Ghost Stories.

Coldplay’s recently released Ghost Stories, unlike their past albums, draws focus away from the raw, emotional, romantic ballads that they’re so renowned for, such as Yellow and Fix You. Instead, the album shines a light on the remnants of Martin and Paltrow’s “conscious uncoupling”, presenting a prominent haunting and stripped-down sound across the nine songs.

One thing I love about Coldplay’s musical artistry is their ability to construct an album so perfectly; with each song flowing into one another purposefully, and the album, as a whole, taking the listener on a journey through poignant aspects of relationships and life experience. 

Despite some negative reviews floating around, I believe that Ghost Stories is no exception to this beautiful construction. Tracks like Oceans and Ghost Story team Martin’s rich falsetto with acoustic guitar strums to highlight the mournful aspects of a break-up. Alternatively, the Avici-assisted A Sky Full of Stars – the album’s most euphoric track – measures the prospects of eternal love. My current favourite, Ink, presents a stream of lyrics that reflect the bittersweet personal importance of Martin's tattoo that symbolises his love for Paltrow, teamed with a metaphorical representation of a love that lasts a lifetime.

An album of transitional light and shade, Ghost Stories captures the power and force of love, and the harsh reality of coming to terms with loss of love. A very bold album, indeed.

- N

Coldplay live in Sydney, 2014.

Coldplay's Ghost Stories (2014)