Having released the subdued Ghost Stories LP just last year, arguably the world’s biggest band are back with A Head Full of Dreams. Their sombre sixth album was clearly a break-up record, arriving in the wake of vocalist Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow’s “conscious uncoupling”. By contrast, this album is much more upbeat.
It rings of Mylo Xyloto, the UK act’s hits-laden 2011 album. Though, there’s still a few slower numbers, such as the beautifully executed Everglow. If you liked the more poignant songwriting of Ghost Stories but missed the stadium pop of Mylo Xyloto then you’ll absolutely love this record.
The band haven’t just realised they can meld slower tracks and unashamedly over-the-top pop tunes together in one album, but they do so damn well. The album opens with the title track, which is every bit as good as Paradise and will be stuck in your head for days. Birds is similarly uplifting, while Hymn for the Weekend takes the band in a new direction in terms of beat and production.
Army of One is a significant highlight, while lead single Adventure of a Lifetime is surprisingly the album’s weakest point (that is, apart from the annoying speech-filled interlude Kaleidoscope). Closer Up&Up is a fitting end to a wonderful album. To prove how much happier this album is, even Paltrow is among the list of featured guests, which also includes the likes of Noel Gallagher, Tove Lo and Beyonce.
BY ALEXANDER CROWDEN
