This is what the new album “Moon Music” is like

The band around singer Chris Martin is one of the most successful and controversial. She has been panned by music critics for years. The new album “Moon Music” shouldn’t change that. It’s so-so-lalala.

Stefan Künzli / ch media

In lists of the uncoolest bands in pop and rock music, Coldplay usually takes the top spot. Even before Nickelback, Limp Bizkit, Maroon 5 and Imagine Dragons. But why exactly?

In many pop subcultures there is a general aversion to what seems popular or too popular. Coldplay has sold 80 million records and is one of the most popular bands, especially in Switzerland. In this respect, the band around singer Chris Martin initially simply pays the price for their immense, global success.

What makes Coldplay even more difficult is that the band once started out in a “hip” alternative environment with melancholic, introspective sounds (“Parachutes” and “A Rush of Blood to the Head”), but then moved on to a cheerful, optimistic pop direction that appealed to the masses developed. Many early fans saw this departure from the former sound as a betrayal.

Bashing is completely exaggerated and exaggerated

In addition, an art collective “Coldplay bashing” developed in pop culture, especially among opinion leaders in music criticism, which is completely exaggerated and exaggerated. In certain circles it is still not appropriate to find the band good or even cool. Attention, mental block!

In fact, the British quartet has repeatedly made concessions to mass taste in recent years. But despite all the twists and turns, they have retained a band sound that makes them identifiable at all times. This is a feat that only very few bands can achieve. And that’s what makes Coldplay a great band.

But what about the uncoolness factor of the new album “Moon Music”? The best song is “We Pray,” which was released at the end of August. Refined oriental beats and string riffs are prominent here, rapper Little Zimz and Afro-beat superstar Burna Boy give the song unexpected hipness. Typically anthemic Coldplay melodies overlap and flow wonderfully into one another. But does this Lalala have to be at the end of the song? It’s a shame for the great song.

The optimistic “I Am” with a piano figure that is reminiscent of ABBA is also successful. The melody stands out pleasantly from other, more tranquil lines. “Jupiter” and the dance track “Good Feelings”, with the other Afro-Beat star Ayra Starr, are also quite okay.

Sorry Chris, does that have to be the case?

“All My Love” also starts promisingly. Minimally arranged, as a pretty piano ballad. But with the start of the rhythm section at minute 2:25, the next, simple Lalala attacks us and destroys everything. In general: out of ten songs on “Moon Music” we count six Lalala choruses. Sorry Chris, does that have to be the case?

And otherwise? “Aeterna” is an inconsequential, monotonous dance track. The title song “Moon Music”, “Rainbow” and the final track “One World” drag along without ever getting going. They sink into keyboard clouds and simulate space. Big gesture, lack of depth.

Coldplay gives their detractors and critics plenty of food again on their tenth album “Moon Music”. But that has nothing to do with a lack of coolness. “Moon Music” simply doesn’t meet the quality standards that one can expect from a big band like Coldplay.

Coldplay: Moon Music (Warner)

(aargauerzeitung.ch)

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