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It’s been 3 years since Coldplay last released new material but the long and (if you’re like me) anxious wait is over as 2008 marks the release of their highly anticipated fourth album, Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends. Although the album doesn’t drop until later this year, we have the first single, Violet Hill, on our new First Spin Singles player!

The 10-track offering signals a sound and direction change for the 4-man group. “I think it’s our boldest and most confident record,” says bassist Guy Berryman. “We were much more open to new ideas and influences and much less afraid to experiment.” “It can be easy to stop yourself from trying things because you’re scared of what people might say,” adds frontman Chris Martin, “but we forced ourselves not to do that.”

And they ain’t kiddin’! This album really stretches the band’s boundaries and clearly takes them outside the comfort zone that brought them such huge success with their previous three albums - Parachutes (2000), A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002), and X&Y(2005). Don’t get me wrong, it’s still Coldplay…but different! Martin mentioned that they wanted to move from “black and white into colour” and if this first single is any indication (and I may be a tad biased here)…mission accomplished.

Take a listen! How do you think the boys did?

Posted on Tuesday, April 29th, 2008 at 11:10 am by Emma and is filed under Music & Videos.

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