Sparks (Coldplay song)

Last updated

"Sparks"
Song by Coldplay
from the album Parachutes
Released10 July 2000 (2000-07-10)
Recorded1999–2000
Genre
Length3:47
Label Parlophone
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)

"Sparks" is a song by the British rock band Coldplay. They wrote and co-produced it with producer Ken Nelson for their debut album, Parachutes (2000). [1] Dubbed a "calming" piece, the song experienced a chart resurgence in the 2020s. [2]

Contents

Recording

According to producer Ken Nelson, "Sparks" was recorded at the same time as "We Never Change". [1] He described it as "basically a live take", with Jonny Buckland adding his guitar parts afterwards. [1] The lyrics of the song tell the story of a person asking for a second chance after letting down their partner ("And I know I was wrong" / "But I won't let you down"). [3] Mary Siroky from Consequence noted that "the waltz tempo ensures a feeling of intimacy and romantic longing persists". [4]

Reception

"Sparks" has been ranked among Coldplay's best works by Billboard , [5] and Consequence . [4] The former also included the song on their "40 Best Deep Cuts of 2000" list, pointing out that it contains "many of the touchstones that would become synonymous with the British rock band in the ensuing decades", from the hopeless romanticism of the lyrics to the use of interjections. [6] The song experienced a resurgence on the music charts in the 2020s, after going viral on TikTok. [7]

Performances

The band have consistently performed "Sparks" throughout the Parachutes (2000–01), [8] and Music of the Spheres (2022–25) tours. [9]

Covers and samples

American R&B singer Brandy integrated the opening lyrics of the song in "I Tried", from her album Afrodisiac (2004). [10] Kristina Train covered "Sparks" for I Give It a Year , a British romantic comedy released in 2013. [11] Ten years later, Jordana shared a cover of the track as well. [12]

Personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal. [13]

Band members
Additional personnel

Charts

Chart performance for "Sparks"
Chart (2022–2024)Peak
position
Australia (ARIA) [14] 92
Global 200 ( Billboard ) [15] 174
Greece International (IFPI) [16] 52
Portugal (AFP) [17] 95
Singapore (RIAS) [18] 19

Certifications

Certifications for "Sparks"
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [19] 2× Platinum140,000‡
Denmark (IFPI Danmark) [20] Gold45,000‡
Italy (FIMI) [21] Gold50,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ) [22] 2× Platinum60,000‡
Portugal (AFP) [23] Platinum40,000‡
Spain (PROMUSICAE) [24] Gold30,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI) [25] Platinum600,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<i>A Rush of Blood to the Head</i> 2002 studio album by Coldplay

A Rush of Blood to the Head is the second studio album by British rock band Coldplay. It was released on 26 August 2002 by Parlophone in the United Kingdom, and a day later by Capitol Records in the United States. The album was produced by the band and Ken Nelson, and makes greater use of the electric guitar and piano than the band's debut album, Parachutes (2000).

<i>Parachutes</i> (Coldplay album) 2000 studio album by Coldplay

Parachutes is the debut studio album by British rock band Coldplay. It was released on 10 July 2000 by Parlophone in the United Kingdom. The album was produced by the band and British record producer Ken Nelson, except for one track, "High Speed", which was produced by Chris Allison. Parachutes spawned the singles "Shiver", "Yellow", and "Trouble", with a limited European release of "Don't Panic". The album was also supported by the Parachutes Tour, which saw the band performing 131 shows in their first world tour.

<i>Afrodisiac</i> (Brandy album) 2004 studio album by Brandy

Afrodisiac is the fourth studio album by American singer Brandy. It was first released on June 25, 2004, by Atlantic Records. The album was recorded primarily in Los Angeles between spring 2003 and early 2004, following several major changes in Brandy's personal and professional life. After giving birth to her daughter and the demise of her relationship with Big Bert, Brandy's team was given an overhaul, including changes in production, management, and A&R. The album marked a departure from her previous work, with Brandy collaborating with producer Timbaland and songwriter Candice Nelson on the majority of the album's composition.

<i>Live 2003</i> (Coldplay album) 2003 live album by Coldplay

Live 2003 is the first live album by the British rock band Coldplay. It was released on 10 November 2003 by Parlophone in the United Kingdom. However, Capitol Records made it available on 4 November 2003 in the United States, with screenings at select theaters being held a day before as well. Featuring the shows filmed at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion on 21 and 22 July 2003, the album marks the group's second live project after Trouble – Norwegian Live EP (2001).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yellow (Coldplay song)</span> 2000 single by Coldplay

"Yellow" is a song by the British rock band Coldplay. The band wrote the song and co-produced it with British record producer Ken Nelson for their debut album, Parachutes (2000). The song was released on 26 June 2000 as the second UK single from Parachutes, following "Shiver", and as the lead single in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Scientist (song)</span> 2002 single by Coldplay

"The Scientist" is a song by British rock band Coldplay. The song is credited to all the band members on their second album, A Rush of Blood to the Head. It is built around a piano ballad, with lyrics telling the story about a man's desire to love and an apology. The song was released in the United Kingdom on 11 November 2002 as the second single from A Rush of Blood to the Head and reached number 10 in the UK Charts. It was released in the United States on 15 April 2003 as the third single and reached number 18 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and number 34 on the Adult Top 40 chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trouble (Coldplay song)</span> 2000 single by Coldplay

"Trouble" is a song by British rock band Coldplay, for their debut album, Parachutes (2000). The band wrote and co-produced it with British record producer Ken Nelson. The song's arrangement is built around the acoustic piano. It was released on 23 October 2000 as the album's third single, reaching number 10 on the UK Singles Chart and becoming the band's second top 10 single in the country. Although "Trouble" failed to chart in the United States, the music press deemed it almost as successful as its predecessor, "Yellow".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shiver (Coldplay song)</span> 2000 single by Coldplay

"Shiver" is a song by British rock band Coldplay which appeared on the band's debut album Parachutes (2000), and was released as the album's lead single in the United Kingdom and second single in the United States following the single "Yellow". As a single it reached number 35 on the UK Singles Chart, number 26 on the US Alternative Airplay, and 57 on the Australian ARIA Charts. Its critical reception has been generally positive.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fix You</span> 2005 single by Coldplay

"Fix You" is a song by British rock band Coldplay. It was written by all four members of the band for their third studio album, X&Y (2005). It was released on 5 September 2005 as the second single from X&Y and reached number 4 on the UK Singles Chart. The song reached number 18 in the United States Billboard Hot Modern Rock Tracks. Promo singles were released for the UK and US.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clocks (song)</span> 2003 single by Coldplay

"Clocks" is a song by British rock band Coldplay, released on 17 March 2003 via Parlophone Records in the United Kingdom. It was written and composed as a collaboration among all the members of the band for their second album, A Rush of Blood to the Head. The song is built around a piano riff, and features cryptic lyrics concerning themes of contrast and urgency. Several remixes of the track exist, and its riff has been widely sampled.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coldplay discography</span>

British rock band Coldplay have released 10 studio albums, 6 live albums, 12 compilation albums, 18 extended plays, 44 singles, 13 promotional singles, and 5 charity singles. According to Parlophone, they have sold over 100 million albums worldwide as of May 2021, making them the most successful group of the 21st century and one of the best-selling artists of all time. Luminate revealed that, in terms of pure sales, they have tallied 18.2 million albums and 33.6 million song downloads in the United States alone as of February 2015. Moreover, the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) attributed the rise in British music exports to their success multiple times, adding that it boosted the balance of payments of the United Kingdom.

"Should I Go" is a song by American recording artist Brandy Norwood from her fourth studio album, Afrodisiac (2004). It was written by Walter Millsap III, his collaborative partner Candice Nelson, and mentor Timbaland, while production was helmed by the latter. "Should I Go" is built on percussive beats, syncopated handclaps and a piano riff that samples British alternative rock band Coldplay's song "Clocks", written by Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion, and Chris Martin for their second album, A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002). Lyrically, Norwood as the protagonist openly talks about contemplating stepping away from the music business, admitting that she is trying to figure out where she fits in today.

<i>Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends</i> 2008 studio album by Coldplay

Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends, often referred to as simply Viva la Vida, is the fourth studio album by British rock band Coldplay, released on 12 June 2008 on the Parlophone label. "Viva la vida" is a Spanish phrase that translates into English as "long live life", "live the life", or simply "live life". Lyrically, the album contains references to love, life, death and war.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Viva la Vida</span> 2008 single by The best British band Coldplay

"Viva la Vida" is a song by British rock band Coldplay. It was written by all members of the band for their fourth album, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008). The lyrics to contain historical and Christian references, and the track is built around a looping string section with a digitally processed piano, while other layers are gradually added.

<i>X&Y</i> 2005 studio album by Coldplay

X&Y is the third studio album by British band Coldplay, released on 6 June 2005 by Parlophone in the United Kingdom, and a day later by Capitol Records in the United States. Produced by Coldplay and producer Danton Supple, the album was recorded during a turbulent period for the band, during which their manager and creative director, Phil Harvey, briefly departed. Producer Ken Nelson was originally tasked with producing the record; however, many songs written during his sessions were discarded due to the band's dissatisfaction with them. The album's cover art combines colours and blocks to represent the title in Baudot code.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall</span> 2011 single by Coldplay

"Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall" is a song by British rock band Coldplay. It was released as the lead single for their fifth studio album Mylo Xyloto on 3 June 2011. An exclusive digital EP version of it, with the B-sides "Major Minus" and "Moving to Mars", came out in the following weeks, being considered the band's eighth extended play. The track contains elements of the 1976 song "I Go to Rio" written by Peter Allen and Adrienne Anderson. It debuted at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, selling 85,000 copies in its first week before climbing to its peak of number 14. On the UK Singles Chart, the song peaked at number 6.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paradise (Coldplay song)</span> 2011 single by Coldplay

"Paradise" is a song by the British rock band Coldplay, released on 12 September 2011 as the second single from their fifth album, Mylo Xyloto. The song received its radio debut at 7:50 a.m. on The Chris Moyles Show on 12 September 2011. According to Coldplay's official website, the single was not initially chart eligible in the United Kingdom, because it was available on iTunes as an "instant grat" when pre-ordering the album. Following the release of the album on 30 October 2011, the song became chart eligible in the UK and entered the UK Singles Chart at number 14, before taking the number 1 spot on its tenth week, becoming the band's second number-one single after "Viva la Vida" in 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hymn for the Weekend</span> 2016 single by Coldplay

"Hymn for the Weekend" is a single by the British rock band Coldplay from their seventh studio album A Head Full of Dreams (2015), featuring uncredited vocals from American singer Beyoncé. It was written by the band's members, while the production was handled by Rik Simpson, Avicii, Digital Divide, and Stargate. An indie R&B track, the single's music video showcases the culture of India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Something Just Like This</span> 2017 single by The Chainsmokers and Coldplay

"Something Just Like This" is a song by American electronic music duo the Chainsmokers and British rock band Coldplay. It was released on February 22, 2017, as the second single from the former's debut album Memories...Do Not Open and as the lead single of the latter's Kaleidoscope EP.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Higher Power (Coldplay song)</span> 2021 single by Coldplay

"Higher Power" is a song by British rock band Coldplay from their ninth studio album Music of the Spheres. It was released on 7 May 2021 as the lead single, being written by the band's four members, Federico Vindver and Denise Carite, while production was handled by Max Martin. Oscar Holter and Bill Rahko also helped to co-produce the song, which received generally positive reviews from music critics and was nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Ken Nelson: Recording Coldplay's Parachutes". Sound On Sound. October 2000. Archived from the original on 11 January 2024. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
  2. ↑ "Sparks". The Michigan Daily. 11 May 2022. Archived from the original on 11 January 2024. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
  3. ↑ "Coldplay: The Hidden Stories and Meanings Behind Every Song on Parachutes Revealed". NME. 15 July 2015. Archived from the original on 11 January 2024. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
  4. 1 2 "Coldplay's 10 Best Songs". Consequence. 13 October 2021. Archived from the original on 24 October 2021. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
  5. ↑ "The 50 Best Coldplay Songs: Staff Picks". Billboard. 21 November 2019. Archived from the original on 11 January 2024. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
  6. ↑ "The 40 Best Deep Cuts of 2000". Billboard. 26 March 2020. Archived from the original on 1 October 2024. Retrieved 1 October 2024.
  7. ↑ "The TikTok Songs of Fall". Valley Magazine. 7 November 2021. Archived from the original on 29 February 2024. Retrieved 29 February 2024.
  8. ↑ "Coldplay Concert Setlist at Shepherd's Bush Empire, London". Setlist FM. 23 October 2000. Archived from the original on 1 July 2023. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
  9. ↑ "Scaletta Concerto Coldplay 2023: Music of the Spheres World Tour" [Coldplay's 2023 Concert Setlist: Music of the Spheres World Tour]. Tag 24 by Unicusano (in Italian). 19 April 2023. Archived from the original on 25 June 2023. Retrieved 25 June 2023.
  10. ↑ "Afrodisiac". Entertainment Weekly. 5 July 2004. Archived from the original on 20 May 2023. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
  11. ↑ "UMP Syncs for I Give It A Year". Universal Music Publishing Group. 30 January 2013. Archived from the original on 11 January 2024. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
  12. ↑ "Jordana – Sparks (Coldplay Cover)". Stereogum. 30 May 2023. Archived from the original on 31 May 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  13. ↑ "Credits / Parachutes / Coldplay". 10 July 2000. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
  14. ↑ "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 11 November 2024". The ARIA Report. No. 1810. Australian Recording Industry Association. 11 November 2024. p. 5.
  15. ↑ "Coldplay Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
  16. ↑ "Official IFPI Charts — Digital Singles Chart (International) — Εβδομάδα: 24/2024" (in Greek). IFPI Greece. Archived from the original on 19 June 2024. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  17. ↑ "Coldplay – Sparks". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved 2 June 2023.
  18. ↑ "RIAS Top Charts Week 5 (26 Jan - 1 Feb 2024)". RIAS. Archived from the original on 6 February 2024. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
  19. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2024 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  20. ↑ "Danish single certifications – Coldplay – Sparks". IFPI Danmark . Retrieved 17 January 2024.
  21. ↑ "Italian single certifications – Coldplay – Sparks" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana . Retrieved 11 January 2024. Select "2023" in the "Anno" drop-down menu. Type "Sparks" in the "Filtra" field. Select "Singoli" under "Sezione".
  22. ↑ "Official Catalogue Singles: 15–21 November 2024". Official New Zealand Music Chart. 15 November 2024. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  23. ↑ "Portuguese single certifications – Coldplay – Sparks" (PDF) (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa . Retrieved 11 January 2024.
  24. ↑ "Awards Record". El Portal de Música (Select "Coldplay" on the "Artist" drop down menu) (in Spanish). 2024. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  25. ↑ "British single certifications – Coldplay – Sparks". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved 9 February 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.