"A Head Full of Dreams," Coldplay's latest album, was released on Dec. 4 of 2015. Being almost two months old, it has had some time to settle with fans. With the help of Beyonce, Tove Lo, Noel Gallagher, producer Daniel Green, and American soul and gospel singer Merry Clayton, "AHFOD" is certainly a melting pot of talent.
But if fans heard this album for the first time, would they really recognize it to be Coldplay's work, despite the distinct voice and vocal range of Chris Martin? Something about it feels forced. It's all very "bubblegum-pop," if you will. While the album is very much a feel good album, and it's wonderful for artists to branch out and reach for the stars, it lacks the depth that we found in songs like "Fix You" and "Strawberry Swing."
The album starts out with a dream-like sequence, but the music picks up and Coldplay begins telling their story. Martin boasts of a magical world full of extraordinary things, where anything is possible. This first song is, of course, backed up with the common "woahh-ohhs" that seem to hold many a song together. Perhaps these endless "woahhh-ohhs" are used to give the listener a sense of belonging throughout the album, however, they're a bit cheap and overused.
The story continues, as "Birds" starts out with a simple beat, but then swoops in later with a catchy chorus, where the those winged creatures come to life and, of course, the "woahhs" continue. Lyrically, this song trumps many of the others on the album. It tells the story of a longing for one to be with another, and how despite distance, all one man wants for his lady is for her to be by his side. Not a crazy concept, but well put-together nonetheless.
"Hymn for the Weekened," however, may be the most disappointing song on the album. Why not just slap this song on Beyonce's own album? The lyrics are so upsetting it hurts. No longer the dreamy, ethereal feel that we heard with the first two songs, this little duet sticks out like a sore thumb. Again, this song is about love (surprise, suprise). They equate love with drugs and alcohol, "drinking" from one another to fulfill their animalistic desires. The chorus is no better, "got me feeling drunk and high." I'm pretty sure love is more than just a drunk feeling, but this is Beyonce we're talking about, right? And with a lazy bout of around 500 "Then we'll shoot across the sky's," the song ends. Thanks, Beyonce. If this were on a Beyonce album -- OK, cool. But this certainly isn't Coldplay quality, and is discouraging to say the least.
The rest of the album, unfortunately, is pretty forgettable. Songs like "Everglow," a simpler, sadder break-up song, "Army of One/X Marks the Spot," a memorable jam about a man defending his woman, and "Fun" (ft. Tove Lo), are the only others that seem to have a voice in this album. "Fun," being slower, but still upbeat, gives the listener a sort of sequel to "Ghost Stories," Coldplay's 2014 album about Martin's break-up with Gwyneth Paltrow. "Fun" is sweet, basically saying, "we conquered so much together, it hurts, it's over, but we had fun." Oh, yeah, there's more "wooos" in there.
"Kaleidoscope," however, must be emphasized because of it's beauty. It features a 13th century Person poem, entitled The Guest House by Mewlana Jalaluddin Rumi. This song is stunning, as both the lyrics and the music fit so well together. Coldplay isn't dumb; if they put in the effort, they know how to truly make their fans feel something, every emotion ranging from heartbreak to healing. "Kaleidoscope" features the voice of President Barack Obama at the end, faintly singing "Amazing Grace." This simple work speaks wonders, it captures a little essence of what it is to have a head full of dreams.
Unfortunately, as stated, the rest of the album is all-too forgettable. If you're looking for a fun, high-spirited album, most of the songs on here will fit your criteria. But if you're looking for the sweet, simpler Coldplay from days of old, you're out of luck. I truly hope this isn't the end for such a momumental, universal band. Best of luck to Coldplay in all that they decide to do.
