Let’s face it: Coldplay have always been a magnet for criticism. Accusations of plagiarism continue to tarnish their stadium-worthy reputation, and critics often say that the band is boring and uninteresting. Still, is it safe to say that Coldplay wouldn’t be Coldplay without both their massive success and setbacks? Though they face a demographic that criticizes their each and every move, they nonetheless enter the studio with a new founded perseverance.
While “Every Teardrop is A Waterfall” isn’t as progressive as Viva la Vida‘s “Violet Hill,” it does solidify one thing: the band’s ongoing experimentation. Pads and synthesizers swell in and out of the chorus; kick drums provide a thrilling sense of pace; layers of instrumentation pile on top of each other in an impressively structured manner. At times, “Teardrop” sounds more dance pop than it does alternative rock — an example of Brian Eno’s aesthetic flourishes.
The biggest gripe about Coldplay’s new track is, well, “every teardrop is a waterfall.” Considering Martin’s homage to “playing records” (“I turn the music up, I got my records on/ I shut the world outside until the lights come on”), the hook feels blatantly misplaced if not mawkish. And it almost ruins the song’s explosive ending when Will Champion emerges with his fiery drum playing. Even if it serves as a “tongue-in-cheek” moment, the line sticks out like a sore thumb.
It’s easy to see why Coldplay might come off as shamelessly melodramatic. Still, like many of Coldplay’s works, there’s something inexplicably focused about their recordings — lyrical gripes aside. Even though “Every Teardrop” isn’t as big of a step forward as “Violet Hill” or “Viva la Vida,” it does offer a glimpse into Coldplay’s exciting future.
Coldplay – Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall by MMMusic
