Review: 'A Rush of Blood to the Head' by Coldplay

'A Rush of Blood to the Head' by Coldplay, 2002, EMI Records. Cover: a bit odd, but evocative of the lyrics of 'A Whisper,' in which a man feels he's being reduced to a whisper of himself. Inside are a couple of black & white pictures of the band, as well as web addresses the band find interesting. Lyrics are not included. 

This is Coldplay's second CD, & it explores love, loneliness, & loss with the band's signature sound. 

The CD opens with 'Politik's' driving guitar, offset by quiet bits. The plea 'open up your eyes' is aimed at the world at large, though it can be taken for something more intimate. The driving sound continues in 'God Put a Smile Upon Your Face,' where the pensive lyrics are superbly juxtaposed against the music.

'The Scientist,' about a man more interested in love than in science, was critically acclaimed for its use of falsetto & piano; according to lyrics007.com, the song was written around a piano ballad, by all the band members. Another song with a dominant piano sound (it, too, was written around a piano riff, says lyrics007.com) is 'Clocks,' which makes use of contrasts, a theme found more than once in this CD. 

The unusual-sounding 'Green Eyes' is a typical love song about a man whose girlfriend helps him through the rough spots, but in Coldplay's hands, the idea seems new. So, too, does the story of 'Warning Sign,' about a man who regrets missing out on love. 

From the urgent 'A Whisper' & 'Clocks' to the desperate 'Amsterdam' & the hopeful 'Daylight,' this album really comes through.