Viva La Vida
by Coldplay
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Jun 17, 2008
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 605 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 534 out of 605
  2. Mixed: 36 out of 605
  3. Negative: 35 out of 605

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  1. MusicMaven
    Jun 30, 2008
    5
    If you're a fan, this is disappointing. If you're not, there's no reason to start here. Coldplay do nothing to counter arguments that they are all sound and fury signifying nothing.
  2. MattG
    Jun 30, 2008
    8
    I'm 40, not a dad, and think Arcade Fire the most brilliant band this decade. And whilst this album doesn't match the greatness of AF, it has many moments of pure pop bliss. I feel sorry for those who can't find at least some enjoyment within, and for the morons who give it 0 - no doubt without even listening to it - just go put on your no name records and stop wasting our time.
  3. [Anonymous]
    Jun 29, 2008
    9
    Not a 'rock' album by any means. It is a 45 minute long dream state that is highly entertaining within the correct state of mind.
  4. RobbieC
    Jun 28, 2008
    7
    Better than X&Y by a large margin... there are still lame-ass songs on here. But "Lost!" and "Violet Hill" are two of their best songs ever. If X&Y didn't exist, this would probably get a worse rating, but that was such a horrible record that this is a welcome return to creative form.
  5. PatrickS.
    Jun 28, 2008
    9
    Great album that you need to listen minimum 3 times to hear how good it really is ! Looking forward tot the concert in Paris & Antwerp.
  6. ColinT.
    Jun 27, 2008
    9
    It's just short of "rush of blood to the head" but that aside it's superb. They have grown since "x&y". Time will show this to be a classic. Stand out tracks for me, 42, yes and viva la Vida. Ive read about soldiers having to soldier, critics having a go. "I used to roll the dice, feel the fear in my enemies eyes". Go figure!!.
  7. SteveO
    Jun 27, 2008
    10
    I'm guessing "Zia" is a girl... yeah don't listen to girls, pick up this cd. It's worth it. It isn't girl rock.
  8. JosephA
    Jun 27, 2008
    0
    Overrated. I Cant believe the stuff people like.
  9. JohnG.
    Jun 27, 2008
    0
    Joy division > u2 radiohead > coldplay let's celebrate mediocrity!
  10. Jon
    Jun 26, 2008
    5
    This album stinks of Arcade Fire and Brian Eno influence. This is the good part. Yet many perceive and are vocal about Coldplay's direction as groundbreaking when clearly it's not
  11. AndrewP.
    Jun 26, 2008
    3
    I'm a dad, I'm 42 and wouldn't even listen two tracks of this album son.
  12. Zia
    Jun 25, 2008
    5
    After being a Coldplay maniac all these years, I was frankly disappointed with this album. I waited so much for this and it had nothing to offer. It was too loud without substance. No depth at all compared to their previous classics. I am heartbroken. Maybe they will patch it up next time!
  13. EmilyW.
    Jun 24, 2008
    9
    It's pretty amazing that Uncut, the same publication that gave the unbelievably shitty X&Y a 90, gave this album 60. One person below said they believed the critics were being careful with their ratings for this album because of all the rash 90's and 100's given to X&Y upon its release and I think that is exactly right. This is a much better offering and might even turn out It's pretty amazing that Uncut, the same publication that gave the unbelievably shitty X&Y a 90, gave this album 60. One person below said they believed the critics were being careful with their ratings for this album because of all the rash 90's and 100's given to X&Y upon its release and I think that is exactly right. This is a much better offering and might even turn out to be their best album to date.… Expand
  14. DamianA.
    Jun 24, 2008
    8
    Pretty good album, I have to say their best since A Rush Of Blood To The Head, all of their songs are great from beginning to the end, definely one of the albums of the entire year
  15. RobertR
    Jun 24, 2008
    2
    I'm sure that 40 year old dad's around the world are overjoyed with this album as they mow the front lawn. If you want adventurous, listen to Eno and Arcade Fire - you'll find it there.
  16. JayL.
    Jun 23, 2008
    7
    Stand out tracks for me were Violet Hill, Yes, and 42. Cemeteries of London and Lovers in Japan sounded too U2-ish to me, especially the latter, but I guess that's what you get when you have Brian Eno producing. They still have yet to beat A Rush of Blood to the Head in my eyes, but this is still a good listen.
  17. EdA
    Jun 23, 2008
    8
    Bolder than anything else Coldplay has made but not completely different. This album does confirm that they actually know how to play instruments better than beginners. "Yes!" is a song to check out if you want to see their new musical direction. "Lost" is solid too.
  18. SamF.
    Jun 23, 2008
    9
    Coldplay's best album to date sounds like a swirling mess of Brian Eno at first, but with repeated listens you can hear the greatness and you're left with easily;y the best album of the year so far...quite a masterpiece.
  19. WillH.
    Jun 21, 2008
    10
    Few artists have evolved like Coldplay, and this new album is a prime example of what the boys can do when they're not hounded by a record label. It doesn't seem like Coldplay's trying to please everyone on the new album - it seems like they made a "We Don't Give a Damn!" album, and it works. Aside from the low points found in "Violet Hill" and "Chinese Sleep Chant", Few artists have evolved like Coldplay, and this new album is a prime example of what the boys can do when they're not hounded by a record label. It doesn't seem like Coldplay's trying to please everyone on the new album - it seems like they made a "We Don't Give a Damn!" album, and it works. Aside from the low points found in "Violet Hill" and "Chinese Sleep Chant", the rest of the album is as solid as they come. The album gives off an aura of greatness, and it's about time it stopped being uncool to be a Coldplay fan. All hail Coldplay.… Expand
  20. DavidS.
    Jun 20, 2008
    9
    A very good album that I am enjoying more and more. I would probably rank Violent Hill the weakest song. A great album to listen to from start to end with some nice instrumental tracks. At the end of the day, this is a pop album that should appeal to their huge fan base.
  21. JordanF.
    Jun 20, 2008
    9
    I would argue this is Coldplay's finest album aside from Rush of blood to the head. A much more relaxed, soothing vibe that is sharply contrasted from their other albums. Feels like they aren't trying to stand out with any of their songs but just create great sounding music.
  22. JeremiC.
    Jun 20, 2008
    9
    I really started thinking bad things about the band when they released X&Y which was an overratted radio album and the fact that Chris Martin started tp remind me of Bono (which I hate). But this album is genuine, moving and very cheerful. With no doubt, this is their best album up to date!!
  23. AndrewB
    Jun 20, 2008
    7
    Colplay changes it up a bit after making three successively blander albums, probably due to Brian Eno's involvment. Its a little different from their past stuff, but I would hardly call it experimental. Its their best album yet, though.
  24. WilliamM.
    Jun 20, 2008
    10
    Excellent album, interestingly different from their usuall style.
  25. JuhZ
    Jun 20, 2008
    10
    Amazing concept album.
  26. DavidP
    Jun 19, 2008
    9
    Brilliant and a new direction for an already talented band.
  27. JoshN
    Jun 19, 2008
    10
    Easily the best Coldplay album I've ever heard. Lost is an amazing track, and this album is definitely worth the money. Go get it!
  28. MeganW
    Jun 19, 2008
    9
    A melodic ride and a wonderful album that takes us through varied lows and highs, before delivering us calmly back on silent shores.
  29. JoeC
    Jun 19, 2008
    7
    Quite hard to get into, nothing immediately catchy until Viva La Vida. Hopefully it will grow on me.
  30. JoseP.
    Jun 18, 2008
    10
    Coldplay is absolutely amazing in this. I loved "A Rush of Blood To The Head" but was somewhat disappointed with "X & Y". This album however is thoroughly satisfying, from the upbeat and cheerful "Viva la Vida" to the inspiring and emotional "Lost!". Well done boys, a fantastic album.
  31. BusterB
    Jun 18, 2008
    10
    Majestic and beautiful. The best track is the title track, a nice little itunes jingle. The other tracks are absolutely breathtaking. Coldplay is successful in creating and blending a new sound that takes them away from the norm. Well done.
  32. ErikM.
    Jun 18, 2008
    8
    Orchestral arrangements are all over this record, as well as The Arcade Fire's ever-expanding influence. This isn't shocking. Chris Martin admitted at Austin City Limits 2005 (while supporting the lackluster X&Y) that fellow ACL act The Arcade Fire "inspired" him to venture outside his normal comfort zone. The result is a much more versatile yet cohesive sound than was found Orchestral arrangements are all over this record, as well as The Arcade Fire's ever-expanding influence. This isn't shocking. Chris Martin admitted at Austin City Limits 2005 (while supporting the lackluster X&Y) that fellow ACL act The Arcade Fire "inspired" him to venture outside his normal comfort zone. The result is a much more versatile yet cohesive sound than was found their last record.… Expand
  33. DarrenD.
    Jun 18, 2008
    9
    Once again, Coldplay reinvents their sound and moves into a new direction. It's clear that most people don't like change and are not quick to adapt to it. However, in a matter of time, people who expected the same sound from Coldplay that they produced on "Parachutes" and "A Rush of Blood to the Head" will come to appreciate the new sound. After all, isn't it all about Once again, Coldplay reinvents their sound and moves into a new direction. It's clear that most people don't like change and are not quick to adapt to it. However, in a matter of time, people who expected the same sound from Coldplay that they produced on "Parachutes" and "A Rush of Blood to the Head" will come to appreciate the new sound. After all, isn't it all about moving forward with something new? Viva La Vida delivers a new frontier for Coldplay just as Revolver did for The Beatles. It's a major step forward, and now the real fun can begin.… Expand
  34. Val
    Jun 18, 2008
    9
    This album is near perfect! An epic sonic journey with celestial music. You will be flying with every track. Superb!
  35. DannyVanderSpek
    Jun 17, 2008
    9
    Viva La Vida has renewed my faith in the band that I loved with Parachutes and AROBTTH, but lost in X&Y. I think most publications and websites are trying to be extra cautious about their rating for Viva La Vida because of overinflated grades given to X&Y. Given some time, I think this album will prove to be a keeper.
  36. JoshM.
    Jun 17, 2008
    8
    I really like this album, more than X+Y, maybe even more than A rush of blood... Lovers in Japan and Lost were standout tracks, the title track is great. The first single, Violet Hill, is the least impressive song on the album but still not bad. Brian Eno's producing has a profound effect on this album. Change has definitely been good to Coldplay.
  37. ColinB.
    Jun 17, 2008
    8
    I would die to hear Bono belting out Martin's very genius yet very U2-esque melodies. After a few listens, I would say that this is a spectacular album, although a grand departure from Parachutes and ROBTH (and we should never speak of X&Y again). But Coldplay is still at the top of their game, and nearly everyone else's game for that matter. Early standouts: the vaguely I would die to hear Bono belting out Martin's very genius yet very U2-esque melodies. After a few listens, I would say that this is a spectacular album, although a grand departure from Parachutes and ROBTH (and we should never speak of X&Y again). But Coldplay is still at the top of their game, and nearly everyone else's game for that matter. Early standouts: the vaguely Japanese "Strawberry Swing," the haunting "Cemeteries of London," and "Yes," where Chris Martin sings at a low octive among ARABIC VIOLINS--double the unprecedentedness! This album isn't a masterpiece, but it's a very satisfying addition to the Coldplay anthology. Viva Coldplay!… Expand
  38. FelipeP.
    Jun 17, 2008
    10
    Their best album yet, fantastic textures.
  39. Chris
    Jun 17, 2008
    9
    This is a very good album. There are few misfires, but many of the tracks are excellent.
  40. DukeChallenger
    Jun 17, 2008
    10
    Viva La Vida is the best Coldplay album by far. They now do whatever they want to in songs, arranging so many different parts in them. They are no longer looking for hit singles, just making a masterful album. The highlight of the album is the second part of the album's title (Not Viva La Vida) due to its lyrics and emotion. The low is "Lost" because its chorus sounds a little bit Viva La Vida is the best Coldplay album by far. They now do whatever they want to in songs, arranging so many different parts in them. They are no longer looking for hit singles, just making a masterful album. The highlight of the album is the second part of the album's title (Not Viva La Vida) due to its lyrics and emotion. The low is "Lost" because its chorus sounds a little bit like Sarah McGlocklen, whom I do not like. Coldplay still has not created an album as good as U2's masterpiece's, though, they are definitely on the same level.… Expand
  41. jimyjim
    Jun 17, 2008
    10
    Excellent disc, a work mestra, is a beauty they are the gods of the humanity.
  42. DavidA.
    Jun 17, 2008
    9
    Another good outing from Coldplay. Great from the first listen. If you like Coldplay, you will like this, if you don't like them, then you won't.
  43. PetrK.
    Jun 17, 2008
    3
    Coldplay for several years clearlly struggling with writing a simple, strong, understandable song - where they are best. They made second album, boring with giutar layers and complicated melodies. Its oveproduced as well. Just wasting of their tallent and listeners time.
  44. StephenM.
    Jun 17, 2008
    8
    Surprisingly interesting.
  45. JeffO.
    Jun 17, 2008
    10
    Nearly perfect! Their best album to date.
  46. AhmadB.
    Jun 16, 2008
    10
    Ok, so, first off, you need to know, that this is, by far, Coldplay's best effort by far, suffice to say that it is one of their best albums. if you didn't like their previous efforts, you won't like this one. But, its definitely worth a listen, for any rock fan. Give them a chance, its an album that will stick with you.
  47. StevieG.
    Jun 16, 2008
    10
    After the disappointing X&Y this was a remarkable return to form for Coldplay. 'Viva la Vida', 'Lovers in Japan' and 'Strawberry Swing' are absolute classics. Because they are arguably now the biggest band in the world, people are quick to criticise anything they release. But make no mistake, this is a quality album, not one bad song on it.
  48. DarkCloud
    Jun 16, 2008
    10
    Most diverse album yet. Explores elements of Life and Death while shifting from light to dark every other song. The questions Martin raised throughout the album about afterlife is confirmed when the album dies (DEATH and All His Friends) and is resurrected with The Escapist which borrows the beginning of the first track (LIFE in Technicolor). Truly an art form in the conceptual sense and Most diverse album yet. Explores elements of Life and Death while shifting from light to dark every other song. The questions Martin raised throughout the album about afterlife is confirmed when the album dies (DEATH and All His Friends) and is resurrected with The Escapist which borrows the beginning of the first track (LIFE in Technicolor). Truly an art form in the conceptual sense and a masterpiece in the musical sense, even if it does deface itself (album art).… Expand
  49. DanielR.
    Jun 16, 2008
    10
    Coldplay is the best!!! I love the entire album, it has an instrumental music and melodies amazing. Love it!!
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Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Most Discussed Album of 2008
14
#14 Most Shared Album of 2008

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. Paste Magazine
    40
    Given Eno’s quarter-century of Bono-fides, this isn’t surprising. Martin’s interests are frequently vague--on 'Lovers in Japan/Reign of Love' he sings about soldiers who must soldier on and runners who must run until the race is won. Seriously?
    Read full review
  2. AllMusic
    80
    The greatest thing Coldplay may have learned from Eno is his work ethic, as they demonstrate a focused concentration throughout this tight album--it's only 47 minutes yet covers more ground than "X&Y" and arguably "A Rush of Blood to the Head"--that turns Viva la Vida into something quietly satisfying.
    Read full review
  3. Drowned In Sound
    60
    They try hard, Coldplay, but it just isn't enough; their fourth album might just be their best yet, but it's still a long way from being the epochal classic that Chris Martin is desperate to create.
    Read full review
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