By Madison Dymond ‘16

My very first thought after listening to Coldplay’s new album “Ghost Stories” was that someone must have really broken lead singer Chris Martin’s heart. This fantastic album still has Coldplay’s original sound but primarily it is a breakup album.

Martin was recently divorced from his wife of 10 years, actress Gwyneth Paltrow. Martin blames himself for this divorce and is still in love with Paltrow. Like any good artist, he expressed his heartbreak through his music.

“Ghost Stories” is Coldplay’s twelfth album. Through nine songs, the band tells the story, inspired by Martin’s relationship problems. The album opens with “Always in My Head.” The song begins with opera-esque vocals and little instrumental which creates a magical sound and feeling. The music then transitions into Coldplay’s familiar tempo. The lyrics are about a person who this man always thinks about and who he wishes knew how special she was. The next song, “Magic,” is a bit techno and pop for Coldplay. The lyrics depict how he loves someone who hurt him and cannot get over her. “Ink” is also a bit heavier on the drums and has more of a dance beat than most of Coldplay’s songs. The lyrics say that he is hurt but still loves her.

As the album continues with songs like “True Love,” “Midnight,” and “Another’s Arms,” the focus shifts more towards the pain and anger that comes from a breakup. The last three songs on the album, “Oceans,” “A Sky Full of Stars,” and “O,” speak of moving on and getting over the breakup. The title song, “Ghost Stories,” shows that these songs of love and heartbreak are all things of the past. Relationships slip away and haunt you, like ghosts.

Songs about love and breakups are not as deep and meaningful as some of Coldplay’s past songs. The songs on this album do not make a listener sit and think about their own life. Anyone can write some songs about love and loss even if they don’t have experience because there are so many songs about the topics. Love songs are unoriginal. They are, however, a way to release pain, and knowing the inspiration for this album makes it easier to appreciate.

One great thing about Coldplay is that they have never lost their original sound. The band has managed to stay popular since the 90s, and they are still the same alternative rock band that made them world-famous. Martin’s vocals are so unique and he continues to have a strong, beautiful voice. The band’s instrumental is always filled with emotion and makes listeners feel as if they are flying and can see everything. This is true for “Ghost Stories.”