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Coldplay |
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With bruised melodies that shimmer as much as they shake, Coldplay's music has left a steady, indelible mark on the fickle surface of Britain's much-hyped rock scene. Ever since the quartet debuted with their internationally successful full-length album, Parachutes, in 2000, they've been showered with endless adoration and praise for their heart-wrenching, thoughtful lyrics and tortured, stormy soundscapes.
The Grammy-winning group formed in 1998 with college friends Chris Martin (vocals, piano), Will Champion (drums), Guy Berryman (bass) and Jon Buckland (guitar). Martin's lyrics ooze with sincerity and pain -- unafraid to reveal vulnerability. His lyrics are powerful and touching because of Martin's willingness to open up and share his heartache and disappointments through his music. With such poetic verses, it's easy to see why the band's major influences rest with some of the most respected musicians like Bob Dylan, the Stone Roses, Neil Young, and My Bloody Valentine.
Over two profound albums, Coldplay have proven themselves as enduring songwriters and musicians. Their ubiquitous hit "Yellow," from the album Parachutes, became one of 2000's most recognizable songs, swiftly climbing the Billboard charts. The tear-inducing tune was instantly a listener favorite with its affectionate and endearing story of how true love inspires people to write songs, swim across oceans, and even sacrifice their lives. In addition to getting frequent radio airplay, the song was also featured as the theme for all of ABC's promotional spots.
With all of the critical praise and unquestionably endearing songs, it was no surprise that Parachutes hit the top of the UK album charts and earned Coldplay a 2001 Grammy for Best Alternative Music Performance and a Mercury Music Prize nomination in the fall of 2000.
With their sophomore album A Rush of Blood to the Head in 2002, the group further explored darker recesses of their hearts with haunting melodies like the achingly beautiful first single, "In My Place." The band's music continued to play with the tension between sadness and optimism. The band wanted to stray away from any Parachutes-like tune. Instead, they strived to craft new tales from the heart and approach songwriting and composing with a more passionate touch, overwhelming listeners with buckets full of soaring, raw emotion.
