Coldplay

Paradise

(Parlophone; US: 12 Sep 2011; UK: 12 Sep 2011)

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This is what happens when three producers are allowed to look over a band’s shoulder. To describe the build of Coldplay’s new song “Paradise” as ‘formulaic’ is putting it mildly and politely. At the 35 second mark, the carefully measured introduction gives way to an urbanized synth bass line that functions as a supporting act for the sterilized and incredibly unimaginatively arranged strings. If any Coldplay devotees were disappointed by their previous single “Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall”, they should count their blessings that it at least didn’t feel so very forced. “Paradise” is about a female who takes mental vacations, dreaming of para-para-paradise. What, you may ask, was making life so hard for her? “Life goes on, it gets so heavy / the wheel breaks the butterfly / every tear a waterfall.” Hey, now hold on just a minute there, guys!