lyrics video
in case you feel like singing it right now.
Album: X&Y
The Scientist
I’d like to think that this song was written by Chris Martin when he screwed it up with ex-wife aka love of his life, Gwyneth Paltrow. Plainly put: Love is easy, relationships are hard. So hear this song when you need a little bit of inspiration to work on your relationship. To quote the song, nobody said it was easy.
Album: A rush of blood to your head
Strawberry Swing
One of the nicer videos by the band, Strawberry Swing has a great composition (especially the beginning) with the use of distortion free guitars and psychedelic synths. I was wondering if the song was inspired by Africa; turns out that Martin’s mother actually spent some time in Zimbabwe. It’s such a perfect day—I say you reserve it for moments you need positive vibes.
Album: Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends
Always in My Head
One of the most promoted songs, (besides Midnight) this was also the opening song for their concerts last year. The concept of this song, in fact this album, is how you can never let go of the people or the experiences from your past—and not all memories are bad. At least, they shouldn’t be. A great song to hear, alone, with a glass of Pinot Grigio, don’t you think?
Album: Ghost Stories
Don’t Panic
The opening track for Parachutes has an effect on most of us, thanks to overdubbing of the strummed electric guitar over the organ. The lyrics speak of the banality of life teamed with a wee bit of sarcasm—we live in a beautiful world, yeah we do, yeah we do. It’s almost like Martin’s reassuring himself—and us.
Album: Parachutes
Princess of China
One of the better collaborations with a pop singer (no offence to Queen Bae), Ri Ri and Coldplay have an awesome chemistry. We really enjoyed the love-hate-story thread through the song—especially the part where Chris Martin and Rihanna come really close to each other (as long as they’re acting). Anything else would really hurt me. This would be great song for a Dubsmash with your Ri Ri.
Album: Mylo Xyloto
Shiver
I seriously miss the band jamming like this (not that I know them, but still!). The interplay of acoustic and electric guitars was an ode to one of their muses, Jeff Buckley while the lyrics were dedicated on Martin’s school girlfriends. Lucky her! Coz he’ll always be waiting for her!
Album: Parachutes
Hurts Like Heaven
I love the 40 seconds of the actual composition called Mylo Xyloto that leads into the single, Hurts like Heaven. While guitarist, Jonny Buckland is single-handedly responsible for making this song AWESOME by using only 2 chord, the lyrics are somewhat more serious—but positive. Listen to the live version on your earphones at work or while driving. You’re welcome!
Album: Mylo Xyloto
The writer is no music expert—just a Coldplay addict and will be happy to debate on their best songs on Twitter—her handle is @manavisiddhanti.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)