Ranking All the Coldplay Studio Albums
Coldplay is among the best performing rock bands of our time. The group were initially known as Pectoralz, then they became Starfish, and eventually settled on Coldplay after seeking legal counsel over the different spelling possibilities available for “ColdPlay.”
The British rock band boasts nine studio albums, six live albums, and four DVDs. They also have had the most successful period as a group in history, with over 100 million records sold worldwide.
They have been active since 1997, when they first reached number one on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. The list goes on: ‘Paradise’ was at number five selling international singles, making it their longest-running top 5 hits.
It got them nominated three times for Grammy Awards, American Music Award winner–Favorite International Artist 2006 & 2009), People’s Choice Awards favorites for four years running. Below we have ranked All the Coldplay Studio Albums:
9. A Head Full of Dreams
A Head Full of Dreams is a head-turning album from Coldplay released on December 4th, 2015. The lead single “Hymn to Her” features Beyoncé, that has already been streamed over 500 million times worldwide.
This isn’t their first time collaborating with other artists, either. A Head Full of Dreams Tour was one way to promote an album. The tour spanned nearly two years, and by the end, they had released Live in Buenos Aires, which was recorded on their ultimate night in La Plata.
The concert film came with a deluxe edition CD/DVD combo pack for those who wanted more than just music from this life experience. There are also options available through iTunes U+HK, where one can purchase individual tracks off-the-cuff via download.
8. Everyday Life
The speculations about a new Coldplay album persisted since their previous record, A Head Full of Dreams. Reports circulated they would be disbanded, which seemed impossible considering Chris Martin’s fame with his bandmates.
In March 2017, the album was announced on Twitter by lead singer Zayn Malik, which confirmed long-standing rumors leading until its reveal date in late April 2018. It was following two years of releasing nothing but singles from Ghost Stories (2014). It gave fans something extra while waiting for more music or simply “the best moment ever.”
7. Music of the Spheres
Coldplay’s newest album, Music of the Spheres (subtitled Vol I), is a stunning collection that has been well worth waiting for. The band features Selena Gomez on multiple tracks, and We Are King and Jacob Collier, making their voices stand out against all else when they sing together during one song. It also offers some significant contributions by electronic producer Jon Hopkins, who had produced significant hits like “Empire State Of Mind” back when it came out.
The album drew mixed reviews from critics. Many of them criticized the album’s overtly pop sensibilities and style. The closing track “Coloratura,” was the most popular with critics praising its lengthy unconventional structure. The single combines rap vocals over orchestral arrangements in an unexpected turn-of-the-century soundscape reminiscent of Elton John’s acclaimed output era (1970).
6. Viva la Vida or Death
Viva la Vida is the fourth studio album by Coldplay, released on June 12th, 2008. The album was named after a Spanish phrase that translates into English as “Long live life.” Lyrically, it contains references to love and death, such as war or birthdays.
However, no specific theme can be detected from this one song alone until you listen closely enough to make out its fragments between all those words.
The critically acclaimed and commercially successful record debuted on both the UK Albums Chart and US Billboard 200. To promote this release, five songs were released: Violet Hill (May 2008), Lovers in Japan–featuring Giorgio Tuinfortof French singer-songwriter Norah Jones (November of that same year) Strawberry Swing.
5. Mylo Xyloto
Viva la Vida is a concept album that tells the story of an alien abduction plot in which various artists play different parts. The electronic styles in the album also make appearances throughout this ambitious work – including some didgeridoo samples-that help create an engaging experience while listening through all 43 minutes’ worth.
After releasing their last album, Ghost Stories (2013), Coldplay was unsure of what to expect. They had started production in Mylo Xyloto around the same time that they finished work for another project.
They were uncertain if this would be an appropriate follow-up or just too similar in style. Having released two albums back to back seemed like overkill at first glance, given how different each record sounded from one another only four years apart.
4. Ghost Stories
In early 2014, Coldplay released their latest album, “Ghost Stories.” The band recorded the 11-track project throughout 2013 and 2014 at their home studios in London, England. They had guest producers such as Avicii (who also produced some tracks), Timbaland, and Madeon.
They also worked alongside frequent collaborator Jon Hopkins on this release. With all these contributions from various artists, Coldplay finally put out an LP that would fit for festivals everywhere.
3. X & Y
X&Y had a considerable level of global anticipation. However, critics said that it had more electronic music than rock or rap soundscapes found on previous releases. It also had fewer guitars which Coldplay’s trademark instrumentation consists mainly of anyway (eight out of ten songs).
The consensus among listeners seemed pleased by what they heard. X & Y became something special when both charts were hit at once: number 1 in America.
2. Parachutes
Parachutes are the debut studio album by British rock band Coldplay. It was released on July 10th, 2000, through Parlophone in Britain. It was then distributed worldwide through Atlantic Records nearly two years later, on September 17th, 2002.
The record includes six original songs plus four covers. Parachutes album was met with critical praise and commercial success, and is regarded as one of their most successful albums in recent years.
It reached number one in both Britain and America upon release. It was also certified 9x Platinum by British Recording Industry Association (BRI) and double platinum for over 2 million copies sold worldwide. The album won many awards, including Grammy Awards Best Alternative Music Album 2002 and Brit Awards 2001 British Album Of Year award, to mention a few.
1. A Rush of Blood to the Head
The album was released on August 26th, 2002, through Parlophone in the United Kingdom and Capitol Records America. It’s their most successful release, with over three million copies sold worldwide and winning multiple awards, including two Grammy Awards for Record Of The Year & Best Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals.
This second studio effort increases from electric guitar solos and incorporates piano bars throughout, bringing more depth than debuting. The album received three awards from the Grammy Awards for 2003 and was ranked number 324 on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time”, making it one of Coldplay’s best albums ever.
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