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Editorial Reviews
2011 release, the fifth studio album from the British Pop/Rock quartet. Mylo Xyloto, was produced by Markus Dravs, Daniel Green, and Rik Simpson (the official press release adds "with enoxification and additional composition by Brian Eno"). R&B sensation Rihanna guests on one track on the album. Features the first single 'Every Teardrop Is Waterfall'.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
143 of 165 people found the following review helpful
By MrMan
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Wow. I am really shocked how much I like Mylo Xyloto. I am a long-time Coldplay fan and just love their music, but I wasn't sure about this record due to the slight change in style. The first half of the record I was mostly familiar with due to the singles, live versions and the side A sampler. The only song on side B that I had heard was Major Minus. Obviously, the second part of the record was what I was looking forward to the most as it was mostly new, unheard Coldplay!
I can definitely see why this record has fans divided. It is a new sound for Coldplay in terms of production and direction. However, there are many tracks where 'early' Coldplay is still there, just under new layers. Utimately, I gave the record a 4/5, with a point deducted for some unnecessary over-production. I do truly feel it deserves it though. It is a good mix of all the previous records, while still moving forward.
Mylo Xyloto:
Just beautiful. I love this as the opening track and the transition into Hurts Like Heaven. Although, I am with others who have said it's hard to listen to just MX or HLH by themselves...
Hurts Like Heaven:
Probably the track I was most fearing as I love the live version and people were saying it was so different on the record. I was pleasantly surprised that it did not crush my enjoyment of the track! I LOVE this song! Yes, it is a bit over-produced, but I also think that makes it interesting. There are so many sounds and layers to the track that a good set of headphones brings out.
Paradise:
No surprises here. The second single. It's definitely a grower. I liked it when I first heard it, but the introduction is just fantastic the more I listen to it. It fits so well on the record now I have heard it in context.
Charlie Brown:
This is my favourite track on the record. It is such a great track and should definitely be released as the next single! The piano part at the end is just fantastic. This will be a big hit and crowd-pleaser!
Us Against The World:
LOVE! This is such an amazing song! I adore the introduction. I loved this track live and this version just makes it all the better. Only quip is I wish Will's duet portion was more pronounced. The first song on the record that sounds like 'early' Coldplay material.
M.M.I.X.:
This instrumental makes Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall flow within the context of the record. If this was not here, it would be such an abrupt change from UATW.
Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall:
Again, no surprises. The first single and a really upbeat and optimistic song. It is pretty dancey for Coldplay, but it's a great song nonetheless.
Major Minus:
I had already heard this from the Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall EP. It's a fantastic track and really like it. I would have preferred less distortion on the verse vocals, but Jonny's guitar solo is awesome!
U.F.O.:
This is such a lovely acoustic track and reminds me so much of 'early' Coldplay. The melody is great, but I just wish it was a tad bit longer.
Princess of China:
I was really surprised by this one! First, Rihanna being on the track is strange. I think this might be one of her better vocal performances though. The song itself is very RnB to me, but I don't mind it. I am surprised to be honest as I was going in thinking I was going to really dislike it, but I think if this is released as a single, it will probably be a big hit. However, it's definitely one of my least favourite tracks on the record.
Up In Flames:
I really didn't think I was going to like this song. I had heard a clip of the Austin City Limits live version and it just didn't do anything for me. However, within the context of the record and with the added production (think Massive Attack style beat), I think this is a good track. Again, it reminds me of 'early' Coldplay but it's not up to par with the rest of the album. I consider this track and Princess of China to be the low point of the record really.
A Hopeful Transmission:
Probably the best instrumental on the record. It's basically a more upbeat 'Mylo Xyloto' with a sort of Latin vibe. It flows so well into Don't Let It Break Your Heart.
Don't Let It Break Your Heart:
Wow. One of my favourite tracks! As with Hurts Like Heaven and Major Minus, I wish there wasn't as much distortion on Chris' voice, but really that's the only negative I see on this stellar track!
Up With The Birds:
A fantastic closer! Again, like 'early' Coldplay but with a modern twist. It starts so atmospheric, I had no clue what direction it was going to go! It's a beautiful track and such a great way to close the record!
I can definitely see why this record has fans divided. It is a new sound for Coldplay in terms of production and direction. However, there are many tracks where 'early' Coldplay is still there, just under new layers. Utimately, I gave the record a 4/5, with a point deducted for some unnecessary over-production. I do truly feel it deserves it though. It is a good mix of all the previous records, while still moving forward.
Mylo Xyloto:
Just beautiful. I love this as the opening track and the transition into Hurts Like Heaven. Although, I am with others who have said it's hard to listen to just MX or HLH by themselves...
Hurts Like Heaven:
Probably the track I was most fearing as I love the live version and people were saying it was so different on the record. I was pleasantly surprised that it did not crush my enjoyment of the track! I LOVE this song! Yes, it is a bit over-produced, but I also think that makes it interesting. There are so many sounds and layers to the track that a good set of headphones brings out.
Paradise:
No surprises here. The second single. It's definitely a grower. I liked it when I first heard it, but the introduction is just fantastic the more I listen to it. It fits so well on the record now I have heard it in context.
Charlie Brown:
This is my favourite track on the record. It is such a great track and should definitely be released as the next single! The piano part at the end is just fantastic. This will be a big hit and crowd-pleaser!
Us Against The World:
LOVE! This is such an amazing song! I adore the introduction. I loved this track live and this version just makes it all the better. Only quip is I wish Will's duet portion was more pronounced. The first song on the record that sounds like 'early' Coldplay material.
M.M.I.X.:
This instrumental makes Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall flow within the context of the record. If this was not here, it would be such an abrupt change from UATW.
Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall:
Again, no surprises. The first single and a really upbeat and optimistic song. It is pretty dancey for Coldplay, but it's a great song nonetheless.
Major Minus:
I had already heard this from the Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall EP. It's a fantastic track and really like it. I would have preferred less distortion on the verse vocals, but Jonny's guitar solo is awesome!
U.F.O.:
This is such a lovely acoustic track and reminds me so much of 'early' Coldplay. The melody is great, but I just wish it was a tad bit longer.
Princess of China:
I was really surprised by this one! First, Rihanna being on the track is strange. I think this might be one of her better vocal performances though. The song itself is very RnB to me, but I don't mind it. I am surprised to be honest as I was going in thinking I was going to really dislike it, but I think if this is released as a single, it will probably be a big hit. However, it's definitely one of my least favourite tracks on the record.
Up In Flames:
I really didn't think I was going to like this song. I had heard a clip of the Austin City Limits live version and it just didn't do anything for me. However, within the context of the record and with the added production (think Massive Attack style beat), I think this is a good track. Again, it reminds me of 'early' Coldplay but it's not up to par with the rest of the album. I consider this track and Princess of China to be the low point of the record really.
A Hopeful Transmission:
Probably the best instrumental on the record. It's basically a more upbeat 'Mylo Xyloto' with a sort of Latin vibe. It flows so well into Don't Let It Break Your Heart.
Don't Let It Break Your Heart:
Wow. One of my favourite tracks! As with Hurts Like Heaven and Major Minus, I wish there wasn't as much distortion on Chris' voice, but really that's the only negative I see on this stellar track!
Up With The Birds:
A fantastic closer! Again, like 'early' Coldplay but with a modern twist. It starts so atmospheric, I had no clue what direction it was going to go! It's a beautiful track and such a great way to close the record!
46 of 54 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I'm a fan of Coldplay. Even if their work isn't revolutionary, it sounds good, and each album has been different from the last. I really, really fell in love with them after hearing their astonishingly good album Viva La Vida. With it's really interesting world-inspired music, moving string sections, crisp instruments piano parts, just beautifully played guitar parts, and unique rhythms, it's an all around great album that's different from most anything I've heard in the past. Needless to say I was eagerly awaiting this new album, expecting it to follow from the greatness that inspired Viva.
To some extent, they hit the mark musically. Their songs are catchy, fit the general musical feel of 2011, but still differentiate themselves with Chris's vocals and Buckland's signature guitar riffs. It's good music.
However, words cannot express the disappointment I have with the mastering on this CD. It is absolutely horrible. Every single track is at 11 with the volume for the duration of the song unless it fades in or fades out. There is no dynamic contrast at all. Sections that are supposed to sound loud and impressive and acoustically huge do not... which is really a crying shame because so many of the songs would benefit from such dynamics. What should be the huge crescendos in the songs instead end up sounding boring and flat, sitting right in with the rest of the song. The mixes are terribly crowded and everything is smashed together and muddy.
The vocals and drums especially suffer from this. Instead of the vocals being out front during the chorus and at times when they are clearly singing the lead in the song, they end up pushed together with the rest of the "accompanying" parts and sound like they are competing for acoustic clarity. Vocals literally sound like they are clipping at times ("Paradise"'s chorus, "Princess of China" during Rihanna's vocal lead in the latter half of the song, what would be "Charlie Brown"'s huge energy building bridge at 2:30). Chris and co don't have any room to budge volume-wise, and because they're very dynamic, it doesn't surprise me that they were clipping considering the job done on rest of the instruments.
Cymbals sound harsh, overwhelming and literally make me cringe. The bass drum is far too loud, even with the intention being that this album have songs that sound somewhat like dance music. What sounds like a timpani drum in "Major Minus" ends up being far too loud and flattens out at what is supposed to be its dynamic peak. Synthesizer parts sound terribly distorted, and not just for effect in the song. Strings, synthesizer pads, and piano parts, which in past Coldplay songs have been beautifully crisp and sounded excellent sound like they've lost a significant amount of fidelity because they've had all the emotion compressed out of them (listen to the strings and accompanying pads on "Paradise", especially at the drop; the pads in "Charlie Brown"). After this process, they are cranked up to their proper levels with the terrible artifacts of squashing sound present and loud and clear.
The ending to "Charlie Brown," in particular, sounds like it was played on the piano from "The Scientist," and should have been played like the small piano motif at the end of "Cemeteries of London." It just sounds so terrible in "Charlie Brown." Where as the piano in both of these other songs has a wonderfully rounded out and clear sound, breathes beautifully, sounds like a real instrument, and actually varies properly in volume with the rest of the song, the piano at the end of "Charlie Brown" sound overdriven, fuzzy, fake, and hurts to listen to as a piano player.
It is beyond me how this album got out of the door with Coldplay's approval. The sound engineers ruined all the small things that make instruments sound good. Instead of having clear, distinct sounds for each one of the instruments, it become hard and requires significant effort on my part to pick out one sound from the next. Everything blends together in an aural mess that just does not sound good. Emotion from dynamics is for the most part lost.
I can only hope that they will get a real, professional recording engineer who knows how to mix rock music correctly to remaster this. If so, they should distribute a digital version of that remaster to everyone who purchased the album.
I'm incredibly disappointed. This is the only Coldplay album I regret buying. I only give it two stars because I do like the music.
To some extent, they hit the mark musically. Their songs are catchy, fit the general musical feel of 2011, but still differentiate themselves with Chris's vocals and Buckland's signature guitar riffs. It's good music.
However, words cannot express the disappointment I have with the mastering on this CD. It is absolutely horrible. Every single track is at 11 with the volume for the duration of the song unless it fades in or fades out. There is no dynamic contrast at all. Sections that are supposed to sound loud and impressive and acoustically huge do not... which is really a crying shame because so many of the songs would benefit from such dynamics. What should be the huge crescendos in the songs instead end up sounding boring and flat, sitting right in with the rest of the song. The mixes are terribly crowded and everything is smashed together and muddy.
The vocals and drums especially suffer from this. Instead of the vocals being out front during the chorus and at times when they are clearly singing the lead in the song, they end up pushed together with the rest of the "accompanying" parts and sound like they are competing for acoustic clarity. Vocals literally sound like they are clipping at times ("Paradise"'s chorus, "Princess of China" during Rihanna's vocal lead in the latter half of the song, what would be "Charlie Brown"'s huge energy building bridge at 2:30). Chris and co don't have any room to budge volume-wise, and because they're very dynamic, it doesn't surprise me that they were clipping considering the job done on rest of the instruments.
Cymbals sound harsh, overwhelming and literally make me cringe. The bass drum is far too loud, even with the intention being that this album have songs that sound somewhat like dance music. What sounds like a timpani drum in "Major Minus" ends up being far too loud and flattens out at what is supposed to be its dynamic peak. Synthesizer parts sound terribly distorted, and not just for effect in the song. Strings, synthesizer pads, and piano parts, which in past Coldplay songs have been beautifully crisp and sounded excellent sound like they've lost a significant amount of fidelity because they've had all the emotion compressed out of them (listen to the strings and accompanying pads on "Paradise", especially at the drop; the pads in "Charlie Brown"). After this process, they are cranked up to their proper levels with the terrible artifacts of squashing sound present and loud and clear.
The ending to "Charlie Brown," in particular, sounds like it was played on the piano from "The Scientist," and should have been played like the small piano motif at the end of "Cemeteries of London." It just sounds so terrible in "Charlie Brown." Where as the piano in both of these other songs has a wonderfully rounded out and clear sound, breathes beautifully, sounds like a real instrument, and actually varies properly in volume with the rest of the song, the piano at the end of "Charlie Brown" sound overdriven, fuzzy, fake, and hurts to listen to as a piano player.
It is beyond me how this album got out of the door with Coldplay's approval. The sound engineers ruined all the small things that make instruments sound good. Instead of having clear, distinct sounds for each one of the instruments, it become hard and requires significant effort on my part to pick out one sound from the next. Everything blends together in an aural mess that just does not sound good. Emotion from dynamics is for the most part lost.
I can only hope that they will get a real, professional recording engineer who knows how to mix rock music correctly to remaster this. If so, they should distribute a digital version of that remaster to everyone who purchased the album.
I'm incredibly disappointed. This is the only Coldplay album I regret buying. I only give it two stars because I do like the music.
66 of 80 people found the following review helpful
By D. Davis
Format:Audio CD
I was hoping the latest offering from Coldplay would match their last LP, which was a tall task in my book. "MX's" predecessor, "Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends", was a dark, progressive journey into the realm of broken hearts, war, death and glimpses of hope and prosperity. The songwriting, producing and overall effort was top notch. It remains on the top of my Desert Island Disc list. To say I had lofty expectations for "MX" would be an understatement.
After one listen I am proud to say that my expectations were easily met, and at times surpassed.
I love music that encompasses a thick sound. Coming from the school of progressive rock, my two favorite bands (Genesis and Marillion) always had full, dynamic properties to their songs, many washed with synthesizers, reverb and other atmospheric effects. And it wasn't as a gimmick; it was because those properties were necessary to sustain the mood. When "Viva" came out, songs like "Cemeteries of London" and "42" made great use of these techniques, and luckily it continues on "MX". Strings, synthesizers, and other choral-like sounds are doused over many of the songs, and guess what....it works! "Paradise" is absolutely gorgeous, highly atmospheric, and sounds perhaps a distant relative of "Lovers in Japan" mixed with "Strawberry Swing." "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall" is a bright, energetic celebration, with reverbs, soaring guitar and thick chords surrounding it. "Charlie Brown" will no doubt be a live anthem, with a catchy hook and, dare I say, groovin' sound.
Although I am praising the use of effects heavily, there are moments of stripped-down glory reminiscent of "Parachutes." Songs like "U.F.O." and "Up in Flames" remind me of the early years, displaying a very simple sound, if you will, showing that Coldplay can write and perform quality songs that can both rattle the walls and yet be calming and soothing. No doubt these lads have mastered the skill of diversity.
The only letdown on this album was the song "Princess of China." I'll probably get flamed for this, but I really don't like Rihanna's voice. If I wanted a nasally, dime-a-dozen singer who is pushed by the record company merely because of their looks or "trendiness", I'll put on a Lady Gaga CD and pray for my ears to fall off. It's a shame, because the song itself is actually catchy and fun, but her voice detracts from it. Again, just my opinion, take it or leave it.
I love this band for many reasons.....the humbleness of its members, their songwriting, their live shows (which are incredible), and the fact that they offer their music on vinyl. Speaking of which, Amazon is stocking the vinyl version (available Nov 1st), and the band's website is offering a Special Edition bundle with a graffiti pic disc (on 180 gram vinyl), CD, book, and tons of other stuff in a box set. Pick your poison....there are many ways to celebrate the new "MX" offering.
Thank you Coldplay for continuing to make quality music and giving the fans such great live shows. We look forward to seeing you on tour in the States in 2012 !!
After one listen I am proud to say that my expectations were easily met, and at times surpassed.
I love music that encompasses a thick sound. Coming from the school of progressive rock, my two favorite bands (Genesis and Marillion) always had full, dynamic properties to their songs, many washed with synthesizers, reverb and other atmospheric effects. And it wasn't as a gimmick; it was because those properties were necessary to sustain the mood. When "Viva" came out, songs like "Cemeteries of London" and "42" made great use of these techniques, and luckily it continues on "MX". Strings, synthesizers, and other choral-like sounds are doused over many of the songs, and guess what....it works! "Paradise" is absolutely gorgeous, highly atmospheric, and sounds perhaps a distant relative of "Lovers in Japan" mixed with "Strawberry Swing." "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall" is a bright, energetic celebration, with reverbs, soaring guitar and thick chords surrounding it. "Charlie Brown" will no doubt be a live anthem, with a catchy hook and, dare I say, groovin' sound.
Although I am praising the use of effects heavily, there are moments of stripped-down glory reminiscent of "Parachutes." Songs like "U.F.O." and "Up in Flames" remind me of the early years, displaying a very simple sound, if you will, showing that Coldplay can write and perform quality songs that can both rattle the walls and yet be calming and soothing. No doubt these lads have mastered the skill of diversity.
The only letdown on this album was the song "Princess of China." I'll probably get flamed for this, but I really don't like Rihanna's voice. If I wanted a nasally, dime-a-dozen singer who is pushed by the record company merely because of their looks or "trendiness", I'll put on a Lady Gaga CD and pray for my ears to fall off. It's a shame, because the song itself is actually catchy and fun, but her voice detracts from it. Again, just my opinion, take it or leave it.
I love this band for many reasons.....the humbleness of its members, their songwriting, their live shows (which are incredible), and the fact that they offer their music on vinyl. Speaking of which, Amazon is stocking the vinyl version (available Nov 1st), and the band's website is offering a Special Edition bundle with a graffiti pic disc (on 180 gram vinyl), CD, book, and tons of other stuff in a box set. Pick your poison....there are many ways to celebrate the new "MX" offering.
Thank you Coldplay for continuing to make quality music and giving the fans such great live shows. We look forward to seeing you on tour in the States in 2012 !!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
AMAZING INSPIRING SOUND!!!
All I can say is this is by far my favorite Coldplay album. All the whiners complaining about audio distortion need to change the tubes in there 100 year old hifi tube amps and... Read more
Published 12 hours ago by Tonybrowntown
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bought this for my friend...
This is my second time purchasing this album. I loaned my first copy to a friend and she listens to it every day now. Read more
Published 3 days ago by Richard R. Valle
5.0 out of 5 stars
AWESOME
LOVE COLDPLAY, WISH I COULD AFFORD TO GO SEE THEM IN CONCERT/ANYWHERE. IF YOU CAN AFFORD TO SEND ME TICKETS, INCLUDING AIRLINE, SEND ME TWO, ONLY IN THE GREAT USA.
Published 11 days ago by Rebecca Sather
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Coldplay Album!
Coldplay is an awesome group, and I was really excited about this album! It shipped fast, the price was great, and the disc quality was great! Just what I was looking for!
Published 13 days ago by Trevor
1.0 out of 5 stars
Not Listenable
I enjoyed some albums of Coldplay in the past. They are not a great band but they make some enjoyable songs. Read more
Published 21 days ago by Aytac Yolas
5.0 out of 5 stars
Coldplay
Awesome group!!! How do you not enjoy a great sounding group that allows your mind to escape once in every blue moon.
Published 21 days ago by Gerald C. Layne
1.0 out of 5 stars
Producer Brian Eno featuring Chris Martin and Coldplay Occasionally
The title says it all, when I listen to Coldplay (a band) I want to hear the instruments being played by the band. Read more
Published 24 days ago by Lpfanaddy
5.0 out of 5 stars
FANTASTIC
I LOVE THIS ALBULM! I LISTEN TO IT ALL THE TIME. COLDPLAY DID A EXCELLANT JOB ON ALL THE SONGS. . . .
Published 28 days ago by Janna D. Adams
5.0 out of 5 stars
My third copy of this cd!
I bought one at the coldplay show , then i ordered one for the car, then over christmas my mother fell in love with this cd, so i ordered another copy! Love this cd. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Abby M.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Album
I chose this rating because the entire musical score was magnificent....I loved it!! I would recommend it to anyone who is a Coldplay fan...
Published 1 month ago by cavergal
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