As usual, Coldplay, one of the most beloved and hated bands in the world, attempts to go against the grain with their latest album, Mylo Zyloto, looking to silence critics and bring more closeted fans out. Personally, I’m a huge Coldplay fan who enjoys everything they’ve done. With that said, their newest outing is, in my opinion, a very satisfying one that simply leaves me waiting for more.

In 2008, the band had their most critically and commercially successful album in Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends. Transitioning more into art rock, the band put together soaring, operatic ballads about the tribulations of humanity. The song’s themes were revolutionary and anti-establishment in nature. One would expect that they would follow that up with an equally critical, damning album, especially in the turbulent times we’re living in.

This is not the case with Mylo Zyloto, as the concept album loosely focuses on star-crossed lovers Mylo and Zyloto and their quest for a harmonious relationship. Although Martin has stated in several interviews that this is what the whole album is about, that’s mostly hard to see as only a few songs from the album touch on this subject. This by no means says that the album is worthless. Most of the songs are instant Coldplay jams that demand repeated listenings, both to better understand what they’re trying to saying and just because they sound awesome. It starts off with the insurmountable high “Hurts like Heaven”, my favorite track on the album. Other memorable ones are “Paradise”, “Every Teardrop is A Waterfall”, and “Major Minus”, all of which were, unfortunately, were released in the buildup to the album. It would have been a pleasant surprise to have heard the songs for the first time with the album’s released. But they’re still great pieces that I’ll gladly listen to again.

“Charlie Brown” and “U.F.O” are among more of my favorites. Considering all of the songs as a whole, they all work well together and I like them all separately as well. However, Rihanna pitches in to help with vocals on “Princess of China”. Nothing’s wrong with the track, but it just takes you out of the album altogether for a minute, making you contemplate, “Wait…what?” She seems some all-too spot on lyrics about a love that slipped away and frequently fought with her (here’s looking at you Chris Brown). I was pleased with the decision for “Up with the Birds”, nearly symbolizing that it’ll soon be time for Coldplay to fly away again for a while to compose their next rock epic.

As Coldplay is my favorite band, you may find me hard to trust when it comes to recommending an album I was destined to like regardless. But I can honestly say I went in with high expectations and wasn’t in the least bit disappointed. I’m not sure where it ranks yet in my favorite CP albums, as X&Y is my definitive top choice. If you’re looking for an alternative rock album with an electronic, sometimes poppy twist, check this out. If you want a concept album that isn’t really a concept album, this is for you. If you hold no respect for Coldplay and are already waiting to hate their latest music, you and I have nothing more to say.

4 out of 5