On Coldplay's A Rush of Blood to the Head, the melodic excellence of Parachutes remains, as does the delicate soulfulness of Chris Martin's voice. But now different styles are approached, as the band develop even further beyond their debut album (and the numerous Radiohead comparisons that dogged them at first). "God Put a Smile upon Your Face", for instance, has a thumping voodoo quality, while the hypnotic "A Whisper" has a wild vocal arrangement recalling Jefferson Airplane. Beyond this, each of the 11 tracks--from the literate power ballad "In My Place" to the 60s-style mantra "Daylight"--are given room to breathe, gradually reaching an ecstatic crescendo where Martin and that huge Coldplay piano ride over a pulsing rhythm and orchestrations that are powerful but never overblown. "Give me real, don't give me fake" says Martin in the opening "Politik" and it's an appropriately uncompromising demand, for A Rush of Blood... is without doubt the most heartfelt and emotionally liberated album to top the charts in ages. --Dominic Wills

Ok, for the people who don't like this album I say - you're all mad and have no taste in music whatsoever.
For the people like myself, who absolutely LOVE this album, I say - good on you, it's obvious you have brilliant taste in music!!!
There are no bad songs on this album, they are all genius - fabulous lyrics, catchy tunes and fantastic guitar. There are a couple of standout songs for me, so here they are (in order of the listing on the CD):

Politik: Coldplay were right to choose this song as an opener, it really works for the album. It took about two listens to get into it, and then it became a firm favourite. Has a real meaning too.
In My Place: Fantastic drumming at the start and the guitars are amazing. Great lyrics!
God Put a Smile Upon Your Face: Starts off like a country song, but soon turns into familiar Coldplay material.I loved the tune especially.
The Scientist: I fell in love with this one when my cousin played it on the piano about 3 years ago. Beautiful song, astounding piano music and his voice was amazing. The lyrics were what blew me away, though, they are deep and meaningful and Coldplay manage to write about love in a way that no other band could dream of. It continues to be my favourite song in the world.
Clocks: Such a catchy tune, you will be humming this in your head within a minute of listening to it. The lyrics are really cool, this is probably one of A Rush of Blood to the Head's more upbeat songs.
A Rush of Blood to the Head: The title song is really great. It is slower than any of the previous songs I've mentioned, but it is still a fantastic song which I almost guarantee you'll love!

That said, all of the songs are brilliant and are full of Coldplay magic! Listen to this album if it's the last thing you do, you definitely won't regret it!

Ive just purchased my third copy of this album (kept getting scratched in my car stereo) and i would buy it again and again. Every song from beginning to end is beautifully written, and executed. This clearly is a must have album

Are Keane too hard-rocking and uncompromising for you?

Is James Blunt just too damn original and heartfelt?

Then try Coldplay! Perfection of mediocrity! (Baa baa! ...that's a trumpet)
I know... I'm mean. I don't hate this stuff. But that's the point... it's so WET. When did people like this get to masquerade as rock musicians? It's bad for you. Your children will grow up thinking this is what a rock band sounds like. Zeppelin who? no, I wanna listen to the guys who go "waaa.. waa... I'm sad and feeble..." When there's the likes of Gutter Twins, Aquila, Rufus Wainwright and The Veils out there barely making a dent, you should not be spending your money and valuable time on this.

Coldplay take a lot of stick - maybe some of it is deserved, a lot OTT, but all that can be said of this album is that it is a classic. One of the best albums of the decade.

Simply the best is all that needs to be said a must have for any music collection