Well, it seems like Coldplay has done it yet again. Whatever "it" is anyway. After a little over three years since their last album, X&Y, their long awaited follow up has proven to be even more successful than the before-mentioned multi-platinum record.
Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends, better known as just Viva la Vida, is Coldplay's fourth studio album and has reached more than ground-breaking proportions. The album dropped in early June, though I just got my "hands" on it, and managed to sell over 721,000 in United States in just the first week. The album debuted at #1 in 28 countries, and in the first week it had reached #1 in 58 countries. Viva la Vida was certified as platinum on seven sales charts, double platinum in the U.K., and Gold on two more charts.
Moving away from the sales success of the album, Viva la Vida really seems like a fresh new look at the band. The album's title means "Life Lives On!" or "Long Live Life!" in Spanish and the album's cover artwork is a painting called "La Liberté guidant le peuple" which is translated as "Liberty Leading the People." The painting was done by a renowned 20th century Mexican painter named Frida Kahlo. Coldplay has stated that the album draws from Hispanic influences because it was mainly recorded in churches and other areas in Latin America and Spain. However, the band has since pushed the fact that the influences can't be found in any specific sound, but in the general feel of the songs. I love the entire album, but if I had to choose a favorite song it would have to be either "Lovers in Japan" or "42."
Coldplay is touring avidly, as they have done in the past, promoting the new album, you can check dates and locations here, and hopefully you will be able to get out and see them perform these amazing songs live. They play near me in early November, but I have yet to acquire the funds to see them. In any case, go out and find this album whether or not you are a fan of the band, because afterward you just may find yourself to be one. You never know.
1 comment:
I haven't listened to most of the album's songs, but I do like Viva la Vida so far. You should check out Vampire Weekend, they're pretty good in their own right. Good Summer music.
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