Coldplay — A Rush Of Blood To The Head

For a while in late '99, "Coldplay" was just another nonsensical word trumpeted by the NME, a name listed on bills with much-touted no-hopers like Terris and Campag Velocet. Then suddenly, "Yellow" was inescapable. Not everyone loved Parachutes —many thought Coldplay's debut was merely another watered-down British guitar band. It's true that the album was at times precious, with Chris Martin's habit of breaking into falsetto on every song sounding like a facile, default way of conjuring drama.

From its first song, though, A Rush Of Blood To The Head delivers. "Politik" is a powerful statement of purpose, heralding a more original, diverse and genuinely dramatic work. In fact, the five tracks that open the album make up a set as strong as anything you're likely to hear this year —from "Politik" through the majestic "In Your Place," the irresistibly propulsive "God Put A Smile On Your Face" and the melting, beautiful "The Scientist," to "Clocks," a melancholy epic which sounds like Philip Glass, Radiohead and New Order jamming on a cloud.

The album takes a slight downward turn from there; at times, Coldplay seem to be trying a bit too hard to wring passion out of repeated riffs. Still, the album is rich with melodies that’ll swirl around your brain for days on end, and with ballsy but intelligent rockers, and heart-rending love songs that sound less fey this time around. It's a safe bet there's no "Yellow" on this album, but more importantly, Coldplay don't need one.

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