Coldplay shrugs off comparisons

“Coldplay skipped U2’s mullets and Radiohead’s vapor lock and went straight for the lotus-position lap of Eno-and-Lanois mysticism.” The Pitch on Coldplay, in an article that compares the band with U2 more than once.

56 thoughts on “Coldplay shrugs off comparisons

  1. I too like Colplay a lot, but don’t think they will become as big as you probably hope. I think their sound is too ‘narrow’ and they sould try and write some tunes which do not sound like the ‘traditional’ Coldplay… U2 have gone through various sound styles and that’s how they have become what they are now. Coldplay is now at it’s Boy-War phase and should brake to the Unforgettable Fire now! 😉

  2. I too like Colplay a lot, but don’t think they will become as big as you probably hope. I think their sound is too ‘narrow’ and they sould try and write some tunes which do not sound like the ‘traditional’ Coldplay… U2 have gone through various sound styles and that’s how they have become what they are now. Coldplay is now at it’s Boy-War phase and should brake to the Unforgettable Fire now! 😉

  3. I honestly believe that Coldplay has it in them to become the next U2. The potential is there, but I just hope they deliver. To those who say their sound is too narrow… just remember that Rush Of Blood To The Head is only their 2nd record…

  4. I honestly believe that Coldplay has it in them to become the next U2. The potential is there, but I just hope they deliver. To those who say their sound is too narrow… just remember that Rush Of Blood To The Head is only their 2nd record…

  5. U2 broke america w/ The Joshua Tree. I just can’t see Coldplay becoming emmersed in American music. Angel of Harlem, Desire, ISHFWILF, or RTSS coming out of Coldplay?

  6. U2 broke america w/ The Joshua Tree. I just can’t see Coldplay becoming emmersed in American music. Angel of Harlem, Desire, ISHFWILF, or RTSS coming out of Coldplay?

  7. True, but as times change, it’s not the same type of song that is considered American. At least they didn’t do America when America’s song was manufactured teeny-bopper pop. It’s just coming out of that into something that embraces the other side of the Atlantic again. In that case, Coldplay fits nicely. And it’s true that they seem a little one-sided, but they’ve only done two albums. BOY and OCTOBER were not completely similar but they were definitely in the realm of being meshed together. Give Coldplay time; I think they’ll surprise us.

  8. True, but as times change, it’s not the same type of song that is considered American. At least they didn’t do America when America’s song was manufactured teeny-bopper pop. It’s just coming out of that into something that embraces the other side of the Atlantic again. In that case, Coldplay fits nicely. And it’s true that they seem a little one-sided, but they’ve only done two albums. BOY and OCTOBER were not completely similar but they were definitely in the realm of being meshed together. Give Coldplay time; I think they’ll surprise us.

  9. Coldplay is definitely my second favorite band. They are one of the few bands that seem to have the ernestness and vulnerability that characterized early U2. Plus their live act has improved dramatically just in the last year and a half.

  10. Coldplay is definitely my second favorite band. They are one of the few bands that seem to have the ernestness and vulnerability that characterized early U2. Plus their live act has improved dramatically just in the last year and a half.

  11. coldplay is also one of my favorite bands, after u2 and before the stones. I like bands who have made their own sound and stay strong through the test of time, and I think coldplay has potential. so we’ll see.

  12. coldplay is also one of my favorite bands, after u2 and before the stones. I like bands who have made their own sound and stay strong through the test of time, and I think coldplay has potential. so we’ll see.

  13. These guys have really grown on me, but I don’t see a next U2 thing with them… That guy’s a good singer, but I doubt we will ever hear a Desire level vocal coming from him… He just doesn’t have the vocal chords for it… Their music is also great, maybe only time will tell…

  14. These guys have really grown on me, but I don’t see a next U2 thing with them… That guy’s a good singer, but I doubt we will ever hear a Desire level vocal coming from him… He just doesn’t have the vocal chords for it… Their music is also great, maybe only time will tell…

  15. I Just saw Coldplay in concert in Austin and It was one of the best F***ing Concerts Ive been to, “almost” comparable to some of the U2 concerts I been to. I completely disagree with Nielz I like thier 1st album but It Rush of Blood to the Head that I was really Impressed by!!! I think that they will break America but Its going to be in a whole diffent way than U2. The beatles, The RS and U2 all made it in America in thier way.At thier concert Chris Martin was ripping on crap bands like bs boyz. and Said “We love those great band Like U2 who have thought us alot.”. If you have the chance to see these guy live, do it you wont be disappointed its worth it!!!This guy will make it big with out a doubt.only 2 albums of which the 1st one won a grammy and the 2nd is nominated and I believe will win a grammy. If you dont have Rush of blood to the head then burn it, If you really Like it,then go buy it. I dont buy cd from the stores unless they are worth it.I back this Cd 100%
    But U2 still Is the Best Band In the World With out A Doubt!

  16. I Just saw Coldplay in concert in Austin and It was one of the best F***ing Concerts Ive been to, “almost” comparable to some of the U2 concerts I been to. I completely disagree with Nielz I like thier 1st album but It Rush of Blood to the Head that I was really Impressed by!!! I think that they will break America but Its going to be in a whole diffent way than U2. The beatles, The RS and U2 all made it in America in thier way.At thier concert Chris Martin was ripping on crap bands like bs boyz. and Said “We love those great band Like U2 who have thought us alot.”. If you have the chance to see these guy live, do it you wont be disappointed its worth it!!!This guy will make it big with out a doubt.only 2 albums of which the 1st one won a grammy and the 2nd is nominated and I believe will win a grammy. If you dont have Rush of blood to the head then burn it, If you really Like it,then go buy it. I dont buy cd from the stores unless they are worth it.I back this Cd 100%
    But U2 still Is the Best Band In the World With out A Doubt!

  17. There are moments — fleeting moments — when music makes it abundantly clear that there is such a thing as beauty in the world. In those moments, the music transcends the physical and dances with the ethereal. The Joshua Tree is one such moment, and so too is A Rush of Blood to the Head.

  18. There are moments — fleeting moments — when music makes it abundantly clear that there is such a thing as beauty in the world. In those moments, the music transcends the physical and dances with the ethereal. The Joshua Tree is one such moment, and so too is A Rush of Blood to the Head.

  19. AROBTTH is a damn fine album, and Coldplay a damn fine group, but their music somehow doesn’t touch me the way U2’s does. It’s like when I first heard Coldplay’s 2 records, I was immediately impressed and respected them as a band. However, only a couple songs are truly special, IMO. On the flip side, U2 songs don’t get me at first listen, rather they pull at me until I discover the song in all its parts. They get me thinking, rather than humming. Coldplay still are awesome, but I don’t think there will be “another U2”, even considering Coldplay. I mean, it’s hard nowadays to make great music and stay relevant for the fickle music industry. U2’s timing, among other things, was perfect.

  20. AROBTTH is a damn fine album, and Coldplay a damn fine group, but their music somehow doesn’t touch me the way U2’s does. It’s like when I first heard Coldplay’s 2 records, I was immediately impressed and respected them as a band. However, only a couple songs are truly special, IMO. On the flip side, U2 songs don’t get me at first listen, rather they pull at me until I discover the song in all its parts. They get me thinking, rather than humming. Coldplay still are awesome, but I don’t think there will be “another U2”, even considering Coldplay. I mean, it’s hard nowadays to make great music and stay relevant for the fickle music industry. U2’s timing, among other things, was perfect.

  21. I don’t see Coldplay getting to where U2 is/was simply because they lack the drive. The last line in that article says it all. “We’re not interested in being the biggest coconuts on the tree.” U2 always seeked that out. Secondly, I agree with the post above. If U2 was to start today, they likely wouldn’t grow into what they are either. Audiences have grown more fickle and rock music is not the best genre to take you to the top of the heap… at least right now, but hip hop shows no signs of relinquishing it’s throne. So unfortunately for Coldplay’s collective pockets, I don’t see it happening. In the talent department however, Parachutes is just as good as Boy and A Rush of Blood to the Head is miles beyond October. And as of right now, Coldplay is my pick for the best band in the world and ATYCLB doesn’t hold a candle to A Rush of Blood. If you’re gonna write mellow songs, that’s how to do it.

  22. I don’t see Coldplay getting to where U2 is/was simply because they lack the drive. The last line in that article says it all. “We’re not interested in being the biggest coconuts on the tree.” U2 always seeked that out. Secondly, I agree with the post above. If U2 was to start today, they likely wouldn’t grow into what they are either. Audiences have grown more fickle and rock music is not the best genre to take you to the top of the heap… at least right now, but hip hop shows no signs of relinquishing it’s throne. So unfortunately for Coldplay’s collective pockets, I don’t see it happening. In the talent department however, Parachutes is just as good as Boy and A Rush of Blood to the Head is miles beyond October. And as of right now, Coldplay is my pick for the best band in the world and ATYCLB doesn’t hold a candle to A Rush of Blood. If you’re gonna write mellow songs, that’s how to do it.

  23. I like Coldplay a lot, and “A Rush of Blood” was a magnificent improvement on their (IMO) overpraised debut. I’m very much looking forward to what they do next, and hopefully Chris Martin will explore some other moods besides that melancholic, world-weary mode his singing seems to be stuck in for the moment. As for comparisons to U2… I don’t know, to me there seems to be a sort of timidness about them and their music that just doesn’t grab you in the same way U2 songs do, and they’re more mopey and mellow than U2 have ever been. Not that it’s a bad thing, it’s just that I prefer the artists who can be both aggressive and mellow.

  24. I like Coldplay a lot, and “A Rush of Blood” was a magnificent improvement on their (IMO) overpraised debut. I’m very much looking forward to what they do next, and hopefully Chris Martin will explore some other moods besides that melancholic, world-weary mode his singing seems to be stuck in for the moment. As for comparisons to U2… I don’t know, to me there seems to be a sort of timidness about them and their music that just doesn’t grab you in the same way U2 songs do, and they’re more mopey and mellow than U2 have ever been. Not that it’s a bad thing, it’s just that I prefer the artists who can be both aggressive and mellow.

  25. I just bought Rush of Blood a few days ago. While I like the record, I find it mellow and bland compared to U2. If I wanna veg out, I’ll pop in that record. If they want to evolve like U2, they need to crank out some tougher tunes. I was playing ROB at work and my coworker said, “I see why you like CP, the lead singer sounds a lot like Bono.” I hadn’t even thought of that.

  26. I just bought Rush of Blood a few days ago. While I like the record, I find it mellow and bland compared to U2. If I wanna veg out, I’ll pop in that record. If they want to evolve like U2, they need to crank out some tougher tunes. I was playing ROB at work and my coworker said, “I see why you like CP, the lead singer sounds a lot like Bono.” I hadn’t even thought of that.

  27. Is it just me or does Chris Martin’s howling at the end of “The Scientist” sound just like Mr. B’s falsetto during the Zoo TV era? Also, Coldplay does have the potential to really rock as they do on their b-side “The One I Love”

  28. Is it just me or does Chris Martin’s howling at the end of “The Scientist” sound just like Mr. B’s falsetto during the Zoo TV era? Also, Coldplay does have the potential to really rock as they do on their b-side “The One I Love”

  29. The One I Love, Politick, Clocks, Daylight — even Shiver from Parachutes — all demonstrate a harder edge to Coldplay’s sound. And keep in mind that U2 didn’t really show an aggressive side until Sunday Bloody Sunday. At any rate, Jimmy, you missed part of the quote: “We don’t want to be the biggest coconuts on the tree — JUST THE HARIEST.” [emphasis mine] This could simply mean that the band will focus on greatness and not worry about popularity. With a little luck, chart success will result from great work.

  30. The One I Love, Politick, Clocks, Daylight — even Shiver from Parachutes — all demonstrate a harder edge to Coldplay’s sound. And keep in mind that U2 didn’t really show an aggressive side until Sunday Bloody Sunday. At any rate, Jimmy, you missed part of the quote: “We don’t want to be the biggest coconuts on the tree — JUST THE HARIEST.” [emphasis mine] This could simply mean that the band will focus on greatness and not worry about popularity. With a little luck, chart success will result from great work.

  31. Yeah, one of the reasons I thought “A Rush of Blood” was an improvement was that Coldplay showed a glimpse of their harder side. But these songs are still pretty damn meek compared to, say, “Out of Control”, “Electric Co” or “Gloria”.

  32. Yeah, one of the reasons I thought “A Rush of Blood” was an improvement was that Coldplay showed a glimpse of their harder side. But these songs are still pretty damn meek compared to, say, “Out of Control”, “Electric Co” or “Gloria”.

  33. I totally agree with your comments Bubba. Shiver reminded me so much of U2 the first time I heard it, that it’s not even funny. I can’t believe “Warning Sign” almost didn’t make the album.

  34. I totally agree with your comments Bubba. Shiver reminded me so much of U2 the first time I heard it, that it’s not even funny. I can’t believe “Warning Sign” almost didn’t make the album.

  35. Thank God there are groups that will not bend to the main stream pop. Coldplay is so much its own sound and person that they can’t help to evolve into their own place in the music world. Just as U2 has done. They are already there in their on respect. It will only get better. Just look at U2. I can’t compare Coldplay to U2. The music is phenomenal in both respects. I am just thrilled it is happening to such a talented goup of guys. I feel we only have the best to look forward too. Fantasy concert. U2 & Coldplay. Could you handle it..

  36. Thank God there are groups that will not bend to the main stream pop. Coldplay is so much its own sound and person that they can’t help to evolve into their own place in the music world. Just as U2 has done. They are already there in their on respect. It will only get better. Just look at U2. I can’t compare Coldplay to U2. The music is phenomenal in both respects. I am just thrilled it is happening to such a talented goup of guys. I feel we only have the best to look forward too. Fantasy concert. U2 & Coldplay. Could you handle it..

  37. Yes, even Politik. What all these early U2 songs have in common is this feeling of youthful energy and abandon, a pure adrenaline rush, a wide-eyed exuberance. Coldplay seem to inhabit a more subdued, restrained, sombre place, and their songs sure have never made me wanna dance around my bedroom.

  38. Yes, even Politik. What all these early U2 songs have in common is this feeling of youthful energy and abandon, a pure adrenaline rush, a wide-eyed exuberance. Coldplay seem to inhabit a more subdued, restrained, sombre place, and their songs sure have never made me wanna dance around my bedroom.

  39. I strongly agree with most here that Coldplay are a great act and would love to see them live .I would go as far as to say that they have probably the best debut album ever.Like many though , I think that although the second album was awesome as well it appears that they may be “railroaded” with their current sound .The albums are very similar . As for reaching the likes of U2 ,the comparision is unfair .Firstly I think it is difficult for bands to have a long stay at the top with our current ‘music climate’Secondly, we are talking here about a band that has risen to become one of the greatest rock acts in the history of music .I have been to many shows:The Rolling Stones ,Radiohead , Oasis and Pink Floyd to name a few but nothing compares to the show brought on by Bono and the boys.I can tell you the others are good to hear live but U2 concerts are simply spine tingling .

  40. I strongly agree with most here that Coldplay are a great act and would love to see them live .I would go as far as to say that they have probably the best debut album ever.Like many though , I think that although the second album was awesome as well it appears that they may be “railroaded” with their current sound .The albums are very similar . As for reaching the likes of U2 ,the comparision is unfair .Firstly I think it is difficult for bands to have a long stay at the top with our current ‘music climate’Secondly, we are talking here about a band that has risen to become one of the greatest rock acts in the history of music .I have been to many shows:The Rolling Stones ,Radiohead , Oasis and Pink Floyd to name a few but nothing compares to the show brought on by Bono and the boys.I can tell you the others are good to hear live but U2 concerts are simply spine tingling .

  41. I definetly think that Coldplay is one of the best bands in the world today. Their music has a very calming effect on me! But the greatest debut album ever will always be oasis “Definetly Maybe”.

  42. I definetly think that Coldplay is one of the best bands in the world today. Their music has a very calming effect on me! But the greatest debut album ever will always be oasis “Definetly Maybe”.

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