Snap judgment: Coldplay's 'Violet Hill'

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roland Mon, Nov 3, 2008 at 03:59 PM EST

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kate Mon, Jun 9, 2008 at 12:43 PM EST

Sooooo brilliant, Coldplay's amazing. The musicality is stunning. They make this incredible music that emotes like crazy. Violet Hill is awesome and (like others have said) you can see all kinds of different pieces of classic bands in the melody (I personally got a Beatles "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds"-ish feeling, but the Fleetwood Mac comment is true, too). Anyway - for the haters, it's so easy to pick on Coldplay because they're not arrogant pricks who only sing about breaking things and killing each other. But these are songs that actually mean something. And to top it all off, they're truly fantastic musicians.

Anabanana Mon, Jun 2, 2008 at 02:01 PM EST

I wonder where the video was filmed? it looksreally familiar!!!

Anabanana Mon, Jun 2, 2008 at 02:01 PM EST

I wonder where the video was filmed? it looksreally familiar!!!

Rob Thu, May 29, 2008 at 07:13 PM EST

Billy Joel (The Stranger) + Kix (Don't Close Your Eyes) = Coldplay's Violet Hill. Hey, I'm just giving you the facts, take it as you will.

Hannah Wed, May 28, 2008 at 11:16 AM EST

I think Violet Hill is very bold and different. Not my favorite, but still good. Apparently this album supposedly has the best Coldplay song ever written on it. I just hope it's not Violet Hill. Viva La Vida is topping this song on my list already. Very, very good. Its title track is leaving me thirsty 'til June 17.

Ballzack Tue, May 27, 2008 at 02:31 PM EST

It's a decent song. A deliberate attempt to move to new constructs and they pull it off. A testament to good songwriting and a team that knows how to sound good.

The new album title is STUPID. So stupid.

Their first album is still their best by a long long long shot. Based on the second single I would say that this album will be better than X&Y, but that is not saying much. That was a very disappointing CD.

JoeT Mon, May 26, 2008 at 05:44 PM EST

Some of these "writer/critics" that EW has are pathetic idiotic moronic fools!!! Simon is obviously one of those!!!

Tarjay Sat, May 24, 2008 at 01:31 PM EST

Violet Hill took a couple listens to grown on me. I like it, but it won't be one of my favorites. There's something almost Fleetwood Mac "Never Break the Chain..." about it. On the other hand, I love Viva La Vida.

dan Sat, May 24, 2008 at 01:06 PM EST

I don't think violet hill is anything "special", its just a good song. It has a nice feel don't get me wrong but it's nothing revolutionary by any means.

abner Wed, May 7, 2008 at 08:53 AM EST

Fantastic. Haunting melody but also confident in a way that they haven't been before. I like his voice lower and almost aggressive. I've heard people say that it isn't as much of a digression that coldplay had promised, but I bet they released their most familiar and accesible song first to ease people who weren't hardcore coldplay fans into their new sound. I think the song is lovely and a great sign that the album will be amazing.

Lindsay Tue, May 6, 2008 at 05:14 PM EST

The first time I heard the song I had an instant attraction to it. I didnt care to get the free download. Bought it right up. A whopping .99

Evan Sun, May 4, 2008 at 10:22 AM EST

Maybe they should have ACTUAL Coldplay fans write critiques of the album, because after all, not all music is for everyone.

Also, December and Cathedrals was not a rhyme attempt you twat...

Not my favorite song, but it's fantastic to hear a new direction.

narelle Sun, May 4, 2008 at 07:35 AM EST

I have been waiting for so long for this.....though kind of surprised with this edgy feel - love the lyrics. Can't wait for the album!

Atticus Mulkey Sat, May 3, 2008 at 10:35 PM EST

I have not been this excited about coldplay.... ever! And I can't seem to get that song out of my head!

Atticus Mulkey Sat, May 3, 2008 at 10:35 PM EST

I have not been this excited about coldplay.... ever! And I can't seem to get that song out of my head!

Sat, May 3, 2008 at 05:25 PM EST

he's just bitter about not having the single yet.

arjun Sat, May 3, 2008 at 01:35 PM EST

its a darker but catchy song. It took a while for me to appreciate it, but it is an amazing turn for Coldplay. I cannot get the song out of my head, which is a good thing!

severin Sat, May 3, 2008 at 10:07 AM EST

I was surprised at first - I wanted to be knocked over. Instead, the song lingered, stayed in my mind, wanted to be reexplored...this is an unusual song that needs to be played loudly (hopefully on good speakers) to fully appreciate all the moments that it is made up of. No instant hits here. Good.

Sat, May 3, 2008 at 01:02 AM EST

Oh no! This song is different from previous Coldplay songs! Run for the hills!

Seriously, our fair reviewer may have gotten in over his head on this head. You think he's trying to rhyme "December" and "cathedrals" in that verse? Really? Are you sure you're not trying to impose your own rhyme structure on this song?

sufia Fri, May 2, 2008 at 07:30 PM EST

I love this song! Coldplay's music brings me closer to God!

Daniel Fri, May 2, 2008 at 06:52 PM EST

Its an amazing song really. The riff was surprising when i first heard it aswell, But i love the lyrics and the song in total... i had no trouble downloading it.

col Fri, May 2, 2008 at 06:51 PM EST

Coldplay fan from the very start and have love'd nearly every track to this date. I was worried when i first heard Violet Hill but am now at ease, it's brilliant. I'm sure the album will not let me down. keep it up boys!! and you know what to the critics...

joenacco.com Fri, May 2, 2008 at 05:23 PM EST

I am very happy to hear them go in this direction!!!

George Fri, May 2, 2008 at 05:16 PM EST

Been a fan of Coldplay since the beginning, have all the albums and sang at the concerts. Yes its different, however I agree with the general concensus ... wait for the album then pass your cynical judgement. Also I had no problems downloading the song!

Patrick Fri, May 2, 2008 at 04:47 PM EST

Just because they try something that is unlike what we are used to does not automatically disqualify it. I will admit that I kind of miss the songs like those from A Rush of Blood to the Head, but I respect their talent and will wait for the full album to pass judgment. As for"Violet Hill," the riff stunned me when I first heard it, but I like the beat and melody and I am absolutely in love with the lyrics! They are haunting and beautiful, one of the many reasons I love Coldplay!

ET Fri, May 2, 2008 at 02:04 PM EST

Seth, thank goodness I'm not the only one who heard a little Phil Collins/Genesis-ness in there! I'm sorry, but this single sounds cribbed and cobbled together.

taylorr Fri, May 2, 2008 at 11:33 AM EST

"viva la vida" means "live the life". the whole name of the album is "viva la vida or death and all his friends". it's not a subtitle or a translation, so i believe based on that the album will be a mixture of dark themes as well as happier moments.

To Ozzy Fri, May 2, 2008 at 11:03 AM EST

Viva la Vida does not mean Death and all his friends, it means something like "long live life". I read somewhere that Chris got inspired by a Frida Kahlo painting.....

Can't wait for the whole album, the single is amazing

jay Fri, May 2, 2008 at 10:55 AM EST

this band is a slower version of the titanic. i loved the first album, liked the second, neutral on the third, and dislike this new song. i feel like they are overachieving a bit as far as leaving a mark in the music scene as apposed to playing sweet and beautiful tunes. i think these boys forgot all about the feeling of raised hairs and goosebumps from a beautiful disarming melody.

Fri, May 2, 2008 at 10:15 AM EST

Wait til the album comes out before you slate it. How you can get to write about music is beyond me

Terry C - NJ Fri, May 2, 2008 at 09:37 AM EST

Some people are prepared to sh*t on Coldplay no matter what they do.

I will wait for the CD to hit the stores and form my own opinion.

Music critics are know-nothings anyway. They try to tell you what to like and get offended when we decide to think for ourselves.

AnnetteS.Machynlleth Fri, May 2, 2008 at 09:28 AM EST

I just downloaded the song - and I love it! Thank you.

Tombigbee Fri, May 2, 2008 at 07:35 AM EST

Such a brilliant song, well worth the wait. Great new sound for Coldplay. And on reading the lyrics, i fell in love all over again with the song. Oh, and had no probs getting the song via email.

kate Fri, May 2, 2008 at 05:33 AM EST

I absolutely love it!!! I heard it played twice in a row on the night it was released and it got stuck in my head from that moment on!! Have now heard it about 10 times, have now read the lyrics and it all makes sense!! Brilliant work!!

Mint Fri, May 2, 2008 at 03:32 AM EST

Fantastic cover art! That Delacroix painting is beautiful and definitely makes a point. As does the new Coldplay single "Violet Hill", which is equally beautiful, if not more. Coldplay seem to be returning to their roots while injecting something new and interesting to give it an edge. I am in LOVE with "Violet Hill" and can't wait until the new album comes out. Bring it on, boys!

kristin Fri, May 2, 2008 at 01:23 AM EST

I often think of Coldplay when looking at Delacroix... unique choice, for sure.

Jat Thu, May 1, 2008 at 11:38 PM EST

The reviewer should probably not quit his day job....

The new single is great.

Ross Thu, May 1, 2008 at 11:32 PM EST

Fantastic song and a slight change in direction....Violet Hills is in the genre of Oasis but with more intelligence.

Ozzy Thu, May 1, 2008 at 11:16 PM EST

Viva la Vida means death and all his friends, I suppose more songs down the line for this album will explain this morbid tone, for violet hill talks of a love lost more than a love gained, per se. she as silent still may represent death, who knows. brits huh?

siddhu Thu, May 1, 2008 at 11:10 PM EST

its brilliant...completely different from coldplay and the perfect answer to critics who said they were getting too repititive

siddhu Thu, May 1, 2008 at 11:09 PM EST

its brilliant...completely different from coldplay and the perfect answer to critics who said they were getting too repititive

siddhu Thu, May 1, 2008 at 11:09 PM EST

its brilliant...completely different from coldplay and the perfect answer to critics who said they were getting too repititive

name Thu, May 1, 2008 at 10:23 PM EST

i love it

Paul Thu, May 1, 2008 at 10:03 PM EST

Reminds a bit of another Brit band named Kent: one of their admitted influences.
I think it is a fantastic single. Great quality and blend of soft piano and guitar riffs.

Josh Thu, May 1, 2008 at 09:45 PM EST

The song is different, but that is by no means a bad thing. I liked it immediately, and continue to appreciate it more and more. I love the direction Coldplay is taking. They can do no wrong in my mind.

Henry Thu, May 1, 2008 at 09:35 PM EST

I like the single. It's growing on me. Not so sure about the album cover, though.

seth Thu, May 1, 2008 at 08:38 PM EST

It sounds like "That's All" by Genesis. Production: 8. Song: 5.

Kate Thu, May 1, 2008 at 08:35 PM EST

I immediately liked this song. The beginning reminds me a lot of old Oasis stuff. And I had no problem accessing the mp3.

Anita Thu, May 1, 2008 at 08:21 PM EST

I have to admit, the first few time I heard the song it didn't do much for me. But, it does grow on you and can't stop listening to it now.

Lindsey Pruitt Thu, May 1, 2008 at 07:31 PM EST

I'd like to hear what you would have to offer Mr. KnowItAll. Your lack of actual music intellegence and appreciation shows with your anything but grammatically correct comment on a revolutionary Band.

You will certainly be eating your words later my friend.

Jes Thu, May 1, 2008 at 07:21 PM EST

I tried to get the song with three different email addresses and my USA zip code and still after two days I got nothing. So I looked up a UK postal code, used it, and poof, a minute later I had the email with the code. I can't imagine that they would be filtering the d/l to only UK residence - seeing as that's where they are from - but it seemed a little fishy to me! The song is OK, hope it grows on me.

cs Thu, May 1, 2008 at 07:04 PM EST

The email landed in my spam box - maybe that's what happened to you too

Pamela Thu, May 1, 2008 at 06:53 PM EST

I got the email straight away, no request for a password or the like - just a link to download from (which I've just done).

Not sure if I like Violet Hill, may grow on me...maybe.

As for the cover art, I've always loved this Delacroix painting but the faux-graffiti title scrawled across it feels a bit 80s stlye-wise to me.

ET Thu, May 1, 2008 at 05:36 PM EST

I'm not feeling the new song. And the piano keys at the beginning remind me of the opening of "California" by Phantom Planet.

postsoviet Thu, May 1, 2008 at 05:00 PM EST

You can directly loop into the site without having to get the email from gossip columnist Elaine "Lainey" Lui's site - http://laineygossip.com/Coldplay_first_single_Violet_Hill_available_for_download.aspx

colonel angus Thu, May 1, 2008 at 04:55 PM EST

copy and paste the link into the address bar. it'll work then

DLC Thu, May 1, 2008 at 04:55 PM EST

Yeah, I got my email with the link to a yahoo email in about 10 seconds. The song's not bad either - it's great it's free! Thanks for the tip!

Alex Thu, May 1, 2008 at 04:52 PM EST

Weird -- I tried sending it to my work e-mail and it worked fine. Maybe it's a Hotmail issue?

ashley Thu, May 1, 2008 at 04:47 PM EST

I got the email right away, clicked the link, and downloaded - no password needed

jay Thu, May 1, 2008 at 04:38 PM EST

THAT'S the new cover art? What??? I don't know if I'm feeling it...

soulman Thu, May 1, 2008 at 04:38 PM EST

THAT'S the new cover art? What??? I don't know if I'm feeling it...

Alex Thu, May 1, 2008 at 04:30 PM EST

I got the e-mail right away, but it asked for a user name and password that neither the site or e-mail provided. Anybody know what the deal is?