It opens up with "Don't Panic", which is short, but SWEET. A very gentle, beautiful uplifting song with a catchy chorus that assures us, "We live in a beautiful world." 9/10

The second track, "Shiver", is an AMAZING song. Definetly my favorite song on the album. This is a powerful song, with a can't miss chorus, and some awesome guitar work. 10/10

On "Spies", the tempo slows down a bit. This song may take a few listens to really get into, unlike the previous two, but it's another really beautiful song. 8/10

"Sparks" is another slower paced song, with a melancholy tone. 7/10

Then comes the song that put Coldplay on the map, "Yellow". I'm sure you've heard it before. The funny thing is, I didn't like the song before I bought this album, but now I love it. A classic love ballad. 10/10

Next up is "Trouble", the reason I bought this album. Definetly the best slower paced song on the album. Tremendous piano work too. 10/10

The title track, "Parachutes" follows. Blink and you'll miss it. A simple, 45 second accoustic song. But there's something about it that makes the band expanded upon it more, into a full song. Oh well. Can't go very high here, just due to the length. 4/10

"High Speed" is another one of the best songs of the album. I would say it's the most experimental sounding of any of them, but in a really cool way. 9/10

"We Never Change" is another slow, melancholy song like "Spies" and "Sparks". It's almost a little too slow for its own good, so I can't say it's one of my favorite songs on the album. 7/10

Finally, there's "Everything's Not Lost", an excellent ballad to close the album. As you can tell from the title, it's a really upbeat song, and really catchy as well. I think it could've been a pretty big radio hit, but it's too late for that. 10/10

Tons of great songs on here, and easliy worth the money. Although I must say, Coldplay totally outdid this effort with their most recent album, "A Rush of Blood to the Head". Still, "Parachutes" is highly recommended listening to anyone who enjoys well written music.


Soundtrack For The Summer   July 17, 2000
 18 out of 21 found this review helpful

Like many people I was totally blown away by the Coldcut single 'Yellow',which must rank as one of the singles of the year. If you like Radiohead or Jeff Buckley,than I'm sure you'll really enjoy this c.d.The music is fairly low-tempo,student art rock from the U.K.There are just ten tracks on the c.d. and none of the tracks could be described as album fillers.Unlike many groups this c.d. is just 41 minutes long-so listening to the whole c.d. isn't the sort of chore you have with so many rap artists,who make c.d.'s so long that it is really difficult to get familiar with the songs. Coldplay's sound is not very original and there are no surprises on the c.d.But the songs are strong enough to be compared with any group.The first song 'Don't Panic' is a gentle mid tempo song with excellent rhythm,be it drumming or guitar.The chorus tells of how 'We live in a beautiful world'which sets the mood of the album off on a cheerful note.It is this kind of sentiment which has had many people comparing Coldcut to Travis-I think the comparison is well justified.Track 2 'Shiver' is one of the highlights of the c.d.,it was an early single.It is driven by some excellent guitar.There is no doubt the lead vocalist has a voice of great versatility and range,but one of the few drawbacks is that he sometimes mimics Jeff Buckley.And on this song the resemblance is uncanny.I think his voice sounds better when he isn't being so clearly influenced by another vocalist.Track 3 'Spies' is a more sombre song,but is excellent.Initially driven by an acoustic guitar and a beautifully echoed electic guitar chord on the chorus.Track 4 'Sparks' could easily have been on the Travis c.d. The Man Who...It is another excellent acoustically driven song.Than we have the sublime love song 'Yellow'.'Trouble' sees Coldplay using a piano for the first song-Excellent vocals on the song and a real potential hit single.The title track only lasts for about 30 seconds and divides the c.d. for the closing 3 strongly Radiohead influenced songs.If Thom Yorke can produce 3 songs of similar quality on there next c.d. we'll be in for something special. Coldplay's c.d. is a must purchase c.d. for any one who likes some of the groups I mentioned during the review.I totally believe it will be a contender for any top 10 album of the year list come December.


A Great Sound From One Of Britain's Best New Bands   October 19, 2000
 18 out of 19 found this review helpful

What a great album. I'm of the opinion that there are two trends which are up and coming in the next few years in music. First, is the fusion of electronic music and rock and roll that bands as various as the Lo Fidelity All Stars, Soul Coughing, David Gray and Radiohead have provided on their most recent albums. The other trend is neo-Brit Rock; bands like Travis and Coldplay are providing solid and fun rock songs with excellent lyrics and stylings. I purchased this album as an import after it was reccomended by (former) Soul Coughing's lead singer M. Doughty, and loved every second of it. From the romantic Yellow, to the upbeat Shiver, this band is set to provide many more entertaining albums. Jump on the bandwagon!


Best Debut Album of 2000   December 31, 2001
 18 out of 18 found this review helpful

If there's one band to keep your eye on, it is Coldplay. Their 10-track debut has me craving for more. These guys are good! The sound of the album is incredible. It's like the music is soaring yet on the ground at the same time. Nevermind, that sounds stupid. Well, listen to the album. Hopefully you'll have an idea of what I mean.

Chris Martin's voice is unique. It's not Dave Matthews. It's not David Gray. It's not Thom Yorke. It reminds you of all 3 at different points but it's unique in it's own right. The lyrics are infectious. At times you'll swear the guitar riffs were stolen from Radiohead's "The Bends" or "OK Computer". Whether they were or not, they are very good.

"Yellow", being the big hit off the album, is an obvious standout. Other personal favorites are "Don't Panic", "Spies", and "Trouble". Starting with "Parachutes", the end of the album is notably slower and less "radio-friendly". Still excellent songs though. There is one glaring weak track: "Sparks". It sounds like the band got really bored one day and made that tenth track to fill out the album. Perhaps being sandwiched between the marvelous "Spies" and "Yellow" hurts it even more. In any case, with that one exception, the music on this CD is refreshingly well done and deserves to be bought by any music lover.

Also, I could've gone for a couple more tracks of this caliber. So, only 10 tracks + 1 disappointing track = 4 stars. There you have it. Superior work Coldplay!


Very promising, but also slyly overated   August 8, 2000
 16 out of 23 found this review helpful

Well, ever since "Parachutes" drifted into the British charts at number 1# people have been very eager to declare them as saviours to indie music. The album is indeed very good but at the same time I think this praise might be somewhat misplaced.

While comparaisons to Radiohead and Travis have been constant, Coldplay have neither the distinctiveness of a Radiohead or that mellow charm of Travis. So don't jump on the bandwagon yet because frankly Coldplay just aren't that good.

The success of Parachutes lies in the success of "Yellow" the second single to be taken from the album. Already I have heard people saying that this is their "Why Does it Always Rain on Me." To me "Yellow" is not nearly good enough to be described as a signature tune. Sure, it is a lovely, mid paced, very pleasant ballad. "Shiver", the first single is actually better, another lovely track which is typical of what people seem to love about Coldplay: That is that this group sings about life and love in a very unpretensious and friendly manner. If you want edge Coldplay are definitley not for you.

Don't get me wrong, "Parachutes" is a very good album. Colplay do indeed excell at the cozy ballads like "Spies". At the very least they will charm you. All in all I wonder why this has got so much attention. There is nothing on "Parachutes" to justify the claims that Coldplay are the best new group in town. They are just another group that wears their hearts on their sleeves and charm the masses. Travis started this trend and it seems to be catching on.

A very good album, just not as good as people say.