Music of the Spheres
by Coldplay
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Oct 15, 2021
User Score
6.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 221 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 118 out of 221
  2. Mixed: 41 out of 221
  3. Negative: 62 out of 221
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  1. Collywobble
    Nov 9, 2021
    3
    Four old men are sitting on stools, wearing baseball caps back to front.

    Chris: Hey homies, whaddup, I is thinking of changing my name to Harry Zayn Timberlake, hear me now. Guy: Big up, boss! Jonny: Sweet boss! The other one: Wicked boss! Chris: Now, bout the new album, I is writ some bangin new toons, trouble is there is only enough for fifteen minutes. Ideas? Jonny: I    Four old men are sitting on stools, wearing baseball caps back to front.

    Chris: Hey homies, whaddup, I is thinking of changing my name to Harry Zayn Timberlake, hear me now.

    Guy: Big up, boss!

    Jonny: Sweet boss!

    The other one: Wicked boss!

    Chris: Now, bout the new album, I is writ some bangin new toons, trouble is there is only enough for fifteen minutes. Ideas?

    Jonny: I could do a twenty minute guitar solo, only someone’s stolen all the strings off my axes.

    Chris: Ohhhh……..have they? No worries Jonny, I is got a machine that can do guitar solos.

    Guy: Can we do backing vocals this time, boss.

    Chris: No need Guy, I is got a machine that can make it sound like there is five of me.

    The other one: Can I play drums, boss?

    Chris: Machine.

    Guy: We could bag it out with some electronic ambient stuff, boss?

    Chris: For real! Maybe BMW can use them in an ad, I could do with another Beamer.

    Guy: Make sure it’s green though, boss.

    Chris: I is already got a green one Guy, I is finkin pure white?

    Jonny: Yeah boss, like your soul. Maybe we could bag it out into a double, boss. What you fink?

    Chris: No Jonny, we is already done that. Don’t wanna get predictable like.

    Guy: Is we goin ‘tronic like Radiohead then, boss?

    Chris: Official! This is our ‘KID A’

    Jonny: So that’s thirty minutes sorted, what we gonna do for the other fifteen?

    Chris: Well brovers, I is writ this massive toon , that got tossed from La La Land. I just need to streeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetch it out a bit.

    The other one: What can I do, boss?

    Chris: A cuppa would be nice.

    The other one: We is out of condor milk, boss.

    Chris: Panda? Jonny: I didn’t know you could milk a panda, boss. Chris: Jonny, yous can milk anything, yous just needs to know how, innit. Ok, I’ll nip down the shops. Crew, jump up and down on that mat over there, I need to fire up the jet.    … Expand
  2. badshaped
    Oct 16, 2021
    8
    POP music - for sure. But it's one of the best pop music albums you will find this year.
  3. Loverdise
    Oct 15, 2021
    9
    Since Coldplay turned towards pop music, I saw comments saying that Coldplay were trying so hard to have a hit single and that they were doing commercial stuff. I’m tired of pop music being patronized like this by people who think they’re superior because they listen to rock music. And let me say something, Coldplay do not need to make a hit single. Coldplay is a legendary band and at thisSince Coldplay turned towards pop music, I saw comments saying that Coldplay were trying so hard to have a hit single and that they were doing commercial stuff. I’m tired of pop music being patronized like this by people who think they’re superior because they listen to rock music. And let me say something, Coldplay do not need to make a hit single. Coldplay is a legendary band and at this point people will always come to their show. They don’t care about having a hit single, they’re just experimenting, having fun, do what they enjoy at the moment, they do collabs with artists they admire. This album is not their best but it’s a good, fun pop album which makes you feel like you’re on a journey to outer space. Let’s start with Higher Power. This song grew on me so much. The end of the song feels like a rush of endorphins. You can feel the joy radiating from Chris’ voice and it feels so good!

    Now, Humankind! 'My heart started glowin'
    I feel it inside, it is flowin’ ' sings Chris Martin and oh boy, we can feel the glow! I admit the lyrics are quite simple but they’re still so optimistic ('we're capable of kindness
    So they call us humankind'). I can already tell this song live will be absolutely amazing!

    Let Somebody Go. It feels like they turn the Milky Way into a song. 'When you love somebody (oh) Got to let somebody know' reminded me of Everglow 'So if you love someone You should let them know'. Such a wonderful pop-rock ballad and Selena’s soft and fragile vocals were perfect on this track.

    « ❤️ » not my fave musically speaking but the lyrics are absolutely beautiful 'Only got a human heart I wish it didn't run away I wish it didn't fall apart'

    People of the Pride, I am LIVING for the instrumental ! Such a fun song, and i can’t wait to hear it live ! I swear it feels like they collaborated with Muse!

    Biutyful already grew on me so much! At first, I wasn’t sure but now I love it! I just love the flow, the lyrics! It feels like the song could fit on the album « No song without you » by HONNE! Love it!

    My Universe! A really fun song! To be honest I’m not a huge fan of BTS but you can feel how much they enjoy collaborating together, another great song for live shows.

    Coloratura is one of the most ambitious songs by Coldplay and it became one of my favorites. I remember this feeling of calm and hope that washed over me when i first heard this song. The song feels like a whole journey on itself! Perfect way to end the album! ' In the end it's all about The love you're sending out '

    It’s not their best album but it’s still a great album, it’s fun, it’s hopeful, romantic, optimistic and after the years we’ve been through it just feels so good. Most importantly you can feel how much they enjoy making this album and isn’t that what music is all about?    … Expand
  4. RafaeIVebtura
    Nov 26, 2021
    10
    Music of the spheres is now my favorite thing from coldplay, they're always giving good music
  5. ColdplayerGabo
    Oct 15, 2021
    10
    Muy buen álbum. Coldplay se ha reinventado muy bien a través de los años. Music Of The Spheres tiene la misma vibra de Mylo Xyloto y A Head Full Of Dreams
  6. renatolf86
    Oct 15, 2021
    7
    Não é a maior obra-prima deles, mas também não é um desastre, como muitos atestam. De fato, incomoda essa busca excessiva por aceitação da turma mais nova, porém enxerguei evolução em relação a albuns anteriores. E um caminho que eles podem seguir, de um rock mais orgânico, coisa que eles até então só pescam em lampejos, como em People Of The Pride. Sintetizadores? Temos muito! E batidasNão é a maior obra-prima deles, mas também não é um desastre, como muitos atestam. De fato, incomoda essa busca excessiva por aceitação da turma mais nova, porém enxerguei evolução em relação a albuns anteriores. E um caminho que eles podem seguir, de um rock mais orgânico, coisa que eles até então só pescam em lampejos, como em People Of The Pride. Sintetizadores? Temos muito! E batidas cruas também. O clima meio etéreo, meio "mágico", deu a tônica do início ao fim, dando unidade ao trabalho. Acho que não precisaria de tantas interludes, sobretudo, a última (Infinity Sign), que lembra muito Chinese Sleep Chant, que vinha após Yes, do Viva La Vida. Ela poderia ser mais curta sem dar aquela impressão de desperdício. No mais, é um bom álbum, não é o mais marcante deles, mas dá pra se ouvir e tirar boas impressões dele a cada ouvida.… Expand
  7. RafaeIVentura
    Nov 26, 2021
    10
    This is perfect and easily one of the best albuns of the year. The songs are all so good and has a amazing vibe.
    I don't know if it's their best but it works for Coldplay right now... can't wait for listen this live.
  8. Whyhelder
    Oct 15, 2021
    9
    An album which mixtures perfectly two of their latest albums: Mylo Xyloto and Ghost Stories - which means party and melancholy at the same time. This is exactly what Coldplay is about and it sounds exactly like "Coldplay's sound". Of course, it's pretty much different from their last album, mainly because that one was experimental and this one is clearly focused on commercial success -An album which mixtures perfectly two of their latest albums: Mylo Xyloto and Ghost Stories - which means party and melancholy at the same time. This is exactly what Coldplay is about and it sounds exactly like "Coldplay's sound". Of course, it's pretty much different from their last album, mainly because that one was experimental and this one is clearly focused on commercial success - still great though. I Love it!… Expand
  9. marinehriooo
    Oct 15, 2021
    10
    I'm a Coldplay fan since the beginning, they still manage to surprise me. It's not their best album, but it´s really well-produced and catchy songs. cheers.
  10. nilet_ascano
    Oct 15, 2021
    10
    Worth the wait! Current fave My Universe and People of the Pride!!! Love the colaborations and the journey while listening to this album. I LOVE COLDPLAY!!’
  11. luketheyoda
    Oct 15, 2021
    9
    Coldplay delivers they're most beautiful album since {Ghost Stories (2014)} My experience: The melodies on this album comfortably ebb and flow between a (newly expressed) hypnotic "Si-Fi" element with their stapled alternative rock sound. All the while combining the band's abstract, poetic, & personal lyrics with a vulnerably spiritual theme that has been polished up and carried over fromColdplay delivers they're most beautiful album since {Ghost Stories (2014)} My experience: The melodies on this album comfortably ebb and flow between a (newly expressed) hypnotic "Si-Fi" element with their stapled alternative rock sound. All the while combining the band's abstract, poetic, & personal lyrics with a vulnerably spiritual theme that has been polished up and carried over from their last Album {Everyday Life (2019)}. Favorite song in this set { ❤️ }.
    A close second being { Coloratura }. *Preface* I have rated all of Coldplay's prior projects between (6.8~9.7} Official Rating for {Music of the Spheres} ~ {9.2}    … Expand
  12. Marcos82919
    Oct 15, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Uma obra de arte... Incrível o que a banda fez neste novo álbum. Espero ver essas músicas nos shows… Expand
  13. Mgalal
    Oct 17, 2021
    3
    The only good song is coloratura the rest are either meh or just straight bad
  14. cakeunicornman
    Oct 17, 2021
    3
    This album is filled with generic, basic, uninteresting pop hits masked in this "conceptualized, spacey," environment to make it seem more interesting than it actually is. Songs like "Let Somebody Go," and "My Universe," are prime examples of writing songs HOPING they will be hits and TikTok trends, it's not interesting, just lifeless.

    Plus, the interludes like "
  15. marianodealba
    Oct 15, 2021
    7
    It intends to be a cohesive body of work to show the importance of putting yourself in other people's shoes, but it falls short mainly because the transition tracks fail to encapsulate the rest of the songs. Few, if any, songs here will stand the test of time. Perhaps the only one is Coloratura, which is an absolute masterpiece. Still, the boys confirm that they can still reinventIt intends to be a cohesive body of work to show the importance of putting yourself in other people's shoes, but it falls short mainly because the transition tracks fail to encapsulate the rest of the songs. Few, if any, songs here will stand the test of time. Perhaps the only one is Coloratura, which is an absolute masterpiece. Still, the boys confirm that they can still reinvent themselves and produce great albeit different tracks like People of the Pride and Biutyful.… Expand
  16. brunnossantos
    Oct 15, 2021
    10
    The melodies are very deep and beautiful. For me, it's a masterpiece and a one of a kind album. There's no other album like this one
  17. Coloratura
    Oct 15, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Mais um Álbum onde eles decidem não ficar no "mesmo", eles arriscam sem medo de errar, esse novo disco do Coldplay é uma gostosa viagem pelo universo em busca de um amor.… Expand
  18. spacemeteora
    Oct 15, 2021
    10
    aoty we love to see it Coldplay legends band of the century kings of everything fadga flopped
  19. JoNassHier
    Oct 17, 2021
    2
    If this is what this universe sounds like, I'd decide to live in another one.
  20. Dodser
    Oct 21, 2021
    3
    So sad to hear a talented band write football chants for a stadium tour rather than actual songs!!! (Remember Simple Minds?)
  21. DavidSG3
    Oct 28, 2021
    6
    Coldplay feels too generic in this job. While there are some interesting sounds like Humankind or People Of The Pride, there are other songs that spoil the album: Biutyful gets horrible to hear by that unnecessary squirrel voice, Let Somebody Go is too boring and feelingless, and all the interludes contribute nothing.
    Luckily the last two songs raise the rating of the album, because    Coldplay feels too generic in this job. While there are some interesting sounds like Humankind or People Of The Pride, there are other songs that spoil the album: Biutyful gets horrible to hear by that unnecessary squirrel voice, Let Somebody Go is too boring and feelingless, and all the interludes contribute nothing.
    Luckily the last two songs raise the rating of the album, because Infinity Sign sounds quite original and has an interesting melody. Moreover, Coloratura is the best song on the album and a 10-minute piece of art.

    Final rating: 6.3/10    … Expand
  22. alleafaR
    Nov 26, 2021
    10
    It’s a very different style for a Coldplay album, but for me it’s amazing. I loved the storyline and concept, the transitions and the style of the album. They are very brave for trying so new things, and for me, it worked very well.
  23. Sunflowerbluexy
    Nov 26, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. best album I've ever heard in my life. totally well built, and it's beautiful how one track fits into the other. it's a real work of art… Expand
  24. Normax42
    Nov 26, 2021
    10
    AMAZING album! Coloratura is a masterpiece. One of the best releases this year.
  25. LiviaQuintela
    Nov 26, 2021
    10
    A pure masterpiece of pop. Coloratura and People of the pride reminds me the old songs but also giving a new fresh vibe,
  26. Tom_Supreme
    Oct 15, 2021
    1
    It's really sad to see (and hear) what Coldplay has become. They sacrificed their original artistic direction for the sake of clicks and new listeners.
  27. Aghrr1
    Oct 15, 2021
    3
    I'm very disappointed. There is not a single good song on this album……. :( :/
  28. ariello1981
    Oct 15, 2021
    8
    The title of the album shows very good what is inside it. Each song is from different planet. There are a couple of pop songs, a lyric ballad but there are also rock pieces.
    It won't be my favourite album but generally is OK. The biggest defect of the album is that the album is short. There are 12 tracks on the album but there are only 8 real songs.
  29. hamiltonng
    Oct 15, 2021
    9
    Amazing album, lyrics and production. Highlight for the masterpiece track "Coloratura". It's a 9 for me!
  30. eusoufael
    Oct 15, 2021
    6
    Unfortunately this is Coldplay at their dullest, it bears the same downsides from 2015's A Head Full of Dreams, overblown and shallow music, but it lacks the catchy songwriting that holds most Coldplay albums together. Songs like Humankind and My Universe are probably among the worst things the band has done, both are loud and dumb and have really nothing to say. The worst part is that theUnfortunately this is Coldplay at their dullest, it bears the same downsides from 2015's A Head Full of Dreams, overblown and shallow music, but it lacks the catchy songwriting that holds most Coldplay albums together. Songs like Humankind and My Universe are probably among the worst things the band has done, both are loud and dumb and have really nothing to say. The worst part is that the concept actually seemed great and it's beautifully delivered in Coloratura, one of the best tracks the band has ever put out, but what should be the closer of a musical journey is just a proof of how good this record could be and isn't. The whole planet system idea is never fully realized, while albums like Mylo Xyloto and Viva La Vida can perfectly summon theire worlds, Music of the Spheres sounds more like just a collection of songs, and songs that are not even that good. There are some other highlights like Infinity Sign, an almost instrumental collaboration with Jon Hopkins, and People of the Pride, a reworked demo from the Viva La Vida sessions, which tells a lot about how disappointing the songwriting of this record is. Ballads Let Somebody Go, Human Heart and Biutyful are all ok, but fail to leave any impression.

    Overall it's a very disappointing album after the gem that was Everyday Life. Even when compared to other Coldplay pop albums like A Head Fulll of Dreams and the (actually excellent) Mylo Xyloto, Music of the Spheres fails to deliver songs that are actually exciting or even fun. Probably theire worst release to date.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

22
#22 Most Discussed Album of 2021

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
55

Mixed or average reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 18
  3. Negative: 1 out of 18
  1. Under The Radar
    Oct 29, 2021
    30
    It’s a concept album that fundamentally refuses to engage with its own premise. Instead, the band doubles down on lyrical clichés about love and arena-friendly electropop. ... Frontman Chris Martin was never known as a brilliant songwriter, but his lyrics were never this vapid either.
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  2. Uncut
    Oct 21, 2021
    60
    Despite Chris Martin's underdeveloped lyrics – "Be an anthem for your times" at least explains his motivation – there's something reassuring in their ham-fisted urge to bring people together. ... Glam-stomper "People Of The Pride" or well-meaning power ballad "Let Somebody Go," and instrumentals harking back to earlier Eno adventures offer pleasant reprieves. [Dec 2021, p.25]
  3. PopMatters
    Oct 20, 2021
    40
    The significant flaw of Music of the Spheres is that it spends a lot of effort telling us that humans have this capacity for love and goodness, sometimes in overly saccharine terms, without getting us to feel it.
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