Ben Beaumont-Thomas: “Coldplay’s new album ‘Moon Music’ aims to elevate pop music during turbulent times. But does it really hit the mark?”
In an increasingly chaotic world, pop music can often feel both trivial and necessary. Coldplay’s latest release, their 10th studio album “Moon Music,” encapsulates this duality, sometimes even within the same song. It’s a deeply sentimental project that leaves listeners contemplating its true significance.
The album opens with Chris Martin expressing a yearning for optimism, celebrating the beauty in the world and envisioning a loving existence. Yet, as the journey unfolds, the album presents a utopian vision that leans more towards aspiration than authenticity. While it highlights humanity’s potential, it shies away from confronting the harsh realities we face, creating an almost unrealistically perfect harmony.
This raises important questions: Is this hopeful pursuit truly meaningful during such tumultuous times, or is it just overly simplistic fluff? Few artists can provoke such polarized reactions as Coldplay after 25 years in the industry.
For those seeking critiques, the lead single “feelslikeimfallininlove” may become a focal point. It has the polished sound of an algorithmic creation, with lyrics that can feel more like empty sentiments than genuine declarations. One might imagine Dakota Johnson wishing for more substance, while Gwyneth Paltrow might just roll her eyes.
The album also features its fair share of what could be labeled as ambient-orchestral fluff. Tracks like “🌈” (yes, that’s an actual rainbow emoji as a title) tread into experimental territory without a clear focus. Some of the production choices from pop heavyweight Max Martin are amusing—like the overly dramatic strings in “We Pray,” more fitting for a reality TV villain’s dramatic exit than a heartfelt ballad.
Then there are the lyrics, which can range from cringe-inducing to tired clichés, mixing phrases about “good feelings” with metaphors that seem more at home on wellness posters. The track “All My Love” is so sweetly syrupy it could practically be launched as a new soft drink.
Nevertheless, many listeners will find themselves touched to tears during “All My Love” at weddings, succumbing to the album’s more compelling moments. While the imagery may falter at times, tracks like “iAAM” manage to capture that quintessential Coldplay essence—drum beats from Will Champion evoke triumph while glossing over any significant social commentary. And “Jupiter,” arguably one of their best recent tracks, tells a poignant story about a misunderstood queer girl, with straightforward lyrics delivering a surprisingly touching message about love and acceptance.
“Good Feelings” might bring to mind joyful scenes from an animated film, replete with upbeat disco-funk vibes. It could fit in at a child’s birthday celebration, even if it feels more suited for a different vocal style than Martin’s. In contrast, “Aeterna” is a polished dance track, while “We Pray” benefits from Burna Boy’s heartfelt input, connecting it to pressing social issues.
However, the album concludes with “One World,” which risks coming off as pretentious, as Martin insists that “in the end it’s just love.” This oversimplified idea of love conquering all lacks the nuance that humanity desperately craves right now. Yet, there’s something undeniably intoxicating about their unwavering optimism.
“Moon Music” is set to release on October 4th, challenging listeners to determine for themselves whether this amalgamation of earnestness and naiveté holds relevance in today’s world.
