Zoomerang96 said:
you're right - it's not daring. but they said this album was going to be about them stretching their musical ability.
do you honestly think they have?
exactly.
Yeah I do.
X&Y is a long way from Parachutes, and seems to be a natural (yet adventurous) progression from AROBTTH.
Talk
White Shadows
Twisted Logic
X&Y
Square One
All these songs exhibit something new from Coldplay. Synthesiers are utilised as Coldplay never has done before, and to actually to construct a song around a Kraftwerk original is a remarkable decision for a band like Coldplay, especially considering their reliance upon piano and the rather limited vocal Martin provides.
Granted, X&Y is nowehere near as "daring" as Achtung Baby, Unforgettable Fire, Kid A, Sgt Peppers......
....but does it need to be?
Of course not! That is not what music is all about and that is not the ONLY indicator as to whether a band is any good or not. To think so is just plain stupidity or arrogance.
It is important for bands to make alterations to their own sound over time (be them large or small). They don't have to go out and revolutionise music all together.
X&Y is not as "daring" as other albums, but it does exhibit the band's willingness to try and revamp their own sound and expand their own musical horizons.
And regarding them "stretching their musical ability." Personally, I don't think they have "mastered their musicianship" yet. Indeed, they are masters at songcrafting, yet I don't feel they are as qualified or confident as Radiohead or U2 to try anything "way out there" (kid a, unforgettable fire) yet.
Give them time.....let them establish themselves as musicians first.
If, after 5-6 albums, they are still writing songs like Speed of Sound, Proof and A Message, I'd probably be over them too...