Coldplay’s latest album Moon Music offers a blend of cosmic charm and pop sensibilities, but it doesn’t quite reach the heights of their earlier, iconic records. While the band has evolved over time, it’s clear that Moon Music is more a departure than a continuation of the Coldplay fans once knew.
The album marks the band’s 10th studio release, and with just two more to go before Coldplay retires from recording, fans might have expected a return to the magic of their earlier works like Parachutes or A Rush of Blood to the Head. Instead, Moon Music takes a more eclectic approach, balancing between the introspective Coldplay of old and the more pop-driven sound they’ve embraced in recent years. “We are only going to do 12 proper albums, and that’s real,” frontman Chris Martin explained in an interview with Apple Music. He added, “Having that limit means that the quality control is so high right now.”
The album opens on a promising note with the sweeping orchestral title track, which feels like a nod to their early atmospheric soundscapes. “Maybe I’m just crazy/I should just be a brick in the wall,” Martin sings, evoking a Pink Floyd-esque journey through space and sound. But it’s quickly followed by the feel-good, pop-infused single “feelslikeimfallinginlove,” which trades introspection for radio-friendly appeal. The track, produced by hitmaker Max Martin, seems more aligned with the band’s recent partnerships with pop and EDM acts like BTS and Avicii. The shift may alienate some fans of Coldplay’s early work, but it’s undeniably catchy.
For long-time fans, Moon Music can be a bit of a rollercoaster, blending old-school Coldplay elements with a more modern, experimental side. “Jupiter,” for example, feels like a bridge between the strumming guitars of “Yellow” and a children’s choir, while “Aeterna” brings back the EDM energy of X&Y with a fresh twist. And then there’s “We Pray,” a global collaboration featuring artists like Burna Boy, Little Simz, and Elyanna, that attempts to push Coldplay into new, multicultural territory.
While Moon Music may not eclipse Coldplay’s earlier classics, there are still moments that remind you of the band’s unique magic. “All My Love,” co-written by Martin’s 18-year-old son Moses, stands out as a Beatles-esque piano ballad that tugs at the heartstrings, delivering a glimpse of the Coldplay many fans long for.
As the band edges closer to their self-imposed album limit, Moon Music serves as a reflection of their journey — not quite at the peak of their powers, but still reaching for the stars.
