2023 Grammy's Album Of The Year Review: "Music Of The Spheres" - Coldplay

 

With the Grammy nominations announced, its time for my annual review of every album of the year nominee. Track information in this review if courtesy of genius.com.

"Music Of The Spheres" - Coldplay

Parlophone/Atlantic Records

1) "Music Of The Spheres"

An ambient opener.

2) "Higher Power"

This is about trying to find our best selves. If I'm being honest, this feels like rehashed past Coldplay, with a bridge that leaves a lot to be desired.

3) "Humankind"

From the perspective of an alien species hearing music for the first time; "My heart started glowing, I feel it inside, it's flowing". This could use some more creative writing.

4) "(Alien Choir)"

An interlude.

5) "Let Somebody Go" w/ Selena Gomez

Dealing with the sorrow & pain that comes with the loss of love; "All the storms we weathered, everything that we went through. Now, without you, what on Earth am I to do?.........They say love is only equal to the pain".

6) "(Human Heart)" w/ We Are King & Jacob Collier

This deals with concealing emotions, starting with a haunting opening verse. "Boys, boys don't cry. Boys keep it all inside. I try to hide it underneath.....Girls can make-believe. Girls wear it on their sleeve. Thought I could pretend for tryin' sake". The vocals and the messaging shine through.

7) "People Of The Pride"

With a rock/"muse" kind of feel, this track feels disorganized.

8) "Biutyful"

About universal love, the distorted voice is very jarring.

9) "Music Of The Spheres II"

Interlude.

10) "My Universe" (w/ BTS)

This is about a difficult love; "In the night I lie & look up at you. When the morning comes, I watch you rise. There's a paradise they couldn't capture. That bright infinity inside your eyes". The 2 groups mesh well together.

11) "(Infinity Sign)"

This starts off with a driving beat, but it doesn't really go anywhere.

12) "Coloratura"

The closing track acts as a space epic, with a beautiful sounding intro; "we're a slow-burning tune. But we'll get there, so for now in this crazy world, I do. I just want you". 

You can see the theme that Coldplay was going for, but it falls a bit short. If the album had been framed more like the closing track, then they may have hit the mark. Honestly, it's a little puzzling how this got a Grammy nomination. (77)

 "30" - Adele: 92 

"Music Of The Spheres" - Coldplay: 77