Also hi DaleSr hope all this coldplay talk is validating you
I feel seen.
I definitely think that Coldplay is a good comparison as well, and they also illustrate the larger shift in popular music trends through their discography. I personally will contend that Coldplay has a lot of good songs, but i haven't been really invested in any of their music since they dropped ghost stories in '14. That album also is where Coldplay made the shift from brit rock/pop to electro pop/edm illustrating the larger shift in pop music away from rock acts to edm or superstar acts like Beyonce, Taylor, Billie Eilish, etc...
First Coldplay album
ParachutesReflective of the brit pop music landscape of the time w/ acts like blur and Travis. Lots of acoustic guitar/singer songwriter tracks like don't panic, trouble, high speed and everything is not lost. Breaks out into the mainstream with runaway pop hits yellow and shiver. Very bright anthemic singles
Second album
A Rush of Blood to the Head Radiohead is the biggest thing in the English alternative scene. Coldplay makes a serious and somber second album. The scientist is another hit and everyone is crying watching the very sad backwards music video. In my opinion, their best work is on this album : green eyes, God put a smile upon your face, clocks, warning sign and in my place are all outstanding. A top to bottom excellent album.
X&YThis is the big one. The album with songs in Apple commercials (the midas touch of the time). Everyone is staying in their toxic relationship because their love has been healed by fix you. Another top to bottom great album with hits like speed of sound, talk and fix you but also hidden gems like the hardest part and til kingdom come on the back half of the album
Viva la VidaKanye west declared his love for Chris Martin and his falsetto by giving him the hook on his track homecoming. Rappers now desire the Chris Martin collab, evidenced by Jay z appearing on lost! on one of the bonus tracks. Frank ocean will later cover and add a little spice in a reworked version of strawberry swing on his first project Nostalgia Ultra. Coldplay wanted to rule the world and they had. Chris Martin is wearing epaulets and somewhere in North County San Diego, a young boy was thinking that he too could rock the jacket of a napoleonic colonel.
Mylo XylotoColdplay is an arena band now. Brian Eno has been working with them for two albums. Everyone was trying to take their korgs with them to the mad max apocalypse we all believe is coming. Rihanna is a feature on princess of China. A lot of people really don't like this album. I personally think up with the birds, Charlie brown and every tear drop is a waterfall are good tracks.
Ghost Stories Coldplay released magic as a single to appeal to some of the old fans who hope for a more stripped down and nostalgic return to form. Unfortunately sky full of stars becomes a huge hit and Coldplay begins doing collabs with the chainsmokers. This is the last full Coldplay album I've listened to.
Since then they've dropped a few other albums but I've largely not paid attention.