The new single from Coldplay called Violet Hill was released today and is the first single from their upcoming album Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends. So what should we expect from the new album then? Well there are some stomping guitar chords which Chris Martin sings to perfectly and the great thing about the album is how hushed Martin’s vocals are.
The first single as I said is Violet Hill and starts off with a synthesizer that bubble away which then lends itself in guitar fuzz. It all starts of quietly and then slowly manages to fill the room, all the while we hear the background noise of white noise and if you don’t like it tough, as it is a bit of a theme on the whole album.
Then there are the vocals from frontman Chris Martin, he starts of singing about “a long and dark December/ From the rooftops I remember there was snow.” That’s when things then pickup and starts to stomp, it is a startling change from a whimsy start then to powerful pounding muscular guitar and piano chords.
However; it does not stop there the momentum seems to build and build until we reach the point where guitarist Jonny Buckland gives a guitar solo, Buckland then brings things down again with a smooth and sexy midsection with a little crooning from Martin in the background.
Violet Hill is a great first single from Coldplay’s new album, if you have heard the new single please let us know what you think.
Source - MTV
The single is pretty awesome. I can feel Eno all the way through it, Well worth the 4:15 AM download my time. Looking forward to the new album greatly.
Comment by Malcolm Smith — April 29, 2008 @ 2:56 pm
Love it! Guitarist Jonny Buckland is really coming into his own with this one. This single is a great sign of what is to come. Can’t wait for the rest of the album!
Comment by Anna — April 29, 2008 @ 3:28 pm
Great! Stronger than Speed of Sound and I’d hope Number 1 material, but given that its being given away free I am not sure that’s Coldplays intention.
Great sound and a good sign of things to come
Bring it on
Comment by James Bloom — April 29, 2008 @ 3:39 pm
Like nearly all of the songs from Coldplay’s last outing (X&Y), new single “Violet Hill” features impeccable instrumentation and high-level production without being overly sleek. Unfortunately, like most of Coldplay’s work as of late, it tends to be a little…. well, dull. The problem is that while Coldplay are now well-adept at crafting a grandiose, rollicking tune that sounds like it “should” be good, ultimately the end result falls far below the sum of its parts. “Violet Hill” isn’t a bad song, to be sure. The fuzzy, distorted guitars are refreshingly hard for the band, and indeed there’s a soupçon of that Latin influence that the band suggested would be present on the new release. But the song simply doesn’t stay with you long after the last note fades out. And do we really need another earnest crooner about professing one’s love?
Comment by Justin Shanes — April 29, 2008 @ 3:43 pm
I downloaded the new song and listened to it a handful of times. I agree, we can hear Brian Eno’s sound throughout this single, a wizard’s touch. The band sounds great, Chris’s voice continuing to shine.
That said, it seemed like this single tried to have too many sounds to it. You have the synth beginning, the grunge guitar - and a Coldplay guitar solo!, the pounding crescendo followed by the crooning love song at the end.
But it’s like this song was a compilation of a few different songs all put into one song. Like they couldn’t decide where the song should go. Perhaps it was intended as a prologue to the album so we could hear different snippets of what the album will be like. Huh. I wonder what this would have sounded like without Brian Eno. Disaster? I wonder if we’ll find that Eno saved Coldplay completely with this album. Even with the different sounds, the sum total is put together very nicely, not an easy job by any means.
It will grow on me to be sure, no worries, and looking forward to the album release.
Comment by JFinger — April 29, 2008 @ 5:13 pm
Think the song is okish.
Was wanting to love it, but underwhelmed.
Not liking the Eno influence.
Actually it comes across a bit pretentious and detached.
The best part is the vocal and piano ending,
Think the song would have actually been beautiful if it was just Piano and Vocal throughout.
But this rock element, just seems to try and add drama to something that dosn’t capture the imagination.
Coldplay have always been masters when it comes to using simplicity to bring out emotions, but this, what am i supposed to “feel”?
isnt that what music is about, a relationship between you and the essence of the song…
can’t find any here.
Trys to be dramatic too soon,
but i’m not feeling the drama…
think i’ll edit the song in Audacity and just keep the ending
Comment by Dan — April 29, 2008 @ 5:18 pm
Love it, love it, love it! Really looking forward to the album release, and for more info about the MSG concert.
Comment by Chickpea — April 29, 2008 @ 5:45 pm
quality cant wait foralbum
Comment by chris — April 29, 2008 @ 5:48 pm
Exactly what I’d expect from this overrated band - The blandest of drones imaginable with their trademark meaningless lyrics. Eno’s Polyfilla can’t save this dull sketch of a song.
And it’s free? Thanks for the lovely gift lads, but you should be paying ME to listen to it.
This single defines: “music for people that don’t actually like music” (they just think they do).
Comment by Oh, do have a shave boys — April 29, 2008 @ 6:57 pm
I’ve been expecting this new material for so long i can’t even judge it in a detached way. The song is different, that’s for sure. The tune is nice, powerful but it somehow eclipses Martin’s voice and beautiful lyrics. The ending is definitely coldplay signature. Then again it’s a free song, the rest of the album will be better
Comment by ady — April 29, 2008 @ 7:04 pm
Not bad, but definitely not a coldplay classic, the recording not bad, maybe abit busy and what’s with that awful reverb/echo on chris voice at the start i hope that the album is better than this, but i do have faith in them!
Comment by Ben — April 29, 2008 @ 7:13 pm
I completely agree with most of the negative reviews, not to say necessarily I feel negative about this song, I’m just underwhelmed. In the years time in between each album, most of their album debut songs triumphantly announced their distinctive sound from each album before. “Brothers and Sisters”, “Shiver”, “Politik”, “Speed of Sound”, and now “Violet Hill”. I dont feel the same with this release. The synthesizer intro immediately brought “X&Y” to mind and this sounded to me like another B-side from that album. I dont hear the maturity and difference, yet. After the first set of (forgive me for saying) trite lyrics this sounded like something Billy Joel might sing, up until the falsetto lyrics. I’m not aware of too much of Eno’s work, so I dont know where his influence lies. I just feel this is not horribly a great song to start off and remind everyone, “We are Coldplay and this is why you missed us.” I agree also with a previous blogger; another song where it progresses from soft, to loud, to a piano and lyric ending confessing of issues with love? You guys are better then that at this point. Give us something new….and I hope they do with the next song. This could have been maybe a 3rd single, but not the first.
Comment by Stephon Martinez — April 29, 2008 @ 7:15 pm
Terrible, boring, yawn-inducing… it’s a disposable “nothingness” of a song that anyone could have knocked out. Absolute trite that sounds like it should played in a Church somewhere in the middle of a field. As for the lyrics, well, I think I’ve said enough already.
Comment by FlopFlip — April 29, 2008 @ 7:53 pm
coldplay is the best and this song is fantastic i love it and its gonna be number 1 everywhere for like months hahaha and no it doesnt sound like u2 or anything else like that like people compared them but they sound nothing alike
COLDPLAY ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!…………….I LOve them and violet hill!…..!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by vcp — April 29, 2008 @ 8:05 pm
Eno’s influence can be heard throughout the track. Coldplay continues to evolve rather than reinvent. The familiar high contrast of sounds from the stomping guitar to the delicate piano at the end, introspective lyrics.
They continue to use the Coldplay formula, while bringing in bits of influence here and there. Leaves enough for previous fans to hold on to, while giving non-fans something different they can gravitate to.
It’ll take time to sink in, but once it does, I’m sure it’ll stick good.
Comment by Dave — April 29, 2008 @ 8:51 pm
LIIKE ALL COLDPLAY SONGS IT GROWS ON YOU. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THAT NOW, THEY RE GOING TO BE A GREAT BAND INSTEAD OF A GOOD BAND.
KUDOS
Comment by NANA — April 29, 2008 @ 8:52 pm
Have to disagree with you Dan.
They’re recent work has been overly saturated with that “drama” to the point where X&Y was just a complete puddle. There were a few good songs, but nothing really stood out after awhile.
While this track isn’t amazing, it shows a change for them even if at the beginning it did sound like they were retreading Radiohead. Again.
Comment by Someone — April 29, 2008 @ 10:36 pm
It’s a boring, disjointed song that tries to use Brian Eno’s influence but seems to end up wasting it. And is it just me but has Chris Martin’s voice never been so annoying? 4/10
Comment by igloomaniac — April 30, 2008 @ 1:48 am
Amazing!
Comment by Noneed — April 30, 2008 @ 3:08 am
Unlike ’speed of sound’, ‘violet hill’ is not instantly likeable. Coldplay records and songs aren’t the type that grow on you, you either like them or you don’t. Therefore as the first single, this fails a number of tests. I have to agree with Stephon Martinez, my first thoughts were BILLY JOEL??!?!!, when i heard parts of the verse. The lyrics in the chorus are piss poor and is a very lazy attempt at vocal melody. The pounding drums throughout try to create drama in typical coldplay style, but as someone has already commented its very detached, you don’t feel the tension building up, you only hear it. Those of you applauding the guitar solo, save your energy. As a guitarist, I could teach a monkey to play that solo in 3 minutes. Lets hope the rest of the record is better.
Comment by Abi Bajaj — April 30, 2008 @ 3:41 am
The lyric is great. These days we sometimes forget about the meaning of a song because all the humps and tattoos rule the music scene. I believe this is one of the best songs ever written by Coldplay. Can’t wait to listen to the whole album.
Comment by Akira — April 30, 2008 @ 4:04 am
I am one of Coldplay’s biggest fans and as sad as it makes me to say this…I am extremely dissapointed. I tryed making myself accept it as a good song, but I just can’t feel it. This song is all over the place, not to mention its to short. I have to agree with some of the other negative reviews that compared it with a B-SIDE type song. Coldplay promised new and impressive material and this is just odd and confusing. I feel the coldplay sound, but it does not connect with me emotionally…except for the ending which is the best part of the whole song. I’d give it a 5 out of 10…sure hoping the rest of the album will me much more impressive.
Comment by Justin — April 30, 2008 @ 4:34 am
It’s cool to make fun of big, popular bands… it’s no surprise people either love it or hate it.
Solid song… as with previous albums, their album will have a few bigger guns which will come out as singles later.
Comment by Jon — April 30, 2008 @ 4:38 am
Oh well… I guess we have no power to dedice what are they gonna make… Cause is not our band… we should start a band and make what we want if we can’t like and/or enjoy what other band does… Personally I am a very long time fan of Coldplay so I respect their job and like it very much… and if sometimes they can’t fill my expectations I’ll still love them anyways… They can count on me : )
Nice song! Viva la vida… Ya espero con ansias escuchar todo el cd.
Comment by Zoe Mosh — April 30, 2008 @ 5:53 am
this song will reveal its true form within the context of the album, which i am sure will be quite the trip. the song is the advertisement, the product is the album, and it succeeds in piquing my interest.
Comment by freddy mason — April 30, 2008 @ 7:39 am
The one thing predictable about any new coldplay release is the group of people who have to criticise it because they simply dislike Coldplay because of what they represent. If you don’t like it, just don’t listen to it, but one thing is for sure millions will love it. Perhaps one day Coldplay will make 3 albums like Radiohead which are completly unlistenable and they will become accepted by this small minority of people- but I doubt it, the’re to good for that. Incidentally I’m a big Radiohead fan as well as Coldplay.
Comment by Jonathan — April 30, 2008 @ 8:49 am
Coming from someone who hated X and Y, this song is amazing.
Comment by Jason Borne — April 30, 2008 @ 9:02 am
Really like the ending, that’s Coldplay for me. The rest of the song is “heavy”, but without reason and buildup.
Will buy the CD anyway, but hope it won’t be that pumped up music like most of this song.
Comment by peter — April 30, 2008 @ 10:18 am
Ok, i’ve given it a day and quite a few listens, to let it sink in and become familiar. I’m a big fan of Coldplay, and even now there are some songs on thier previous albums that i’m only just appreciating, so i disagree that Coldplay songs don’t grow on you.
I reviewed it earlier, saying I was underwhelmed, I still am to be frank.
But oddly, on waking up this morning, i found the song going round in my head… which actually suprised me.
My strongest dislike of this tune is the “duh duh dah duh” fuzzy guitar riff that kicks off virtually at the start of the song. Seems COMPLETELY out of place, and dosn’t finds it’s place throughout the song… I think the song would be better without it.
So i’m very torn here,
I want to love the song, but can’t say I do, it’s listenable, but seems, like me and others have said before - needlessly dramatic.
So echoing what a lot of us have said already, the Ending is what Coldplay is all about. Personally i’d love them to release an album full of unplugged (and new) songs. I think that would capture the original Coldplay again.
I think all thier access to any recording equipment, producers etc. etc. has inflated thier idea of music - I think they are forgetting that as a listener… We absolutely don’t hear the fact that they “recorded this in a church” etc…
May have been a powerful experience for them… kind of meaningless for us.
I still wish this whole song had been a simple balad in the style of the ending. BUT it is growing on me… time will tell, hopefully they just wanted to “capture our attention” - with something heavy sounding.
Chech out this guy who has covered it on youtube to see what i mean about it sounding nice just on piano…
http://youtube.com/watch?v=H_LJAD4koJM
Comment by Dan — April 30, 2008 @ 12:47 pm
I don’t know why people are giving this such a negative review.
It’s a great song and it’s got a much different feel than most Coldplay songs. I’m as big of a Coldplay fan as anyone and I personally love this song. The drums are loud, in a good way and the guitar riffs are heavier than they’ve been in almost any other Coldplay song.
The lyrics are Chris’ best, by far, since ‘A Rush of Blood to the Head’ and can be deciphered as a political statement.
Comment by Jordan — April 30, 2008 @ 2:12 pm
simply brillant…the lyrics strike deep, this is a great 1st song to invite us all into another just perfect album…
Comment by schneider — April 30, 2008 @ 3:42 pm
I’ve liked every Coldplay album that’s been released in its own way. Some way feel this was a bit heavy for them, but to stay fresh every artist needs to explore new sounds…I think they’re going to nail it on this album based on this song…”Violet Hill” is already one of my favorite songs written by Coldplay. Expecting great new album and for Coldplay to pick up a new variety of fans..
Comment by Dave — April 30, 2008 @ 8:23 pm
The wait is over…. Well, for at least for the sound of new Coldplay that is. No more clicking on the website only to find NO NEW STARS!!!! Only true diehard fans like myself (that loved X&Y by the way and EVERY song on it) would understand. When you truely love a band, the way I feel I love Coldplay and you wait and wait and wait for something new to listen to. For the first noise to grace the silence. I feel this song could not have been more appropriate, exciting and promising.
The wait is over… By the time I got home from work most of us had already had our first listen. Many of us, Im sure had several. My excitement was greated with a slow and mysterious intro that lifted and lifted. It seemed like 4 minutes had passed by before Chris finally began to sing… “It was a long and cold December” PERFECT!!!!!!
The wait is over!!!!! It was a long wait indeed. TOO LONG! I love rock music, alternative, indie, whatever you want to call it and I am so happy that this song hinted at a stronger more rock sound for coldplay. I WANT to rock to them for a nice change! Granted many of their songs have “soared” before… But, how many of them can we say truely “rocked”? This one comes close. Its brooding drum beat and “grungy” guitar suggest something big is coming so get ready. Hallow out your bible and raise your crosses to heaven kids! Grab hold of the one you love and profess it now. Its this urgency that propels us to live. LONG LIVE LIFE! What are you complaining about? The WAIT is over and I for one am greatfull to have Coldplay back in my music collection doing something, anything NEW.
Thanks guys, Ive missed you and I love your new song! I just wish that I could say of Viva La Vida —-
The wait is over.
Comment by mountainloafers — April 30, 2008 @ 10:51 pm
Absolutely fucking awful! Where is Brian Eno? After all the shit we’ve been hearing about spanish influence, this and that bullshit Coldplay have delivered a mediocre song. No doubt die hard Coldplay fans will be creaming into their virgin knickers at this, but this really is not very good at all. The guitar solo/break is truly crap!
Comment by Bob London — May 1, 2008 @ 3:35 am
It’s what I expected from Coldplay. This is brilliant music. I think that the music is sounding a lot different compared with the first three albums. As Chris Martin said, “The first three were more like a trilligy, we have gone in a different direction for this album.” Looking forward to hearing the missing link which will connect the following track.
Congratulations Guys
Comment by Justin — May 1, 2008 @ 3:48 am
It’s a wonder I’ve felt the need to comment twice, but…
What is it with Coldplay fans? Read any ‘reviews’ on here, Amazon, or wherever - are they all very young? They sound almost like they’re very slightly retarded, like they’ve got a bit of their brain missing.
Comment by Oh, do have a shave boys — May 1, 2008 @ 12:57 pm
well, speaking from just an ordinary point of view. [not a fan, not also a hater].
the song is kind of…disappointing. i was expecting, haunting and plain devastatingly heartbreaking. this song sounds almost like an attempt to keep up.
i definitely miss their old sound. but i give this song a 6.8 out of 10.
Comment by Kirk — May 1, 2008 @ 5:35 pm
I have listened to “Violet Hill” several times now and I think I’m ready to give my verdict…two thumbs down.
Like Dan, I was surprised to find myself singing it when I woke up this morning? But then I realized that it was probably because I had listened to the song about 38 times yesterday. I really tried to like it because I’m a Coldplay fan (ever since I saw them play in Montreal just after Yellow was a hit) but the song just plain out sucks. I know I will probably turn it up when it comes on the radio and sing along in my car but I couldn’t see myself wanting to go to a Live Show to see them perform it. I agree with all of the folks that have “ripped” on the guitar solo…it’s pretty lame. And Chris Martin can’t seem to hold the lower notes without sounding like he’s taking a dump. I’m predicting that Colplay will probably release a greatest hits album after Viva La Whatever, go into seclusion for a while, and then come back better than ever.
Comment by Axel — May 1, 2008 @ 6:32 pm
I have the song on repeat on my ipod and i love it the more i hear it. I think its a solid first single and it shows coldplay having a trait of any great band… Their ability to evolve and adapt to the changing tides in music, lets face it music has changed a lot since ‘Yellow’…
Comment by Kevin — May 2, 2008 @ 1:25 am
When I first heard this single, I wasn’t sure how I felt about it. I’m a huge Coldplay plan and I was waiting, like others have said, it seems like forever to hear something new from the group. After listening to the song a few more times…I love it! I can’t wait for the rest of the album.
I’ve seen a few other write-ups on here of people hating the song or band, and going so far as to insult the people who like the band…my question is…then why did you download the song and why are you wasting your time writing a review??
“Violet Hill” is a song that takes a couple of listens to grow on you…but when and if once it does, you can’t get enough!!
Comment by Vancity — May 2, 2008 @ 2:10 am
This song is one of the best I’ve ever heard. It really does grow on you and the hard guitar rift from Buckland really is brill! Apparently it’s ‘uncool’ to like Coldplay. Well obviously these people have no music sense in the slightest. A Great British band.
Comment by Peter — May 2, 2008 @ 4:44 pm
As another Coldplay song goes, “It’s been a long time coming, Such a long, long time”. How happy I am that the wait at last is over! It’s like waiting for a Harry Potter book. But, like the latter exemplar, the wait has been worth it, because by George, Coldplay has delivered a stunner!
The synth intro is mesmerising, as it grows and creeps up on you like a shadow, ready to pounce any second. Then Chris Martin’s voice rings out like a herald’s trumpet and we’re off! The lyrics are beautiful and evocative, allowing your mind to spiral off to wherever it wills. The guitar licks throughout the vocals are fantastic! The chorus takes Chris to new vocal heights, and what a guitar solo from Mr Buckland! I think it reverberates in my ribcage.
Then that beautiful, poignant ending … you’re rocking out throughout the majority of the song, your blood pounding with this new, strong beat, and then, all of a sudden, you’re floating off away from your body, and everything is light and beautiful and somewhat sad … That ending is classic Coldplay: nothing but Chris’s dulcet tones and the trickling piano - as another reviewer elsewhere said, minimalism at its best.
This is an amazing song. What a comeback! It’s different from their older stuff in “Parachutes” and “A Rush of Blood to the Head”, but retains the same emotional core. It’s going in quite a different direction to “X&Y”, but I think they took the best melodic elements out of it. In short, it seems to me as though they’re going back to their roots but injecting something new and interesting to give it an edge. They’re evolving the Coldplay sound and it seems pretty great to me, so far. Somehow, I feel it’s stronger this time around. It’s a confident, rebellious, mountain-shaking, take-it-or-leave-it-this-is-what-you’re-getting kind of sound. I like it.
Thank God they’re back!
Comment by Mint — May 3, 2008 @ 12:02 am
Awsome!! New single, great song from Coldplay yet again… CANT WAIT FOR VIVA LA VIDA!!!
Comment by Danichony — May 3, 2008 @ 1:01 am
song sucks…
face it, its terrible… why do coldplay fans have to kiss their butts?
even i know this song is crap
Comment by david — May 3, 2008 @ 5:57 am
I think this release is akin to that of Speed of Sound, when first heard it was a temporary fix to give everyone a chance to debate what might come after.
Speed of Sound wasn’t a single track in hindsight from my own personal point of view…. but listening to the album I just knew; Fix You, Talk and Hardest Part.. WERE going to be singles…
I love Violet Hill… it’s a rockier sounding track that, a real taster of what is going to be a totally different album to what we have seen so far from a band that don’t have to prove anyone wrong. Parachutes had the Indie feel, Rush of Blood to the Head had a more left field rock, X &Y was a brilliant Pop record….. Viva la Via or Death…. Is going to be a hi octane mix of ALL previous work.
Simply put, Chris Martin is fronting a band that can do no wrong at this point in time. They are like the Grand Theft Auto of the music world… We all await with baited breath for the next installment.
Playing live they are the amongst the top dozen on the planet, album sales say it all… giving this single away for free won’t stop fans from buying the download or hard copy. And people will be eagerly awaiting the next Guitar Hero for this song and just perhaps one or two of the Jonnny Buckland orientated tracks coming to a store near you.
Comment by Stevie Palys — May 3, 2008 @ 8:07 am
Its first rhyme is December and remember. Jesus wept.
Comment by Patrick Bateman — May 3, 2008 @ 9:58 am
My interest in the new Coldplay album lies foremost with Brian Eno ( I`ve got 300 Eno CD`s) and his part in the album. As with U2 and especially with James (5 albums!) his production has always been very ….. eh Eno! I mean he tends to become an adittional member of the band he`s producing. ( (co)-composing ; playing and even singing with the band in hand).
The Violet Hill song, seems a litlle bit disappointing in that respect and I can`t say I can hear much Eno in it , but than again, I know his genius isn`t always obvious on first hearing. However,to me it sounds too much like just another Coldplay song in a style quite similar to the XandY sessions. Peter/Netherlands
Comment by Peter — May 3, 2008 @ 10:21 am
Pretty average - I can hear a strong McCartney influence. It really didn’t go anywhere. How people can think this is up there with some of their truly great songs I don’t understand.
As a fan, I hope this is the weakest song on the album. In the meantime, I’ll listen to Elbow for a fix of quality laid back Brit pop.
Comment by David S — May 3, 2008 @ 3:09 pm
Great song, but I say this only after listening to it probably two dozen times today (second day after downloading it). It definitely has grown on me, and now I can’t get it out of my head. The lyrics are incredibly strong, and Chris Martin’s voice remains one of the most beautiful in music today.
Comment by Tim — May 4, 2008 @ 6:33 am
u2 suck!!
who the hella are eno?
stupid people
this song is a tru coldplay classic, full of the well timed drums and perfect guitar solo, i love it and the album doesnt even have to be half as good as this song, ill still love it!!!
im saving now for the album!
Comment by daniel h — May 4, 2008 @ 10:16 am
I love coldplay…….honest thoughts however about this song. I have listened to it several times now to see it grows on me - I mean, some songs from them take a few listenings to……….this song is good, not great. The last 25 seconds with Chris’ soft singing and piano is your standard goodness.
However…….the echo doesn’t do it for me. In fact, it’s almost an overly produced track - the great thing about the U2s and Coldplays of the world in previous albums is the imperfections…….that’s what makes a good song. This song seems like the producers went nuts trying to make it sound perfect - Dissapointing. Poor selection for the first single.
Comment by Jamally — May 4, 2008 @ 4:49 pm
dude…
these guys are amazing musicans and soundsmiths of some great music. The ability that they have to emote through their music is what really appeals to me. They just didnt hit it with this one. They are capable of so much better music than this and I feel it is sad. In a time where we needed a good rock record, Coldplay has let us down.-jb
Comment by jb — May 5, 2008 @ 3:26 am
Im not sorry to say this but u guys are all stupid..u expected soo much from coldplay instead of accepting what they give u
violet hill is a great song and all of u complaining about “ahh its confusing..oo theres nothing new” u guys know nothing..COLDPLAY HAS LET NO ONE DOWn go find another band if ur dissapointed with Violet Hill
Coldplay kows what they are doing..u guys pretend like ur some proffessional MUSIC CRITICS..
u guys know nothing gosh..
Violet Hill is Great u guys just want something perfect and you’re not gonna get it …make ur own song and lets see how it ranks with coldplay..u guys are sad
COLDPLAY ROCKS!!!
Comment by Rene Jr. — May 5, 2008 @ 7:13 am
Underwhelmed and a bit disappointed with this one! It’s a bit too David Gray, life in Slow Motion - which was a great album in 2005 but that’s three years ago now. Coldplay have always been melancholy but at the same time uplifting, and complex, this single seems to be missing the authenticity that make Martin’s melodies so appealing. As for the guitar solo in the bridge, I’d have to agree with other reviewers it’s a bit lame!
Comment by AB — May 6, 2008 @ 4:35 am
I was not going to comment but after reading i felt better seeing that many real coldplay fans feel disappointed as do I, lets face it even Speed of sound was a tiny bit.
This always happens when a band becomes very big and popular.
Im sure there will be some great songs on the album though, shame this not very exciting.
They really need to an Actungbaby, a complete change of direction, this reminds me of the worst parts of X&Y.
As someone else said, i will except it and will still sick with Coldplay
Comment by Aaron — May 7, 2008 @ 12:37 pm
loved the song, intersting and exciting new chapter in the Coldplay story, the album promises to be something special, and something for everyone, so all those who didn’t love this song, but love Coldplay, don’t worry, our boys won’t let us down, they know how to deliver and I am sure they will, for all those who loved the old coldplay sound, ignore this album, go and play ‘a rush of blood’ and remain blissfully silent!
Comment by Dazza — May 7, 2008 @ 1:05 pm
well, as a dedicated coldplay fan, I own all of thier songs, and I’ve gotta say, whenni heard Violet Hill was thier new single, I was excited. It had been such a long time since they released anything. When I played the song, it reminded me of X&Y (Which I loved) and The Speed Of Sound (which was terrific), but then that horrible guitar loop started and it didn’t even annonce itself or build up to it. It feels awkward, out of place, and downright confusing. I am trying really hard to like thier new single, but it just isn’t happening. (I am listening to X&Y right now, not better than Parachutes or A Rush Of Blood but its good. well see when the albums released. 7/10
Comment by The Freeman — May 10, 2008 @ 1:26 pm
Ok, I’ve never been a fan of Coldplay (too many whiny vocals and no bollocks) but I’ve got to say I think this song is brilliant. If the rest of the album is in a similar vein I may just be converted!
Comment by Kat — May 25, 2008 @ 2:13 pm
sorry new song is corny and that’s that. happened to hear both the new one and “the scientist” on the radio yesterday and there is no comparison. with the new one i’m like “who is this?” in a bad bad way. sounds like a jingle!
Comment by american dude — May 25, 2008 @ 8:43 pm
Am shocked by the negative reviews of this little gem of a song. Incredible anti-war lyrics (most negative reviewers haven’t caught on to the double meaning of the romantic ending - not surprising, really), a guitar solo repeating the same line over and over again to emphasise the repetetive nature of war, some really wailing sounds from Chris and some fabulous moments; the sadness of the ending is quite emotional and almost tear-jerking. This song is not about a woman, those of you who haven’t caught on yet. It is an anti-war song, and the relationship is that between a soldier and his country. ‘Clearly I remember from the windows they were watching as we froze down below’ - ‘they’ here being the ‘carnival of idiots’, the generals and leaders sending men out to die pointlessly. The theme of cold and winter creates a dying and terrible image of a pointless war, and the comments that the singer directs to his ‘love’ at Violet Hill highlights his relationship with his own country - he loves his country, and it claims to love him, and yet it sends him away to die pointlessly - ‘If you love me, why’d you let me go?’
I think it’s a bit of genius, to be honest, and a perfect release in times such as these where more pointless wars are becoming a very disturbing fad. Well done, Coldplay - to me, this single marks you as a seriously talented band with depth and potential.
Comment by Jen — June 15, 2008 @ 3:38 pm
Ok, I posted a negative review of this song back on May 1. Now that I have the Coldplay album and have listened to Violet Hill within the context of “Viva La Vida or…” my opinion has changed. The song fits nicely within the flow of the album and I must say that the album is damn good! So my bad…I’m glad that I was wrong and Coldplay is still friggin’ awesome! Enjoy all!
Comment by Axel — June 19, 2008 @ 2:43 pm