If Mylo Xyloto were an album released by almost any other band, it would be an undisputed triumph, a paramount to be lauded. It is, however, Coldplay's fifth studio album, and being entwined with the name of Coldplay brings about certain expectations.
The near-unpronounceable Mylo Xyloto is a very good album (there is no doubt about that) but it is not a great album, and that, unfortunately, is its greatest fault.
"It's from the point of view of two people who are a bit lost," Chris Martin told BBC last winter about the concept album. "Two like-minded outsiders who meet in a very difficult environment and therefore have a journey together."
Mylo Xyloto kicks off with its title track crafted in Coldplay's usual fashion — a short instrumental vignette, the first of three scattered throughout the album. A chaos of music, sounds pile upon sounds, but build tension as they segues seamlessly into the first full track of the album.
"Hurts like Heaven" sets off at a brisk pace, background electrics bubbling in a busy mix, but it all melds together as the chorus builds into an atmospheric, anthemic feel.
Likewise, "Paradise," the second single to be released from Mylo Xyloto and one of the album's strongest tracks is heralded by the loose strings that recall tracks from Viva la Vida, the song introduces the female lead of the concept album, a dreamer of paradise. Simple lyrics swim amid a sea of electric beats, sweeping strings, unwavering instrumentals and soulful voices, an emotional and layered concoction that balances on the edge of cluttered without going over.
Following the female's introductory track, "Charlie Brown" takes on the perspective of a male counterpart. It follows the thread of the other tracks, the third anthem in a row, with oriental flare that also ties back to Viva la Vida. But it's also heart-felt and less complex, a song that points back to the album's acoustic roots.
"Us Against the World" follows the three soaring anthems with its whispered lullabies, a wistful Martin trying to keep his near-bursting heart from pouring out of his rib cage. It's soft and beautiful in its subtlety, and it speaks directly of the album's main themes, love and dystopia: "Through chaos as it swirls/It's us against the world."
Following a second instrumental vignette, Coldplay's first single from the album and instant classic, "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall," picks up the rhythm again in its intensity and inspirational lyrics, a rally for rebellious youths.
"Major Minus" deviates from the thread of the album, delving into a sound a little darker, a little angrier and a little closer to true rock rather than the electronic anthem pop genre that Coldplay skirts around. The variation is appreciated, but on the whole this track is on the weak side, repetitive and uninteresting.
Coldplay then switches gears completely with "U.F.O.," an introspective, prayer-like ballad. It's on the short side, with simple, heart-felt lyrics and plain instrumentals, but there's something very real and sincere in this song. Reminiscent of Coldplay's roots like "Yellow" or "The Scientist," its nostalgia at its best for Coldplay fans.
But if "U.F.O." is a throwback to old school Coldplay, the pulsing beat, wishy-washy lyrics and electronic sound of the next track is a far cry from its origins. "Princess of China" was perhaps a risk for Coldplay, a collaboration with Rihanna, but it did not pay off as the result is bland, grating and altogether top 40's material. This is hands down the weakest song on the album, a complete disaster and if Coldplay wants to keep its current fans, they should keep as far away from Rihanna as possible.
The quality, unfortunately, does not pick up with "Up in Flames." Another slower song, it somehow lacks the quiet beauty of Coldplay's usual touch. This can perhaps be attributed to the dull R&B beat chosen for the track, though it should be noted that the subtle background strings and Martin's lithe voice save it from crashing and burning.
After the third instrumental vignette, Coldplay rallies to finish the album strong with a hopeful "Don't Let It Break Your Heart," all crescendos and huge sound, and the emotional "Up with the Birds," a classic Coldplay piece and the inevitable happy ending.
Mylo Xyloto is a beautiful artifact, a strong set of interconnected songs, crashing beats and haunting lyrics, but in the end, even its strongest tracks could be confused with songs off of earlier albums. Definitely worth a listen, but a warning that is perhaps in opposition to the album's hopeful message: go in with lowered expectations.
