On their latest release Viva la Vida, Coldplay actually did themselves a disservice- it’s going to be nearly impossible to top this record! Seriously, it’s that good.

And the funny thing is, Vida isn’t laced with a bunch of radio-ready ditties. Most of the sonic landscape of the album from start to finish is very ethereal, while singer Chris Martin infuses each song with its own undeniably infectious and memorable melody.

Another notable upgrade on Vida is the band’s willingness to expand themselves rhythmically. Laden with four-on-the-floor structures and off-beat accents, these four English lads explore new territory while still maintaining their integrity as an ‘we don’t care what the mainstream is doing’ outfit.

“The Cemeteries of London” employs an almost tribal dance-track-style groove over which Martin sings a very House of the Rising Sun/Scarborough Fair-esque melody. Again, the chorus isn’t some sugary sweet Top 40-ready section, yet the chanting is effective in completing the song’s mission.

“Lost!” begins with a head-bobbable derivation of the We Will Rock You beat, along with a pipe organ vamp that resolves into a clever chorus, while “Lovers In Japan” reeks of U2 influence (think ‘Where the Streets Have No Name”) while still maintaining a high level of originality.

And, of course, the lead single/title track “Viva la Vida” is definitely one of this album’s high points, both compositionally and in terms of instant likability. While Viva la Vida may not be a love-it-from-the-first-listen album, given the chance to grow on you, it will take over your mind and have you humming along all day long.

Listen to Viva la Vida here: