Mylo Xyloto: Album Review

Who would have thought that Coldplay would collaborate with anyone that is best known for singing out of umbrellas? The fact that one of the songs on Coldplay’s new album, Mylo Xyloto (2011), features Rihanna and much of the pop-ish music with which she is associated, is both disappointing and confusing. The track on which she sings, “Princess of China” consists of Rihanna’s voice whining through the speakers about her disappointment at not being a princess.

On Mylo Xyloto, the Coldplay we once knew and loved is hiding behind layers of citrusy colored spray paint graffiti, and has become unrecognizable.

The album begins with the unexpectedly poppy track “Hurts Like Heaven.” Lead singer Chris martin spits out the lyrics too quickly, and the words are beyond comprehension at parts. Artificial techno beeps and bops drown out the refined electric guitar of Coldplay’s past projects.

“Hurts Like Heaven” doesn’t do Martin’s voice any justice. His sound is normally radiant, unique and earthy, but it creates friction with the electronic music in this song. The same goes for the first single off of the album, “Every Teardrop is a Waterfall” -- a repetitive, predictable tune that doesn’t live up to Coldplay’s potential.

So what does Mylo Xyloto even mean? We’re talking about Coldplay - a band that is known for critically acclaimed, masterpiece albums - the name of this album must have some sort of deeper meaning behind it. Alas, Chris Martin told UK newspaper The Sun that the band just made it up. He said, “at the moment it seems a bit ridiculous and I accept that. Something about it feels quite fresh. The title doesn’t have any other meaning.

Mylo Xyloto, although generally disappointing, does have its perks. There are some hidden gems throughout the track list that remind longtime Coldplay fans of their roots. “Major Minus” has a distinctive guitar lick and colorful beats that don’t need any of the additional electronic effects that are present on this album. “Major Minus” showcases the band’s raw talent.

Other notable songs on the album include “U.F.O.,” “Us Against the World,” “Don’t Let it Break Your Heart” and “Up With the Birds.” Starting out with an interesting and eerie sound, “Up With the Birds” is arguably the album’s most solid track. These slower songs, which come toward the album’s end, serve as a reminder for longtime fans and will kept he most loyal of the loyal coming back for more.

Mylo Xyloto simply does not compare to the sheer unique beauty that Coldplay’s past albums exude. There is still a sliver of hope for Coldplay’s future, considering their significant past, most notably, with incredibly personal songs like “Amsterdam” from A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002) and “Trouble” from Parachutes (2000). “Princess of China” has shattered the relatable aspects of Coldplay’s music, because it seems to have been recorded for a different reason, in order to please everyone.