Rolling on stately rhythms of brooding grandeur, Coldplay made good on its initial promise with an outstanding sophomore album. A Rush Of Blood To The Head (2002) kept faith with the band's audience by further mining the lyric depths and sonic chasms heard on their debut Parachutes. Echoing the stark atmospherics of Pink Floyd and the emotionally unguarded vocals of Brian Wilson in his prime, Coldplay creates music of austere power throughout this album. Singer Chris Martin's luminous falsetto achieves an aching poignancy on tracks like "Politik" and "Amsterdam," lending elusive colors to his elliptical lyrics. There's a majestic power to the band's stripped-down ensemble playing, whether they're unreeling a loping groove on "In My Place," weaving a swirling melody on "Clocks" or painting a bleak aural landscape on the title track. "God Put A Smile On Your Face" may be the album's high point - Martin's spiritual intimations mesh with the shimmering flow of the track flawlessly - amid the incisive playing and quiet intensity throughout. - iTunes
