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A Head Full of Dreams Could be Coldplay's Last Hurrah

Will Champion, Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland and Chris Martin in London during their Mylo Xyloto tour in 2012. Photo: Laura Clements
Will Champion, Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland and Chris Martin in London during their Mylo Xyloto tour in 2012. Photo: Laura Clements

With the release of their latest album, A Head Full Of Dreams, Coldplay have cemented themselves as bonafide megastars of music. Headlining the Superbowl with help from pals Beyonce and Bruno Mars was confirmation of this (as was frontman Chris Martin’s trip there, as seen on James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke). Now touring through the Americas and Europe, there are hints that this record may be the band’s last for some time.
This album is the brightest in the Coldplay repertoire to date. The title itself is an indication of its overall colour and optimism. The album throughout is up tempo with uplifting lyrics. Birds are mentioned throughout, symbolising freedom for the band itself. In prior albums, recurring themes and lyrics have been associated with love and science. Whether it be the science of feelings or as some suggest with the album X&Y, the science of space. “Now my feet won’t touch the ground” is a lyric featured from Parachutes right through to Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends. A Head Full Of Dreams doesn’t mention this. The entire album is grounded, with references to nature and interaction with the seasons. It shows an appreciation of the experience of life and those who you meet along the way as referenced in ‘Kaleidoscope’ a spoken track. “Be grateful for whoever comes / because each has been sent / as a guide.”
Coldplay's front man, Chris Martin, in London, 2012. Photo: Laura Clements
Coldplay’s front man, Chris Martin, in London, 2012. Photo: Laura Clements

Their previous album Ghost Stories is melancholy in comparison, written in the wake of Chris Martin’s “conscious uncoupling” from Gwyneth Paltrow. This album harked back to the acoustic and mellowed beginnings of Parachutes and A Rush Of Blood To The Head. Ghost Stories was still about love, but focused on the pitfalls rather than its power to triumph over all. It seems Martin has come to terms with the breakup as the track ‘Everglow’ which actually features the vocals of his ex-wife. She can be heard signing the backing vocals to the lyrics “friends till we die” and “the way waters flow”. The song is an acceptance of the mark that people leave on a life.
Star power is not lost on this album. Hymn For The Weekend features vocals from Beyonce and programming from Avicii. Fun is a duet with Tove Lo. Their latest single release, Up&Up, has input from Noel Gallagher on guitar. The choir features vocals from each of the band’s children and Beyonce’s daughter, Blue Ivy Carter. Even the US President Barack Obama is sampled singing a snippet of Amazing Grace, Martin saying it was included for its “historical significance”. Despite the bevy of celebrities, a pure Coldplay track, Army of One, is a real standout.

This album is the reconciliation of all their previous ideas of love, hope, death, the meaning of life – the full stop to the musical journey and life experience. The inclusion of their own families is probably the best indication of a new chapter for the band. All of their loose ends have been tied up. If this is to be the band’s last album, they are definitely going out on top. Hopefully they remember their Aussie fans and announce a tour Down Under soon.

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