Viva La Vida

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Darker album from emotionally charged band.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is a generally dark album – much more so than Coldplay's previous ones. The songs (sometimes through complex double entendres) do cover the troubling subjects of death and suicide, but don't glorify them in any way.

  • This is generally a dark album. The songs (sometimes through complex double entendres) do cover the troubling subjects of death and suicide, but don't glorify them in any way.
  • "I was held from the rooftop then they let go/there's only screaming/let the windows down as I come to the ground" and "Every gun you ever held went off."
  • Not applicable.

What's the story?

Uber-producer Brian Eno (think U2) has transformed this larger-than-life band from mediocrity to musical supremacy. This 10-track collection (formally titled Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends) sonically expands from previously-labeled soft stadium rock and ventures in to unchartered waters with a striking fusion of contemplative piano, rhythmic guitars, and all-encompassing strings.


Is it any good?

 

The album's lyrical journey – sometimes haunting, sometimes suspenseful, and sometimes even campy – leaves you feeling like there's a lack of clarity in what the band wants the song to mean. The mysteriousness probably adds to Coldplay's allure, but may also leave some fans feeling like VIDA LA VIVA lacks direction. Either way, this fourth offering from this distinguished band is unpredictably gratifying.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about why Coldplay decided to go down a darker road musically. Do you think this will loose some fans? Also, families can discuss Coldplay's choice of cover art. What is the painting depicting? What do you think the band is trying to convey with their choice and how does it relate to their emotional music?


This review was written by Maria Dinoia
Teen, 16 years old
August 7, 2009
 
Coldplay is actually pretty clean! Some songs (definately Viva la vida) may be hard for younger kids to understand because it's deep, but it's good music and appropriate enough for almost everyone!

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Teen, 16 years old
July 5, 2010
 
The music video is exceptional...
A very good song from a very good album... enough said...

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Teen, 14 years old
October 2, 2009
 
go coldplay
cold play has taste i think its their best song ever

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Teen, 15 years old
June 8, 2009
 
One of Coldplay's best albums, one of the best in alt. rock
Even though the album doesn't contain a song as catchy as Clocks, or as shimmeringly beautiful as Shiver, this album is still one of the best albums to come out this decade.

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Teen, 15 years old
April 2, 2010
 
Amazing lyrics, no bad messages being sent.
All of the songs are just... absolutely amazing. I mean, you listen to music to enjoy it, not to get some twisted message out of it, right? I think it's pretty stupid that parents won't let their kids listen to music like this because it is a generally dark album. Hey, this is better than them listening about Lady Gaga and some disco stick.. or whatever. (ew.) I recommend Strawberry Swing or Cemeteries Of London. Those are my favorites on the CD. Coldplay is legendary. no questions asked.

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Teen, 18 years old
October 11, 2009
 
good music !! not that bad

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Teen, 16 years old
July 30, 2009
 
Coldplays best

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Adult
April 3, 2011
 
Jack Johnson
The cover of the CD case has a woman on a horse whose shirt came off and her breasts are exposed.

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Teen, 17 years old
December 21, 2009
 
Rock on
I love dis song its great.I hve nthin bad to sat about dis one. atleast i can understand dis nt like sme songs and yea it has a meanin and smetimes i feel like sme songs dnt.Its nt a bad inflience.

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Parent of 20 year old
December 3, 2009
 
ANOTHER GREAT ALBUM FROM GREAT BAND
EXCELLENT VOCALS AND GREAT COMPOSITION OF MUSIC ESPECIALLY IN THE SONG " YES".

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This review was written by Maria Dinoia
Artist:Coldplay
Release date:June 16, 2008
Label:Capitol
Genre:Rock
Parental advisory:No

This review was written by Maria Dinoia
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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