“A Head Full Of Dreams” by Coldplay
9 out of 10

By Henry Nallen ’18
THE ROUNDUP

Just a year and a half after the release of their previous album, “Ghost Stories”, Coldplay is back with a more upbeat and colorful vibe for their newest album “A Head Full Of Dreams.” Coldplay has been in the spotlight of the music world for more than a decade and have released a total of seven albums, along with many single tracks for blockbuster films such as “The Hunger Games” and “Unbroken.”

Although they are commonly known for their sorrowful, piano driven, and downbeat songs, they have taken a different approach with “A Head Full Of Dreams.”

In comparison to their previous albums, I found it to be much more vibrant and colorful, both musically and artistically.

While there are still one or two emotional ballads, such as “Everglow,” most of the tracks, like “Adventure of a Lifetime” and “A Head Full Of Dreams,” are exciting and energizing. It is a record that you leave with a feeling of happiness and a positive outlook on life.

I personally enjoyed their incorporation of some their favorite musicians. World famous singer Beyoncé appeared on the track “Hymn for the Weekend,” and Tove Lo appeared on the track “Fun.”

They even included a sample of President Barack Obama singing “Amazing Grace” in “Kaleidoscope.”

However, I found one of the best elements of the album to be the lyrics. Lyrics in my opinion are a very important part of music, and the album utilizes them very well.

Coldplay has stated that they have reached their ideal sound with this album, and it seems like the final chapter of a story.

This is a very present theme in the record. You can hear the ending of a long journey and a reflection on how far they have come both musically and as a band. Thankfully, it is not the end of the band, but they have finished their first set of albums, and will hopefully move on to produce new music somehow.

Overall, “A Head Full Of Dreams” is a very moving and thoughtful record. Coldplay, once again, has exceeded expectations, and their new album is well-worth listening to.