The band Coldplay released their ninth studio album called Music of the Spheres on October 15. The musical group is led by lead singer Chris Martin. It was produced with the hit maker ever since the 90’s, Max Martin. The album is extremely mellow and struggles to keep you from falling into boredom. There are twelve songs on the track list. Some are upbeat hits that sound typical for a Coldplay release, while others are ambient, thought-provoking tracks and too slow to hold your attention.

   Among the songs on the album that meet the high expectations of the group’s work, there are “Higher Power” and “My Universe” which were both singles released prior to the full album. These records fall into the more techno-dance category that make you feel you want to listen to more. However, these singles were a misleading presentation of happy feelings that the rest of the album is lacking.

   The limitations of the majority of the records, the album feels short and almost unfinished. The work clocks in at 41:50 in length, which seems like a standard length. The reason why you feel there should be more to the album is because the quality of most of the songs are not up to par. In addition to this, there are three songs that are less than a minute long. These records have the feeling of transition songs in between other tracks. They do not add as much value as they should for the length of the album.

   This album is about our relations to the cosmos or a person’s connection to the galaxy and possibly extra-terrestrial beings. The meaning behind the album is original and not the standard focus of other songs on the radio today. However, when listening to the releases, it feels as though it is too much of the same. The music is limited in variety of sound and rhythm, so it is difficult to listen to the tracks in large doses. Although, the last song on the album titled “Coloratura” is an exception to this statement. This record is over ten minutes long while maintaining the galactic theme. The composition of this song is impressive, and the lyrics provide a question for you to ponder about what lies beyond the world we know, and also what is farther inside your own mind and spirit. What makes this album somewhat disappointing is the memorable tracks, such as this one, are not supported with other great songs. 

   Some may argue that because the concept of the album is extremely deep and thought out, it is masterful with this alone. They would be wrong because the theme must be backed up with quality songs that prove the point of the artist. Without this key element of a musical album, the idea behind it can be lost in the songs.

   You should not waste your time listening to every song on Music of the Spheres, and rather spend it on the few tracks that provide a good experience for the listener. Overall, the album is unbalanced in the tone of exciting and slower songs. They do not supply the listener with the satisfaction of a complete album after finishing. Also, the theme behind the music is lost within the other elements of the album that do not add substance or value.