Coldplay

Coldplay formed in London in 1996, four University College London students who signed to Parlophone and released their debut album 'Parachute' in 2000. The record was an immediate success — 'Yellow', 'Trouble', and 'Shiver' established Chris Martin as one of the most gifted melodists of his generation. The critical establishment was cautiously positive. The public was enthusiastic.

'A Rush of Blood to the Head' (2002) was the breakthrough to global superstardom — 'The Scientist', 'Clocks', 'In My Place' were all enormous hits. The album won the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album. Coldplay were suddenly one of the biggest bands in the world, and the critical backlash began almost immediately. The charge was that they were too earnest, too melodic, too successful.

The backlash has never quite gone away, but the music has continued to develop. 'X&Y' (2005) was overproduced but contained 'Fix You' — one of the most genuinely moving songs of the decade. 'Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends' (2008), produced by Brian Eno, was their most adventurous record. 'Music of the Spheres' (2021) showed a band still capable of writing songs that connect with millions of people. Whether that is a virtue or a failing depends on your perspective.