Two years since its release, Parachutes is still a smashing album, which constantly spins on my cd player. Reasons for that? Many and various, but mostly the quality of the songwriting, which is really by far the best that came out of Britain in the last 2 years.

What surprises me in this record is that it doesn't sound like a debut album, as there are no weaknesses or songs that seem to disappoint. It's basically a collection of gems, songs that capture the listener's attention and trap him into a vertigo of sounds.

Before taking into account the songs, I would like to put some references, that means who Colplay have something in common with : definitely Jeff Buckley, Radiohead from The Bends, but even some Neil Young songs IMHO.


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1. DON'T PANIC

A 2 minute masterpiece, one of the peaks of this CD, with a verse built on acoustic guitar, and a tremendous easy-listening chorus.

2. SHIVER

Are Coldplay sad? I don't know, but this song definitely seems so. It's amazing how the voice of Chris Martin can change and become a musical instrument, and help into creating a feeling of anxiety and pain in this song.

3. SPIES

A dark guitar ballad, with a great work from lead guitarist Jonny Buckland, and an amazing mid-tempo drumming during the chorus.

4. SPARKS

Perhaps one of the greatest songs on this album, being such a perfect blend of suffering vocals and night-tempo melodies.

5. YELLOW

The most "commercial" song on the record, a smart mixture of pop singing with noisy guitar distortions, that lead to the commercial success of Parachutes.

6. TROUBLE

A gigantic song, in which the quality of the singing and songwriting of Chris Martin shines. One of the best songs coming out of 2000, with this mellow but appealing piano refrain.

7. PARACHUTES

An acoustic guitar&voice song, a short tale whic
h seems more an intro to the following High Speed.

8. HIGH SPEED

Another high quality piece, which proves how the band is constantly in search of a piece of perfect pop music. Once again, the chorus is a killer.

9. WE NEVER CHANGE

A slow acoustic ballad, in which the lead guitar draw an amazing texture of sounds, leading to the chorus.

10. EVERYHTING'S NOT LOST

IMHO the best track, with this wondeful chorus and once again a proof of the greatest songwriting skills of the band. A unique song, which makes it immediately a masterpiece.

Make sure you keep listening as you'll get a hidden track, LIFE IS FOR LIVING !

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Make sure you have this Cd in your collection !

If you like this record, I would suggest you to go hunting for b-sides of the singles. There are many great songs that didn't make it on a record, but deserve attention, as they are great !!! Just a few titles : CAREFUL WHERE YOU STAND, SEE YOU SOON, HELP IS ROUND THE CORNER and more....


Coldplay are :

Chris Martin (vocals),
Jon Buckland(guitar),
Will Champion (drums),
Guy Berryman (bass).