The unexpected political nature of the song and the hammer-like drums make this song an instant standout in Coldplay’s catalog. I’d say this song summarizes the majority of Coldplay’s early work more accurately than any other. Fans are known to shout out the line “They spun a web for me,” in concerts as the British singer eagerly beckons them on. This moody piano ballad is ripe with imagery of spiders (a common Coldplay lyrical motif), a jazzy drum beat and lyrics lamenting Martin’s mistakes. The song is such a bop because it’s just simple! Also, the music video is unforgettable with Martin’s eagerly prancing around a giant white room as his band plays solemnly. Its iconic drum intro, basic guitar notes during the chorus and lyrics begging a love interest to come back make it easy to sing along to. With just about everyone going through a broken heart or two, this is a song in Coldplay’s catalog that deserves much more mainstream attention.Īs a child, when my father sat me and my younger sister down to watch Coldplay’s Live 2003 DVD, my sister would perk up and dance only when hearing “In My Place.” In hindsight, I can see why. The song reaches a starry and timid high point before falling down to a lonely, sad voice. Guy Berryman’s moody bassline is the star of the song, laying down a beat as singer Chris Martin talks about missing his former partner of over a decade. The album is polarizing to fans and critics, but its opener sets the mood effectively. “Square One” fits right into the record’s soaring synths and U2-esque guitar effects, with philosophical lyrics grappling at a deeper understanding of oneself and carrying enough raw energy to fill a stadium. Yet, it oddly missed a majority of the 2011 airwaves.Ĭoldplay dug deep to pull out true rock songs for their hit-or-miss 2005 album X&Y. I’ve talked to many people who love this song, especially after seeing it performed live. I never understood why its chiming guitar, up-tempo dance beat and lyrics about rebellion and love are the perfect combo for a big hit. This colorful banger often gets overlooked by “Paradise” from the same album, Mylo Xyloto. The song’s vibrant imagery and uplifting message combined with a charming piano melody and pleasant climax may be too long for most radio stations, but it’s relaxing in nature and deserves a listen.
The finale of A Head Full of Dreams tones down the overbearing electronic dance influence heard throughout the album and replaces it with subtle strings and a chilled hip-hop style beat. I wanted to showcase the songs that many casual and die-hard Coldplay fans love, but are disappointingly rarely heard. Everyone knows “Viva la Vida” and “The Scientist.” They’ve been beaten to death. I’m confident that everyone has heard Coldplay on the radio, in shopping malls or on shuffle in a playlist. Their melodies have defined my childhood and most of my college experience. Anyone who is vaguely familiar with me knows that I am an enormous Coldplay fan, and have been for years.