X & Y

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Message music for this millennium.
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 Coldplay delivers visceral rock and roll without relying on profanity, sexism, or images of violence.

  • Playing good music because you love it? The best role model there is.
  • No obvious violent imagery.
  • No blatant sexuality here.

What's the story?

Coldplay's eagerly awaited third album, X & Y, delivers a powerful message. Unlike U2, a band to which they are sometimes compared, the message isn't political per se (though the liner notes do contain links to a number of world-saving Web sites), but is radical nonetheless. Coldplay produces exciting, emotional, powerful rock & roll without relying on the almost-standard-issue crutches of sexism, violence, profanity, or shock value. Creativity, charm, and musical excellence are the secret weapons on X & Y, and they pack a wallop.


Is it any good?

 

Melodies can be predictable and the lyrics are not over-the-top brilliant. But the whole X & Y package ends up being irresistible anyway. Chris Martin sings and plays piano with a passion that can't be faked, backed by his three excellent and tasteful band mates.Guitar hero Jon Buckland, bass player Guy Berryman, and drummer Will Champion complement the lead vocals with consistently solid rhythm tracks and exquisite guitar work. Don't forget to check out the hidden track, "Til Kingdom Come," written in honor of Johnny Cash, or the minimalist insert that lists causes important to the band. Over all, passion and taste rule the day, and that can't be a bad thing.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about (and young musicians will be inspired by) X & Y's creativity and musicianship.


This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Teen, 14 years old
July 7, 2010
 
Upload it on you Ipod, Mp3 player, Etc.
I started listing when I was 7 and I really like how smooth the singer's voice is. My favorite songs are 'Fix You' it always makes me cry, and 'The Hardest Part' which is really sweet. If you're a girl or a boy, you will most likely like it. Their is nothing you need to worry about when you listen to it, again I started listing when I was 7!

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Teen, 18 years old
April 9, 2008
 
This is amazing...
Amazing CD, amazing CD. This band actually surprised me when I first listened to some of their songs. No swearing, no depictions of sex or violence, except possibly a bit (when I say a bit, I mean you hardly notice it..)in a music video or two. They have like two more albums besides this and A Rush of Blood to the Head. So yes...great band, great music. I wish I lived in Britain.

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Teen, 15 years old
October 18, 2009
 
x&y- YAY!
I love Coldplay! It's hard to find music that bears both cleanliness and amazing quality, but this falls right in there! Fix You is an amazing song, by the way. I reccomend it for anyone going through tough times

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Teen, 18 years old
April 9, 2008
 
The Best Ten Bucks I Ever Spent!
This CD is a must-have for all ages! It's perfectly safe, and has a great message.

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Parent of 7, 9, and 16 year old
April 9, 2008
 
EVEN MY FOUR YEAR OLD LOVES IT!
I discovered Coldplay a few years ago when I was looking for good music without violence or bad language. I have all three of their CDs and this is my favorite! The music is creative and soulful and although the lyrics are simple, they are interesting and clean (hard to find now days!) My four year old daughter is very taken with this band and especially loves the song and video for FIX YOU (an excellent song). Love it!

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Teen, 17 years old
July 7, 2009
 
Deep, thoughtful lyrics. Ages 11 and up!
I love Coldplay, they're my favorite band. My favorite songs on X&Y are Yellow and Swallowed in the Sea, they both remind me of my lovely boyfriend, because we dont see each other very often(Swallowed in the Sea) and he brings light to my dull social/love life(Yellow). Overall, they write songs about heartache, loss, and love. They dont use profanity or any explicit language. Their lyrics have meaning and soul to them without being overwelming to a younger audience. I would recommend this band in general for anybody above the age of 11.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Perfect
This CD is probably the best CD this year. All the tracks are interesting songs with cool guitar licks, emotional piano, and awesome effects. All the songs have a good message. The best song is "Twisted Logic". There is a hidden track called "Kingdom Come" or someting like that at the end about a minute after the last song. Great CD! If you like this get the Fix You-EP off iTunes.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Simply Wonderful
Awesome CD! Anyone can listen to it.

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Teen, 18 years old
April 9, 2008
 
Great Album
A must buy if your an Alternative fan.

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Teen, 16 years old
April 9, 2008
 
Good.
I really liked it. Especially Fix You, Talk, and Speed of Sound, I guess were my favorites. They sound nothing like The Fray, except for one bit in Fix You. But yeah all of it is really good.

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This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Artist:Coldplay
Release date:June 14, 2005
Label:Capitol
Genre:Rock
Parental advisory:No

This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 

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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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