Coldplay's latest offering, X&Y, is a collection of tracks that are mellow, down-tempo and stadium-friendly. While the songs in this highly-anticipated album are well-made, they lack surprises.
X&Y is the follow-up to the British band's 2002 hit album, A Rush of Blood to the Head. The CD was 18 months in the making. Lead singer Chris Martin admitted the band had scrapped the album's initial recordings to start anew.
Coldplay's musical style yields songs that are slow and laid-back crowd pleasers which appeal to a wide range of listeners.
The has played it safe on its it latest release, and the album is not adventurous.
But although X&Y fails to break new ground, its songs are skilfully crafted. Most are mellow ballads which can quite some time to get into.
The album's drum and bass arrangements are reminiscent of U2, as are its lyrics about the quest for love and peace - but Coldplay's messages are more subtle.
