Every Coldplay Album Ranked Worst To Best
6. Mylo Xyloto
After the more serious subject matter of their previous work, Coldplay used Mylo Xyloto as an opportunity to write more upbeat material. The production on the record proves that Coldplay's continued collaboration with Brian Eno still yielded solid gold. Instead of incorporating orchestras and grandiose instrumentation on this outing, there is a strong focus on electronic instruments through the track listing here.
The singles on this record truly sell you on this new direction, with "Hurts Like Heaven" being a prime example of the band leaning more towards pop. However, do not mistake this album as an upbeat pop-rock tunefest. There are many subdued moments on this record that are equally poignant and emotional. "Us Against the World" is a beautiful acoustic cut while "Up in Flames" is absolutely stunning with its minimal instrumentation and Martin's aching falsetto on the chorus.
The record also hinted at what was to come with later releases with the first collaboration with a pop star on "Princess of China" where Chris Martin croons alongside Rihanna. While the band was not able to recapture this kind of pop-rock greatness with A Head Full of Dreams, Mylo Xyloto remains the band's most colorful pop release.