X&Y
by Coldplay
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Jun 7, 2005
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 711 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 574 out of 711
  2. Mixed: 75 out of 711
  3. Negative: 62 out of 711

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  1. NeilP
    Jun 14, 2005
    9
    Almost as good as Coldplay gets. It's Great, i love it!
  2. sedm
    Jun 15, 2005
    1
    b sides
  3. Julian
    Jun 15, 2005
    8
    Like Parachutes and A Rush of Blood to the Head, this album is front loaded with some amazing stuff. Then, just like their previous efforts, the recede into some pretty mediocre stuff. Despite this pattern, the front of this album is so amazing that everyone who liked Parachutes or Rush of Blood should pick it up. The best tracks are Talk (simply amazing stuff), What If, and White Shadows.
  4. PaulP
    Jun 15, 2005
    7
    I have been an avid Colplay fan for quite some time now, and I was greatly anticipating this release. However, after bringing it home and listning to it twice, I felt that it was a bit too sparse in it's great moments, especially after an album like Rush of Blood. Coldplay needs to stop trying to appeal to an ignorant majority of idiot teeagers, and concentrate on making real art. I have been an avid Colplay fan for quite some time now, and I was greatly anticipating this release. However, after bringing it home and listning to it twice, I felt that it was a bit too sparse in it's great moments, especially after an album like Rush of Blood. Coldplay needs to stop trying to appeal to an ignorant majority of idiot teeagers, and concentrate on making real art. Though it was a let down, it still maintained that sense of asthetics that we all know and love as Coldplay. Most of all, I look forward to what will come next, will they keep engaging in becoming part of the MTV machine? Or will they take the "Kid A" approach. We can all hope for the latter.… Expand
  5. KeramC
    Jun 16, 2005
    4
    This album is a pleasing but easily forgetable listen. If you're looking for mindless, instant gratification, this is your album. If you're looking for insightful, well-crafted lyrics, avoid this album like the plauge.
  6. JessS
    Jun 16, 2005
    9
    I have never been a huge coldplay fan, i will not deny the intensity of their hits, (ex. yellow, the scientist, clocks etc.) I own parachutes, which i have never much liked and AROBTTH which i enjoy, but rarely. However X & Y is one of the top 5 records I have heard released in since 1999. i am floored at their ability to mix all aspects and create such a beautifully blended masterpiece. I have never been a huge coldplay fan, i will not deny the intensity of their hits, (ex. yellow, the scientist, clocks etc.) I own parachutes, which i have never much liked and AROBTTH which i enjoy, but rarely. However X & Y is one of the top 5 records I have heard released in since 1999. i am floored at their ability to mix all aspects and create such a beautifully blended masterpiece. Those disappointed incertain aspects of the album should attempt to see the final product for what is, a heart felt ballad album with phenomenal rhythm. I am truly floored.… Expand
  7. michaelc
    Jun 16, 2005
    5
    I loved Rush of blood to the head but this album just never takes off. The songs run together alot and are just kind of boring. It's too bad.
  8. AZAELM
    Jun 17, 2005
    10
    I can not stop listen the whole album since i got it, I think is the most remarkable job of the band.... specially Talk....
  9. Amanda
    Jun 17, 2005
    8
    My sister is crazy about this bands music. But who isn't, right. I think it they are ok.
  10. MarianoD
    Jun 17, 2005
    8
    Coldplay has done again a remarkable job. For those who do not like this album, I must tell you that this is not easy listening music. You have to hear the songs many times to start finding the appropiate sour to the songs. Follow my advice, hear many times, find the sour and you will see this album is going to be amazing to your ears. Enjoy!
  11. Jon
    Jun 17, 2005
    10
    It just keeps growing and growing on me. An amazing CD that keeps working its way under my skin!
  12. lewekj
    Jun 22, 2005
    7
    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz wheres the alarm clock? garners a 7 off the sheer power of 4 truly u2 meets oasis meets radiohead meets coldplay fantastic songs. a rush of blood to the head will likely serve as "definitely maybe" their "morning glory. uneven.
  13. Thom
    Jun 22, 2005
    0
    Blender give this 100 and then give Foo Fighters 60 and claim they are dull, Blender, you really suck big time.
  14. DanB.
    Jun 26, 2005
    6
    I'm not a huge coldplay fan, but I did like their previous albums enough that I still listen to them every once in a while. Not all the tracks, but, most of them. And I've listened to the new one a few times and can't help but think that I won't be pulling it out, randomly, months from now. It's not bad though. A few songs off it I'll pull off for mixes, maybe.
  15. HarryH
    Jun 28, 2005
    6
    Great in places, but nowhere near as consistent as the last album. Coldplay seem to have forgotten that you can't add layers of synth simply for the sake of it, and this is where the album's main flaw stems from - they've tried to cram too much into too small a space. The best songs, such as "The Hardest Part" and "'Til Kingdom Come", are often the simplest.
  16. RM
    Jun 29, 2005
    10
    this is an album that takes a few listens to really like. im not a huge coldplay fan, but i liked a rush of blood and thought id check it out. some of the lyrics are kind of lame like "i want to love you but i dont know if i can," but the melodies were beautiful and i coudnt get them out of my head. this is a great listen!
  17. kellyc
    Jun 29, 2005
    9
    I liked this album right when I heard it
  18. JaysonJ
    Jun 29, 2005
    8
    Ostensibly, X&Y is a triumph. Every second sounds sublimely good, but sometimes that alone cannot merit greatness. The album lacks the poeticism that "Don't Panic" and "Yellow" lent to Parachutes and the Instrumental glory found in A Rush's "Clocks" and "In My Place." Martin's lyrics are unforgivably stilted. How could the line "The tears come streaming down your face" be Ostensibly, X&Y is a triumph. Every second sounds sublimely good, but sometimes that alone cannot merit greatness. The album lacks the poeticism that "Don't Panic" and "Yellow" lent to Parachutes and the Instrumental glory found in A Rush's "Clocks" and "In My Place." Martin's lyrics are unforgivably stilted. How could the line "The tears come streaming down your face" be written by the same man who wrote "I was just guessing in numbers and figures." Then again, why can't I stop listening to it? I guess the real tragedy is in how good it could have been. Twisted Logic is the CD's best.… Expand
  19. tsuede
    Jul 18, 2005
    0
    worst album of the year . so boring . chris martin's not a good song writer . all songs copy of U2 , mercury rev and radiohead .
  20. matti
    Jul 18, 2005
    9
    my favourite coldplay album yet
  21. JonW
    Jul 24, 2005
    8
    Overall good album with many good songs that martin some makes sound different and each in their own way enjoyable. Although it did take some time i was pleased with the album
  22. martymcfly
    Jul 29, 2005
    10
    A fantastic album from start to finish. Sure they are sticking to their formula, but I loved their previous albums and I love this one too.
  23. TFletcher
    Aug 14, 2005
    1
    I can sum up X&Y in six words: an imitation of U2 and Radiohead. John Buckland is the biggest rip off I think I've ever heard. He's just capitalising off a sound The Edge perfected over many years. This whole album is a load of boring shite. "Fix You" is the worst song of this year, by far. Don't buy this album, it's a waste of money. "Twisted Logic" and "X&Y" are I can sum up X&Y in six words: an imitation of U2 and Radiohead. John Buckland is the biggest rip off I think I've ever heard. He's just capitalising off a sound The Edge perfected over many years. This whole album is a load of boring shite. "Fix You" is the worst song of this year, by far. Don't buy this album, it's a waste of money. "Twisted Logic" and "X&Y" are probably just about the only good songs on it. If you want to buy some good albums, pick up "The Unforgettable Fire" by U2 (this is the album Coldplay have been trying to recreate on AROBTTH and X&Y) "Achtung Baby" by U2, "The Bends" by Radiohead, and "OK Computer" by Radiohead. These are actually GOOD albums. Don't be fooled by the imitators. Coldplay are nothing more than a bland version of U2 and Radiohead combined. Can't believe everyone's falling for the act.… Expand
  24. BeckaF
    Aug 21, 2005
    10
    I am officially in love with this album... although in my eyes it doesn't beat Parachutes i think it's genius and i don't understand why people give feedback if they hate the album.. here's a plan if you don't like it don't listen to it and stop trying to ruin it for other people!
  25. Kimi
    Aug 23, 2005
    10
    Wow! I think those who critic this album might be crazy! This is by far the best album ever! Even if you might not listen to it on radio stations quite often.. X&Y offers great songs from the greatest band.. COLDPLAY!!
  26. BenS
    Sep 23, 2005
    5
    I hate to break the party but I am unconvinced by this album. The lyrics aren't 'crap', but are sadly, dull. Love ballads about nothing-in-particurlar are in I know but after an excellent 'fix you', 'what if', and 'a message' are a bit boring really. There is nothing to match the extreme catchiness of 'clocks', no ballad that has ever I hate to break the party but I am unconvinced by this album. The lyrics aren't 'crap', but are sadly, dull. Love ballads about nothing-in-particurlar are in I know but after an excellent 'fix you', 'what if', and 'a message' are a bit boring really. There is nothing to match the extreme catchiness of 'clocks', no ballad that has ever bettered 'yellow', in fact CMs voice seems to have lost some of its once appealing personality, ho hum… Expand
  27. JenW
    Sep 28, 2005
    6
    I'm lukewarm, although there are some musically satisfying bits and pieces in this album. Overall I can't find one song that feels like a coherent whole, perhaps with exception to "The Hardest Part"; there seems to be something simple and pulled together about that one. I keep playing the album, feverently looking for an answer to their "code", but coming up with nothing in the end.
  28. MichelleB
    Sep 29, 2005
    9
    Was disappointed for the first few listenings. Put it down for a week. Picked it back up. Got stuck on Square One for another week. Then really listened to the whole album - now I find I can't stop listening to it. Every time I listen, I hear more -- I might even make my husband a Coldplay fan!
  29. JonR
    Nov 19, 2005
    6
    X&Y was the first Coldplay album I bought thanks to my addiction to the Fix You video from Live 8 when AOL still had it up. Really lovely stuff. But as a whole this album drowns itself out. Theres very little (if any) contrast in pacing or atmosphere from song to song, which kills the album. Sure it has some highlights, White Shadows, the formentioned Fix You and the final three tracks X&Y was the first Coldplay album I bought thanks to my addiction to the Fix You video from Live 8 when AOL still had it up. Really lovely stuff. But as a whole this album drowns itself out. Theres very little (if any) contrast in pacing or atmosphere from song to song, which kills the album. Sure it has some highlights, White Shadows, the formentioned Fix You and the final three tracks come to mind. Most of the rest is rather blah, average. I have no problem with falsetto vocals either (hell I love Radiohead and Muse) so don't go into that. Basically this albums has 5 great songs and then a collection of a couple "good" ones and many without any zip.… Expand
  30. JK
    Dec 19, 2005
    0
    GACK!!!!! i hate coldplay... 100% yawn-fest.... k thats all
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Most Discussed Album of 2005
13
#13 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 33
  3. Negative: 1 out of 33
  1. Blender
    100
    [Coldplay] have made their masterpiece. [Jun 2005, p.112]
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    90
    Confident, bold, ambitious, bunged with singles and impossible to contain, ‘X&Y’ doesn’t reinvent the wheel but it does reinforce Coldplay as the band of their time.
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  3. The Guardian
    60
    They have chosen to opt for the standard formula: it's elegiac, mid-tempo, stadium-friendly ballads all the way.
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