Coldplay has been a staple of pop music since the early 2000s, with hits like "Clocks" and "Viva la Vida." But are we really ready to forgive them for their musical transgressions? In this special article, we delve deep into the archives of Coldplay's discography to find their top 5 worst albums.
A Head Full of Dreams
Let's start with a recent one, shall we? A Head Full of Dreams was released in 2015, and it's safe to say that it was a bit of a disappointment. The album is full of bland, unremarkable tracks that sound like they were written specifically for elevator music. There's not a single standout song on the album, and it's clear that Coldplay was trying too hard to recapture the magic of their earlier work. One listen to "Birds" and it's clear that this album was a mistake from start to finish.
Ghost Stories
Released in 2014, Ghost Stories was Coldplay's attempt at a more introspective, moody album. But instead of being profound, it just ends up being dull. The album is full of slow, plodding tracks that lack any real emotional impact. "Another's Arms" is a standout track on the album, but that's not saying much when everything else is so forgettable. The album cover features a simple, gray, and white ghost-like shape. What were they thinking?
X&Y
X&Y was Coldplay's attempt at a grandiose, epic album, and it failed miserably. The album is full of cheesy, overwrought tracks that sound like they were written for an off-brand Disney movie. "Speed of Sound" is the most egregious offender here, with its insipid lyrics and overly polished production. The album cover, featuring an unremarkable white "X" on a clear background, is a perfect reflection of the lackluster music within.
Mylo Xyloto
Released in 2011, Mylo Xyloto was Coldplay's attempt at a more experimental, electronic sound. But instead of breaking new ground, they ended up creating a gimmicky, forgettable mess. The album is full of overproduced tracks that sound like they were made for a car commercial. The album cover, featuring a graffiti-esque pink and blue design, is the perfect reflection of the incoherent mess that lies within.
Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends
Controversial? Sure. But Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends is a pretty weak offering by Coldplay. While it's definitely more interesting than some of their later work, it's still a far cry from their earlier albums. The album is full of overly dramatic tracks that sound like they were written for a soap opera. The lyrics are cringe-inducing at times, and the album cover, featuring a bizarre painting of an elephant, doesn't do much to improve matters.
So there you have it, folks. The top 5 worst albums by Coldplay. It's safe to say that these albums won't be winning any Grammy's anytime soon. But who knows? Maybe someday Coldplay will release an album that lives up to their earlier work. Until then, let's just pretend these ones never happened.