Late to the party as usual, it’s taken until recently for me to join in the overwhelmingly positive round of applause lauding cool British band Coldplay. In all honesty, I’d spent the past year or two thinking them to be somewhat pretentious and completely wishy-washy. But my thoughts on the subject were changed for the better as a result of the amazing recent single The Scientist.

Coldplay has officially been added to my short list of contemporary bands worth a damn. With a calm, cool, intelligent, and entertaining swagger about them the London quartet has in the course of just two or three years become something of a phenomenon. As mentioned, I refused for a long time to buy into the hype. But I was sadly, sorely mistaken and have accepted my wrongness. Coldplay is a truly, incredibly talented outfit.

Formed in 1998, the band has since the outset consisted of Chris Martin (vocals, piano), Will Champion (drums), Guy Berryman (bass guitar), and Jon Buckland (guitar). And had it not been for their keen sense of melody combined with Martin’s lovely keys and smooth voice the band wouldn’t have been anything special. Instead, they are among the best of the newer acts I’ve heard as of recent. Clearly inspired by kindred souls like Travis, Radiohead, and Mansun the band managed to make a positive impact on the world with their 2000 debut Parachutes. Based on the momentum of songs including Yellow, Shiver and Trouble the album was awarded with a nomination for the Mercury Music Award in addition to the 2001 Grammy for Alternative Record.

But could they possibly equal, if not surpass the brilliance of the debut? Coldplay didn’t leave fans waiting…they returned for the second round in 2002 with the astounding release A Rush of Blood to the Head. Don’t believe me about the “astounding” part of that statement? Worry not—one listen to the band’s sophomore effort will prove me right. It is intelligent, thought-provoking, entertaining, and in the end a wholly worthwhile experience. This is the kind of disc that all bands hope to create but few can even properly attempt. A Rush of Blood to the Head touches me in all the right ways at all the right times.

Thus far, three of the eleven tracks have had some chart success. In My Place, Clocks and my favorite The Scientist are all fabulous singles far surpassing most of what is on radio today. But as with all truly superb albums Coldplay’s effort extends across all moments and through all tracks. From the opening of Politik through the closing of Amsterdam I am completely in awe of this disc. It may not appeal to everybody as it is indeed pretty even-keeled and not particularly angry but regardless it is a masterful chill-out dreamy pop album.

Admittedly, A Rush of Blood to the Head may initially seem a bit too spacey…but stick it out. The album delivers in spades once the listener realizes that what they are hearing is carefully though out and meticulously groomed music. As mentioned, I slipped into the album with the knowledge that I indeed appreciate the song The Scientist. But what makes it so special to me is a combination of lovely melody and equally alluring lyrics sung by the enchanting Martin. And those lyrics are what drew me in and have superglued the band in memory. The song itself is simple—just a piano and vocals to start. Soon of course other elements are added (an additional one every few lines), but it is this simplicity that makes it so keenly striking. The words are haunting:

Nobody said it was easy
It's such a shame for us to part
Nobody said it was easy
No one ever said it would be this hard

As much as I adore The Scientist there are other songs that are just as striking. Consider for a moment the wonderful In My Place. With a memorable, light guitar-rock anthem of a melody the song takes the audience to a consciously emotional and earnest place. While my favorite song benefits from the piano, this one combines a carefully plucked guitar with relatively driving drums. It all works brilliantly.

Speaking of brilliant things, I’m also impressed by album opener Politik, single Clocks, the retro plumage of Daylight and the guitar jig of God Put A Smile Upon Your Face. But in identifying those few standouts, I don’t mean to imply that the other remaining songs should be forgotten or discarded. Rather, I’m fully conscious of the fact that to another person any of the other tracks (Green Eyes, Warning Sign, A Whisper, A Rush of Blood to the Head, and Amsterdam) may be the most perfect. But in any case, I’m clearly a fan of this album and most specifically the flawless first half (with the second still amounting to five stars, just not my favorite).

A Rush of Blood to the Head is an album that can easily be popped into any stereo and listened to from start to finish. It is wonderful and touching and intelligent and challenging. Coldplay has managed to put together an album that is complete and cohesive and ranks among my recent most favorite. So, if you happen to at least have some minor appreciation for Brit-pop it’s probably time you check out Coldplay. Don’t be the dummy I was—be smart and believe that this band can indeed be impressive.

I certainly am impressed…

Rating: 5/5 stars

Track Listing:
01. Politik
02. In My Place
03. God Put A Smile Upon Your Face
04. The Scientist
05. Clocks
06. Daylight
07. Green Eyes
08. Warning Sign
09. A Whisper
10. A Rush Of Blood To The Head
11. Amsterdam

Recommended: Yes