A Review on 'A Rush of Blood to The Head'

   Coldplay's second studio album, A Rush of Blood to The Head has always been my favourite album, so as an easy start to "a weekly review of albums" I decided to go for an oldy but a goldy.
The album was released back in August of 2002 so I'll never know how my 4 year old self reacted to hearing it for the first time, but it must have been positive because it remained my favourite album for more than a decade. Years of begging my parents to play the CD on long car jorneys have left me with the knowledge of  the lyrics of all 11 songs and good memories in the backseat.
Some of Coldplay's most famous singles have come from this album; songs like 'In My Place', 'The Scientist', 'Clocks' and 'God Put a Smile Upon Your face' made it big in the music industry.
The first song heard on the album is 'Politik' gives you an instant rush, (the perfect running song in my opinion) the pounding of the drums, piano and guitars goes at the pace of your heartbeat and you already feel the music flowing through your veins. You feel like your part of the song, that your heartbeat is just another instrument pounding along to the beat. Such a great opening to a great album!
'In My Place' is probably my favourite song on the album, mainly because of the memories it gives me of a past concert. The drums at the start and the guitar bursting in seconds later make my heart leap for joy. It's near impossible to force yourself not to join in singing with Chris Martin when he sings out "yeaah!"
Next comes 'God Put a Smile Upon Your Face' where Jonny Buckland's guitar riff has you headbanging along to the beat.
And then comes one of Coldplay's most well known song: 'The Scientist'. A perfect piano piece and lyrics that makes you remember every bad break-up you've ever had. This song is probably why Coldplay are renowned for being 'depressing' and 'boring' however the lyrics are beautifully written.
A modern classic, 'Clocks', with its iconic piano piece and good beat comes soaring in afterwards. You find yourself singing along with Chris to "you.. are". I always found the bass in 'Clocks' to be so underrated, it really puts this song together and a lot of people don't even notice it's there. I think basses should get more recognition.
Next comes 'Daylight', a rather unknown song by Coldplay. It may not be one of their best songs but it's not unpleasant song to listen to. Chris sort of... moans the lyrics along and it seems to drag for a bit. Probably one of my least favourite songs by the band (oops did I just say that?!)
Ah, a beautiful song next, 'Green Eyes'. These lyrics just melt me and the song is one of my favourite by Coldplay. It's so peaceful and I believe it's one of their most underrated songs. It is said to be written about Chris Martin's past lover, he refuses to sing it live.. Pity!
Another beauty follows with 'Warning Sign'. Although it has a sad air, it warms the heart and is a lovely tune.
'A Whisper' next, again not one of Coldplay's greatest songs but bearable. Probably one of the songs you find yourself skipping on your iPod when its on shuffle (eek!). The rythm drawls and is repetitive and for the first time ever you find yourself thinking "Gosh, Chris doesn't sing well in this song"...
The self titled "A Rush of Blood To the Head" tells a story through song of a bad breakup. Sad and slow. Yet the lyrics depict the feelings of the writer beautifully.
The final song of the 11 songs is 'Amsterdam'. Truly an amazing song, beautiful lyrics and the perfect beat to end the album with.
In conclusion, a masterpiece by Coldplay and if they decided to release this song on 'a rush of blood to the head' it was probably the best decidion anyone has ever made.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmyq9tIiu8g (a link to 'Green eyes' the song I recommend you listen to)