British rock band Coldplay have written or co-written every song in their discography, with the exception of several covers. They were formed in London by Chris Martin (vocals, piano), Jonny Buckland (lead guitar), Guy Berryman (bass guitar), Will Champion (drums, percussion) and Phil Harvey (management). [1] Aside from the latter, all members are equally credited as songwriters on each track. [2] Their experimentation with styles over the years resulted in a sound that is considered alternative rock, [3] alternative pop, [4] pop rock, [5] post-Britpop, [6] soft rock, [7] and pop. [8] Conversely, extended plays Safety (1998) and The Blue Room (1999) featured characteristics of the dream pop genre, setting them apart from succeeding works. [9]
According to Berryman, debut album Parachutes (2000) was a muted record. [10] It combined beautiful and happy messages with moody and atmospheric tones. [11] Made available two years later, A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002) boasted stronger piano and guitar melodies, [12] helping to address the urgency and turmoil caused by the September 11 attacks. [13] The band held onto their previous references for X&Y (2005), but with the addition of electronic production and extensive use of synthesisers. [14] Existential themes were grander in scale to match the arrangements as well. [15]
Its successor, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008), entailed contributions from Brian Eno, helping Coldplay to explore a new musical territory. [16] They experimented with numerous instruments, [17] such as electric violins, tack pianos, santoors, and organs. [18] Lyrically, the album discussed life, love, death, revolution, war, and politics. [19] In 2011, the group launched Mylo Xyloto , a concept record following the story of two characters in the style of a rock opera. [20] It widened their soundscapes by incorporating modern, urban, and dance compositions, as seen with Rihanna collaboration "Princess of China". [20] Three years later, they drew influence from genres like R&B, [21] synth-pop, and ambient to release Ghost Stories (2014). [22] Martin described the album as a journey towards unconditional love, [23] while Avicii and Paul Epworth handled guest production. [24]
Coldplay subsequently invited Stargate to record the disco and funk-inspired A Head Full of Dreams (2015), [25] which contemplated forgiveness, parenthood, and healing. [26] Various acts had a cameo appearance, including Beyoncé in "Hymn for the Weekend", Tove Lo in "Fun", and Noel Gallagher in "Up&Up". [27] Additionally, the band tried out EDM sounds by partnering with the Chainsmokers for "Something Just Like This" in 2017. [28] Regarded as their most political and experimental work to date, [29] Everyday Life (2019) saw them move towards jazz, gospel, blues, and classical rhythms. [30] Coldplay maintained this multi-genre approach for Music of the Spheres (2021), but adding pop sensibilities. [31] They enlisted Max Martin to produce the album and picked topics based on the human experience for its lyrics. [32] Collaborations also involved BTS in "My Universe". [33] Aside from usual activities, the band take part in tribute projects, film soundtracks, and songwriting sessions from other musicians. Similarly, unreleased material has been performed at many shows.
† | Indicates song not written or co-written by Coldplay |
Title | Details | Ref. |
---|---|---|
"1000–1 (Ballad of St. John)" | The song's title was written on a whiteboard in The South Bank Show , which accompanied the band for six months in 2009. | [105] |
"Afaik" | Leaked demo from A Head Full of Dreams (2015). | [106] |
"Aiko" | The song's title was written on a piano used during the promotion of Mylo Xyloto (2011). | [105] |
"Alien Radio" | The song's title was written in one of Buckland's guitars during the promotion of Mylo Xyloto (2011). To tease Music of the Spheres (2021), Coldplay used a fictional website named Alien Radio FM, featuring cryptic texts and audios. [107] | |
"Arabesque" | The song's title was written on a piano used during the promotion of Mylo Xyloto (2011). A song with the same name was released in Everyday Life (2019). [108] Berryman and Martin explained the new track was built upon the old one. [109] | [110] |
"Aurora Boreale" | Registered on the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) website. | [111] |
"Before I Lose" | Performed at Coldplay's second appearance at The Laurel Tree. | [112] |
"Bit of a Bastard" | Written for the Game of Thrones: The Musical campaign at Red Nose Day in 2015. | [113] |
"Blasphemy" | Part of the rumoured track list for X&Y (2005) but ultimately scrapped before its release. | [114] |
"Bloodless Revolution" | Leaked demo from Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008). | [115] |
"Break of Dawn" | Leaked demo from A Head Full of Dreams (2015). Also known as "Vampire Symphony". | [106] |
"Brilliant" | Registered on the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) website. | [116] |
"Bucket for a Crown" | Performed at Mencap's Little Noise Sessions by Martin and Davide Rossi in 2006. | [117] |
"The Butterfly" | Announced as an upcoming track for Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008) but ultimately scrapped. | [118] |
"Call Me" | Written for the band's boy band side project Pectoralz and recorded by an unknown female artist looking for a record deal. | [119] |
"Car Kids" | The song's title was written on a whiteboard in The South Bank Show , which accompanied the band for six months in 2009. | [105] |
"Cartoon Head" | ||
"Cartoon Heart" | ||
"Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" | Registered on the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) website. | [111] |
"Closer to Home" | Written for the Game of Thrones: The Musical campaign at Red Nose Day in 2015. | [113] |
"Conscious Pilot" | Registered on the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) website. | [111] |
"C.U.B.A." | [116] | |
"December" | Written in 1997. Its elements were used in "Violet Hill", from Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008). | [120] |
"Déjà Vu" | Part of the rumoured track list for X&Y (2005) but ultimately scrapped before its release. | [114] |
"Deserter" | Written for A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002) but scrapped before its release. | [121] |
"Don Quixote" | Performed during the Viva la Vida Tour (2008–10). Also known as "Spanish Rain". | [122] |
"Drift" | Registered on the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) website. | [116] |
"Drinks on Me" | Early version of "Hymn for the Weekend", from A Head Full of Dreams (2015). Also known as "Drunk & High". | [123] |
"Drunks and Guns" | The song's title was written on a whiteboard in The South Bank Show , which accompanied the band for six months in 2009. | [105] |
"The Dubliners" | Performed during the Viva la Vida Tour (2008–10). | [124] |
"Echo My Name (I Can't Believe You're Gone)" | Part of the rumoured track list for X&Y (2005) but ultimately scrapped before its release. | [114] |
"Eulogy (For a King)" | Registered on the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) website. | [111] |
"The Fall of Man" | Announced as an upcoming track for Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008) but ultimately scrapped. | [118] |
"Family Tree" | Early version of "A Head Full of Dreams", from the song's namesake album. | [106] |
"Famous Old Painters" | Leaked demo from Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008). Mentioned by Champion on Twitter. | [125] |
"Far Out" | Leaked demo from A Head Full of Dreams (2015). | [106] |
"Fingers Crossed" | Written for A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002) but scrapped before its release. | [121] |
"First Steps" | Leaked demo from Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008). | [115] |
"Forever, Whatever" | Leaked demo from A Head Full of Dreams (2015). | [106] |
"Fury" | Part of the rumoured track list for X&Y (2005) but ultimately scrapped before its release. | [114] |
"Gardeners on the Frontline" | The song's title was written on a whiteboard in The South Bank Show , which accompanied the band for six months in 2009. | [105] |
"A Ghost" | Written for A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002) but scrapped before its release. | [121] |
"Ghost Stories" | The song's title was written on a whiteboard in Coldplay: Ghost Stories (2014). | [23] |
"Gold" | Leaked demo from A Head Full of Dreams (2015). | [106] |
"Golden Arrow" | The song's title appeared spray-written on a wall at the band's studio, as shown in a 2011 interview. | [126] |
"Gone But Not F. Cotton" | Written and recorded on Fearne Cotton's last show for BBC Radio 1 in 2015. | [127] |
"Goodbye and Goodnight" | Leaked demo from Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008). | [128] |
"Great Expectations" | Registered on the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) website. | [116] |
"Harmless" | Performed at Coldplay's 2 Meter Sessions concert in 2000. | [129] |
"Harmony" | The song's title was written on a whiteboard in The South Bank Show , which accompanied the band for six months in 2009. | [105] |
"Heart on Fire" | Leaked demo from A Head Full of Dreams (2015). | [106] |
"Hook Up" | The song's title was written on a piano at the band's studio during an interview for 60 Minutes in 2009. | [110] |
"I Am Your Baby's Daddy" (as The Nappies) | Written by Martin as a joke for Gwyneth Paltrow following the birth of their daughter in 2004. | [130] |
"I Hear Noises" | Performed at Coldplay's second appearance at The Laurel Tree. | [112] |
"I Tried" | Registered on the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) website. | [111] |
"I Trust Life" | ||
"Idiot" | Written for A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002) but scrapped before its release. | [121] |
"If All Else Fails" | Performed at Coldplay's live debut at The Laurel Tree in 1998. | [131] |
"If I Ever Fall in Love Again" | The song's title was written on a whiteboard in The South Bank Show , which accompanied the band for six months in 2009. | [105] |
"If She Comes Back" | Performed at a soundcheck in 2002 but never in a proper concert. | [115] |
"In Isolation" | Written for A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002) but scrapped before its release. | [121] |
"Julens Ljus" | Written for the Game of Thrones: The Musical campaign at Red Nose Day in 2015. | [113] |
"Julia Robert's Smile" | Registered on the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) website. | [116] |
"Ladder to the Sun" | Performed during the A Rush of Blood to the Head Tour (2002–03). | [132] |
"LeftRightLeftRightLeft" | Written for Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008) but scrapped before its release. | [133] |
"Legends" | Early version of "Adventure of a Lifetime", from A Head Full of Dreams (2015). | [134] |
"Life Is Beautiful" | Performed during the A Head Full of Dreams Tour (2016–17). | [135] |
"Love in a Lethal Dose" | Written for Mylo Xyloto (2011) but scrapped before its release. The song was later reworked with Avicii's help and renamed "Lethal Drug", being discarded once again. Additionally, a leaked demo featuring SZA appeared on the internet in 2022. [106] | [136] |
"Loveless" | Leaked demo from Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008). | [115] |
"Lucky Sevens" | The song's title was written on a whiteboard in The South Bank Show , which accompanied the band for six months in 2009. | [105] |
"A Man for All Seasons (Still Goin' Strong)" | Written for the Game of Thrones: The Musical campaign at Red Nose Day in 2015. | [113] |
"The Man Who Swears" | Leaked demo from Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008). Its elements were used in "People of the Pride", from Music of the Spheres (2021). | [137] |
"Mining on the Moon" | Announced as an upcoming track for Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008) but ultimately scrapped. | [118] |
"Mist" | The song's title was written on a whiteboard in Coldplay: Ghost Stories (2014). | [23] |
"Name and Likeness" | Registered on the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) website. | [116] |
"O (Part 2)" | Registered on the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) website. | [116] |
"Orange" | Performed at BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend in 2024 as a tribute to Luton Town F.C. Martin wrote the song to acknowledge a local campaign that was carried out prior to the show, requesting the lyrics of "Yellow" to be changed to "Orange". | [138] |
"Original U.F.O." | Registered on the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) website. | [116] |
"Panic" | Early version of "Don't Panic", from Parachutes (2000). | [131] |
"Poor Me" | Registered on the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) website. | [116] |
"The Race" | Leaked demo from Ghost Stories (2014). | [139] |
"Rastafarian Targaryan" | Written for the Game of Thrones: The Musical campaign at Red Nose Day in 2015. | [113] |
"Red Wedding" | ||
"Rescue Street" | Mentioned by Martin during an interview for the Max television channel. It had an a cappella section but "sounded horrific". | [140] |
"School" | Leaked demo from Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008). | [141] |
"Sex & Violence" | The song's title was written on a whiteboard in The South Bank Show , which accompanied the band for six months in 2009. | [105] |
"Sherlock Holmes" | ||
"So Sad" | Performed at Coldplay's live debut at The Laurel Tree in 1998. | [131] |
"Solid Ground (Until the Water Flows Over)" | Performed during the A Rush of Blood to the Head Tour (2002–03). | [142] |
"Someone to Love" | Performed at a soundcheck in 2002 but never in a proper concert. | [115] |
"Something Ain't Right" | Part of the rumoured track list for X&Y (2005) but ultimately scrapped before its release. | [114] |
"Space Symphony" | The song's title was written on a whiteboard in The South Bank Show , which accompanied the band for six months in 2009. | [105] |
"Spiderwebs" | Early version of "Trouble", from Parachutes (2000). | [143] |
"St. Stephen" | Leaked demo from Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008). | [115] |
"Sweet Marianne" | Written by Champion for his then girlfriend, now wife, Marianna Dark. | [132] |
"This Hollow Frame" | Written for A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002) but scrapped before its release. | [121] |
"Thought You Might Be a Ghost" | Written for Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008) but scrapped before its release. | |
"Tomorrow" | The song's title was written on a whiteboard in Coldplay: Ghost Stories (2014). | [23] |
"Unbroken" | Registered on the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) website. | [116] |
"A View from the Top" | Performed at a soundcheck in 2002 but never in a proper concert. | [144] |
"Vitamins" | Performed at Coldplay's live debut at The Laurel Tree in 1998. | [131] |
"Voldemort" | Registered on the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) website. | [116] |
"Wedding Bells" | Performed at Apple Keynote's press conference in 2010. | [145] |
"Wedding Song" | Registered on the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) website. | [116] |
"Weirdo" | Mentioned by Martin during an interview for the You Made It Weird podcast in 2021. | [146] |
"Wilderness" | The song's title was written on a whiteboard in The South Bank Show , which accompanied the band for six months in 2009. | [105] |
"Wondering Star" | ||
"World Without You" | The song's title was written on a whiteboard in Coldplay: Ghost Stories (2014). | [23] |
"Your World Turns Upside Down" | Performed during the A Rush of Blood to the Head Tour (2002–03). | [115] |
Coldplay are a British rock band formed in London in 1997. They consist of vocalist and pianist Chris Martin, guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman, drummer and percussionist Will Champion, and manager Phil Harvey. They are best known for their live performances, having also impacted popular culture through their music, advocacy and achievements.
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