Twenty-six years after meeting at University College London in 1996, Coldplay has earned its place as one of the world’s best-selling music groups.
Their debut album, Parachutes, hit the stands in the UK at No. 1 in July of 2000. The album was wildly successful both in the UK and the U.S., providing a jumping-off point for their subsequent eight albums. Their most recent album, Music Of The Spheres, was released on October 15 and features artists including Selena Gomez, Jacob Collier, and BTS.
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Throughout the duration of Coldplay’s career, they’ve fallen under a number of musical genres, ranging from alternative rock to electropop and EDM. While their earlier albums took on a darker and more urgent tone, reminiscent of alternative names such as U2, Muse, and Jeff Buckley, more recent releases are filled with brighter tones and elements of disco and funk. However, the meditative and emotion-filled lyrics remain consistent throughout their discography.
The group has amassed an impressive 206 awards throughout its active years. They are the most nominated and awarded group in the history at the Brit Awards, including being the only act to win British Album of the Year three times and British Group four times. They’ve received seven Grammy Awards, including Best Alternative Music Album for Parachutes and A Rush of Blood to the Head, Best Rock Album for Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends, and Song of the Year for “Viva La Vida,”
To celebrate this timeless and ever-changing group, we’ve compiled our top 10 favorite Coldplay songs.
10. “A Sky Full of Stars”
9. “Everglow”
8. “Charlie Brown”
7. “In My Place”
6. “The Scientist”
5. “X&Y”
4. “Clocks”
3. “Yellow”
2. “Shiver”
1. “Viva La Vida”
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AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – JULY 18: Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam performs live on stage at Paradiso on July 18, 1993 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. -
American singer and actress Madonna filming the video for her song 'Papa Don't Preach' in New York City, 1986. The video is being directed by James Foley. (Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images) -
Guitarists and singers Andy Powell (left) and Ted Turner performing with British rock group Wishbone Ash at a Chritmas concert at Alexandra Palace, London, 22nd December 1973. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images) -
Photo by Stanley Bielecki/ASP/Getty Images -
th September 1976: British rock group Queen at Les Ambassadeurs, where they were presented with silver, gold and platinum discs for sales in excess of one million of their hit single 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. The band are, from left to right, John Deacon, Freddie Mercury (Frederick Bulsara, 1946 – 1991), Roger Taylor and Brian May. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images) -
Left to right: Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and Jimmy Page, of British heavy rock group Led Zeppelin, performing at Earl's Court, London, May 1975. The band were initially booked to play three nights at the venue, from 23rd to 25th May, but due to public demand, two more concerts were later added, for 17th and 18th May. Total ticket sales were 85,000. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images)
