`Violet Hill` (CD single) (by Coldplay, Indie Rock)

"VIOLET HILL" is the first single off the upcoming album Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (check back in June for our review), and was downloaded more than 600,000 times in the first 24 hours on the band's Web site. In typical Coldplay fashion, the lyrics are safe for kids' ears, but are more eloquent (much like the music) and obscure than the "typical" indie bands' offerings these days. It's a poetic and sensitive journey that starts with a short mythical instrumental, steadily builds, and then ends with the lead singer's simple quiet fade out.

There's something very soothing about "Violet Hill" -- maybe it's Chris Martin's calm strength or maybe it's the looping rhythms, but the song leaves listeners with a sense of satisfaction. It seems like the song is going to build momentum and never really does, but that OK -- the musical tension keeps the listener gripped and no doubt will have fans pumping their fists to it at live shows. Toward the end, the music dies -- aside from a piano -- as we get a glimpse of lead singer Chris Martin's signature high-pitched whispering style found on every Coldplay track.

Released on: May 5, 2008
Label: Capitol
Genre: Indie Rock