Coldplay – Ghost Stories
I’m not sure if May 16th counts as “summer”, but fuck it, this is my contribution to screw up. I love, love, love the latest Coldplay record, Ghost Stories, and I overplayed the hell out of it this summer. In fact, it continues to grow on me even several months removed from my already positive review on this very site.
Over 43 expertly crafted minutes of music; this somber study of heartbreak and hope never overstays its welcome. Chris Martin turns in a chill-inducing vocal performance, Paul Epworth’s production is Grammy-worthy, the hooks are as strong as ever and the band always plays in service of the song. The record kicks off with gorgeously understated poise (“Always in My Head”), switching between R&B grooves (“Magic, “True Love”, “Another’s Arms”) and full-on electronica (“Midnight”, “A Sky Full of Stars”) before closing with a Coldplay signature—the quietly uplifting piano ballad (“O”). Every listen proves more stunning than the last. It may not be the absolute best album of the year, but I’m pretty sure it’s my favorite.
If you’re looking for a serene, cavernous, lush aural experience, you could do far worse than Ghost Stories. Coldplay continues to be the most underrated multi-Platinum-selling “rock” band of this generation—maybe even of all time. -Nick Porcaro
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