- Viva La Vida

Coldplay is in the running for most improved and inventive band of the year. "Viva La Vida" has been selected as the song to lead the charge on mainstream radio, and Coldplay expands on their new "cultured" sound. Gone are the melodic experiences that were "Clocks" and "Speed of Sound," and welcome to the string-based epic of "Viva La Vida." Is the new sound better? While most would say no, I think the song grows on you. And in the end it's nice to have a fine work of art worthy of Da Vinci, rather than the pumpkin carvings of Young Jeezy.

The sound is as I said a melodic epic with lots of strings. The music goes perfectly with the song, and it seems to hit all the right notes. Structurally, it is equally as brilliant, building to its epic climax complete with choirs and bells. Chris Martin can only add to the song with his ever-melodic vocals, which have never sounded better. You have to admit, Gwynth Paltrow and Chris Martin have only gotten better in their work, and they have seemed to hit new highs this summer.

Lyrically, it undeniably has a lot of Christian imagery, which would make sense since he's Catholic. But the overall meaning could be a myriad of things. But in either case, the lyrics, the music, the vocals, the atmosphere, all mesh together in one glorious tune. And amazingly, the song comes out a bit catchy.

Overall, Coldplay's best? It's epic. It's melodic. It's different. It's brilliant. It's Coldplay. I can't wait to listen to the whole album, but if it's anything like the two I've heard so far, it should be the best album of the past few years. A true work of art in the sea of tranquility. I can only hope it reaches #1 on the Hot 100.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Song Lyric: - Viva La Vida

I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning I sleep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own

I used to roll the dice
Feel the fear in my enemies eyes
Listen as the crowd would sing:
"Now the old king is dead, long live the king!"

One minute I held the key
Next the walls were closed on me
And I discovered that my castles stand
Upon pillars of salt, and pillars of sand

I hear Jerusalem bells a ringing
Roman cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword, my shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can't explain
Once you go there was never, never an honest word
That was when I ruled the world

It was the wicked and wild wind
Blew down the doors to let me in
Shattered windows and the sound of drums
People couldn't believe what I'd become

Revolutionaries wait
For my head on a silver plate
Just a puppet on a lonely string (Ooooh)
Ah, who would ever want to be king?

I hear Jerusalem bells a ringing
Roman cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword, and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can't explain
I know Saint Peter won't call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world

Ooooh Ooooh Ooooh Ooooh Ooooh
(repeat with chorus)

I hear Jerusalem bells a ringing
Roman cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword, my shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can't explain
I know Saint Peter won't call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
Oooooooh Oooooooh Oooooooh