ENTERTAINMENT

Pandering to the mainstream? Synthetic? Rushed? Many things have been said about Coldplay’s new album, Mylo Xyloto, but they can’t detract from its quality.

Mylo Xyloto is Coldplay’s fifth studio album, and their third to reach number one on the Billboard 200 Chart. Well-known past songs include “Clocks,” “Viva la Vida,” and “The Scientist” (billboard.com).

Mylo has three tracks under one minute: “Mylo Xyloto,” “M.M.I.X.,” and “A Hopeful Transmission.” Each of these is a wordless prelude to a longer song that follows it, but they are also excellent alone.

“Princess of China,” featuring Rihanna, marks a new direction on Coldplay’s part. The song emphasizes Rihanna’s characteristic intonations and lyrical vocals, and also has a very prominent beat. Although many people have criticized their collaboration, it isn’t actually a bad song. It just happens to stray from what audiences have come to expect from Coldplay.

“Major Minus” is another novel venture for Coldplay, with an anxious guitar that constantly builds up to Chris Martin’s nerve-tingling vocals, occasionally interrupted by outbursts of panicked drums.The opening lyrics, “We got one eye watching you/And one eye on what to do/So be careful who it is you’re talking to,” maintain the unease, bringing the song into sharp contrast with Coldplay’s usually peaceful tone, and is oddly reminiscent of The Killers. If you don’t listen to anything else on the album, listen to this.

Along with “Paradise,” “Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall” was one of the singles released before the rest of the album. It is quicker than most of Coldplay’s past work, and signifies to many a migration, if not to pop, then at least to more mainstream rock.

But, despite these developments, their sound is still unmistakable. The poetic lyrics, signature guitar, and Martin’s otherworldly vocals remain the same beneath the fast synth-heavy choruses. “U.F.O” and “Up In Flames” are great examples of classic ballads for those who prefer the “old Coldplay.”

Mylo Xyloto is a testament to the diversity of Coldplay, and displays their willingness to experiment with new techniques. The album is highly recommended for anyone newly interested in Coldplay, or fans who want to explore the group’s different sounds.