From their top hits, “Viva La Vida” to “Yellow,” Coldplay has been writing incredible tracks for the past 25 years. Their latest album, “Moon Music” – released on October 4, 2024 – is their first album since “Music of the Spheres” in 2021.
Coldplay is a British pop-rock band consisting of pianist Chris Martin, guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman, and percussionist Will Champion. The four men met at University College London, originally naming themselves Big Fat Noises and Starfish before settling on the name Coldplay. They released their first independent song as a group in 1998, titled “Safety.” Shortly after the release, Coldplay signed with Parlophone Records, and made their official debut in 2000 with the album “Parachutes.”
The first single release from “Parachutes,” titled “Shiver,” made its way to the UK singles Top 40. Soon after, Coldplay performed at Glastonbury Festival, kick-starting their career, and they released another single, “Yellow.” This track hit fourth on the UK singles chart and is one one of their most popular songs to date.
The album “Moon Music,” is composed of 10 alternative pop songs, centered around the feelings of being in love. Three of these songs feature other artists including Jon Hopkins, Arya Starr, Burna Boy, and more, who add a great touch to this album.
My personal favorite song from the album is “iAAM,” a slow pop song about overcoming the challenges life throws at you, and growing through it. With lyrics like “Stood on a sea of pain, let it rain, let it rain, let it rain, I’ll be back on my feet again, ‘cause I am a mountain,” the song creates a very impactful experience for the listener.
Another great listen off the album is “feelslikeimfallinginlove,” which discusses the good and bad parts of falling in love with someone. The lyrics “I know that in this kind of scene, of two people, there’s a spark between, one gets torn apart, one gets a broken heart,” talks about the hardships that can come out of being in love with someone. Along with the lyrics, the melody is beautiful. It isn’t a typical sad song because the drums and guitar keep it upbeat.
The most unique and experimental song is “AETERNA.” It has a techno-type beat, which is a concept Coldplay hasn’t really explored before. It has the classic Coldplay sound in a higher octave than most of their other songs. It’s a very upbeat and fun song that has its quirks.
Compared to their past albums, “Moon Music” was definitely an unexpected release, considering the change in genre and sound that listeners have not heard from Coldplay before. While my personal favorite album is “Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends,” which is less upbeat and has more of an alternative soundtrack, I enjoyed “Moon Music” and what it had to offer.
Although fans had to wait nearly four years for the new album, it is finally here and does not disappoint. While this might be one of Coldplay’s last albums for a while, these songs are definitely ones that can be played on a loop with the rest of their music. I think this album was an incredible comeback for Coldplay, exploring different sounds and genres. I’m excited to see what’s in store for their future.
New album releases after 25 years of silence
Parlophone Records Limited
Coldplay hints that “Moon Music” could be one of the band’s final albums after 27 years together.
About the Contributor
Axel Sorber, Staff Reporter
For the past two years, senior Axel Sorber has been a staff reporter for The Spotlight newspaper. She has dabbled in several different sections of the newspaper, refining her writing skills and exploring the journalistic style.
Her favorite article that she wrote was “Microtrends threaten Earth’s Environment.” She enjoyed writing the article because she was passionate about and interested in the topic. While interviewing sources for this article, she got to have impactful conversations with insightful people, making it a memorable learning experience.
“I’m going to miss getting to write stories about things I find interesting and seeing it published in the paper,” said Sorber.
In the fall, Axel will attend Lehigh Carbon Community College to study Biology on a Pre-Med track. Although she doesn’t plan to pursue journalism in college, she intends to continue writing as a hobby.
Throughout her academic career at Southern Lehigh High School, Axel has not only been dedicated to the newspaper, but has also participated in various extracurricular activities. She took part in the Color Guard for four years, No Place for Hate for two years, and South Asian Student Association for one year. She was also elected the Secretary of French Honor Society for the year of 2025.
Axel’s favorite class was French with Madame Farley.
“It’s a great little classroom. Madame and the two other girls I’m in class with, we’re all super close,” said Sorber. “It’s just a really safe environment and I feel like I’m always learning something new.”
Axel described how she will miss the underclassmen, her friends, and all the memories she made throughout her time at Southern Lehigh. When reflecting on her time in high school, Sorber recalls many fond memories, but Friday Night Football Games remain her favorite moments of all.
“I’ve loved every part of it. Just getting to be with other people and the familial bonds that are formed,” said Sorber.
In Axel’s years at Southern Lehigh, she learned important lessons that she will carry with her to college. Her advice for younger students is something she tends to live by.
“Don’t push yourself to the point that you’re making yourself super stressed out. Give yourself some time; focus on yourself and your well being. School’s important but your mental health is more important,” said Sorber.