What Makes This Song Great? "Clocks" Coldplay

[@funkinflugen]

You know Rick, part of what makes this series so great is your honest and genuine enthusiasm; no pretensions, just a love for music...great song with a great teacher, keeps me coming back. Thanks!

[@spiderbabybill]

This. I always liked "Rosanna" as I song I knew on the radio but I never really took the time to listen to it. After watching that video, I kept finding that damn horn section riff stuck in my head in quiet moments! Appreciation is infectious.

[@paulmyers5017]

You mean the song Rosana by Toto ?

[@montelorne]

funkinflugen Well put.

[@deldia]

Agreed. He just likes good choons and that’s it.

[@awookieandagerman]

This video is kryptonite to Coldplay haters.

[@RickBeato]

Good! Haha!!

[@RFC3514]

I suspect most "Coldplay haters" are people who actually loved their first two (and a half) albums and saw what they turned into after that.

[@ProximaCentauri88]

I hate the NEW Coldplay. Do you have problem with that?

[@franckbizouard3357]

I love Coldplay till Viva la Vida! Great albums, great rock pop music.... all the following is crap.

[@bnjmnwst]

I like all Coldplay, but I prefer later Coldplay, although Clocks and Fix You are their #1 and #2 songs.

[@jamesd7678]

Coldplay was legitimately competent back in the day. So many people refuse to accept it and I don't know why.

[@leob4403]

James Dunham because it's become a "cool meme" to hate on them, it means you're "edgy" and "hip"

[@SplinteredX]

viva la vida and all there albums before are bangers

[@donut_lyfe]

Agreed. It is cool to hate on bands that are successful... Such horseshit. Coldplay is a phenomenal band to this day.

[@brooksfiser7968]

Haha, I can't decide if "legitimately competent" is a backhanded compliment, or a complimentary insult....

[@dannyh5937]

James, I agree with you 100%. The first album was outstanding. You can't ask much more of a band, Parachutes, gives you everything. You learn how broad Coldplay's musical ability goes. Then, "A Rush of Blood to the Head," comes out and I was personally blown away. The band comes out swinging with Politik and the album keeps on getting better. Granted they have the ultra pop song, In My Place, which scared me because they ultimately went down the pop road but still...2 amazing albums that need respect.

[@metaldisector6701]

This song perfectly illustrates the importance of the bass. The chords and rhythms are simple but the emotion changes as the bass moves. The bass makes this song.

[@weekendthreat5576]

Until I started playing bass covers of their songs I really thought nothing of Guy Berryman as a bassist. Speed of Sound really caught me by surprise with how perfect it is for the song. It's easy to point out the great bass soloists but Guy absolutely nails how to bring the band to life while letting the others own the spotlight

[@defoperator7993]

Vocals

[@Earthshaker513]

As a bass player myself, this is one of favorites to play.

[@rickdaniels1000]

The piano riff makes it

[@KatrinaRegina]

Amsterdam is my favorite Coldplay song. Nice to hear it recognized a little.

[@PsytranceGOUGAS]

Totally boss song. Chris knows exactly the notes to sing especially that falsetto on the 9th is a goosebumps choice.

[@Big3DREAMER]

You don't have to agree, Coldplay are one of the best bands in history. Their cultural impact is up there with the greatest in history. And the way that they preach positivity and love in their lyrics combined with the bands overall musicianship is uncanny and transcending. So blessed to be able to listen to them

[@mcbill7352]

How is coldplay's cultural impact on the level of the Beatles may I ask

[@samratjpatil]

I feel they're probably the only band that are equally appreciated by the snobs and pop fans alike. They've been relevant for more than 20 years now, not an easy feat. Their modern songs are still modern in the 'smooth' signature style, I think very tough to achieve. Genius in their own right.

[@LiraDMG]

@@mcbill7352 wtf u asking? they don’t have to be in the same spot, but coldplay do have a great impact in the music scenario

[@neelparekh3448]

A Rush of Blood to the Head is easily one of the best albums out there

[@sandylee6025]

I concur.

[@shawarmageddonit]

I'm a die-hard metalhead, and I love Coldplay. Good music is good music, no matter what genre.

[@jack-uv6mt]

says the metalhead

[@YourGuyWedge]

@@jack-uv6mtdont hate fam man is showing some love

[@rajput36000]

@@jack-uv6mt i only see you hating

[@jack-uv6mt]

@@YourGuyWedge you misunderstood me. i meant he's a metalhead and likes al music genres, therefore he just likes all music, not just metal.. im not hating him. i just hate you.

[@YourGuyWedge]

@@jack-uv6mt Huh?... whatever guy your being strange

[@USMCLP]

Guy Berryman is an underrated bassist. So much great work during the band’s history without ever having to show off.

[@We_Are_Stardust_]

Absolutely

[@ateam1054]

Agreed. He reminds me of Adam Clayton of U2. Very overlooked, but so in the pocket and a solid contributor to the overall construction and greatness of their music.

[@chandamusonda4624]

No idea why people argue about this, it's so so true. It has become so cool to hate on coldplay it's actually shocking.

[@MickPosch]

Another very cool thing about this song is how you have that "Home...home..." thing near the end that seems to be a completely new element introduced out of nowhere...but after you've heard the song a few times you realize that the bass line has been prefiguring it all along...there are times when the bass plays that exact melody.

[@stevenL4U]

I’ve been telling everyone for years that this is a perfectly written song and everyone always gives me an eye roll because “ew it’s Coldplay.” But honestly, ppl are missing out on what is a masterpiece of music.

[@cherrysunburst828]

A Rush Of Blood To the Head is a legit 10/10 album but so many people get blinded by their hate for Coldplay. Clocks is a perfect song indeed, as are The Scientist, Amsterdam, In My Place etc

[@stevenL4U]

CherrySunburst I agree 1000%

[@Dianecites]

Coldplay’s B-Sides, EPS, and Singles are truly underrated; Wedding Bells, Ladder to the Sun, and even Hypnotized are just amazing

[@avSNyne]

Wait? Ppl really hate coldplay?....Wth?

[@drpilatus]

@@Dianecites also careful where you stand, Crest of waves..

[@261Pro]

Good lord .. this song is Angelic.. How in the world does this creative process come to such a perfect place.. I wish I was a fly on the wall observing the whole creative process and fruition of this masterpiece..

[@_idean]

And to think that this was from 2002...

[@vhhawk]

Agree. From a writer and teacher. How much inspiration? How much perspiration? How much production? End result, heavenly.

[@ArsalbinFaisal]

You don’t have to be a fly for you to observe the coldplay creative process😂

[@humanversion3163]

I love how the trolls are always in the sub comments 😂👆

[@carterjeremy89]

Yep, 15 minutes was all it took... Chris Martin can't read music, and was just playing anything on the piano, before the famous riff just came out of nowhere. At first, Will Champion (drummer) didn't like it. But Johnny wanted him to keep going. Moments later, Chris started singing melodies and once he did the 'you are' for the chorus, Will was 100% on board

[@meghannadams6318]

A Rush of Blood to the Head is one of my favorite albums EVER

[@valeriehilen2875]

Likewise. And in his album, « The Scientist » is my favorite song of all.

[@willcarter8735]

One of my favorite little details in this song is how the vocal melody at the end ("home, home, where I wanted to go") is foreshadowed by the bass several times earlier in the song, like in the part he talks about at 13:34

[@donna25871]

13:41 the bass line here becomes the melody at the end of the song. Really, really clever

[@stevelauer7952]

Donna Cianciosi I was hoping he would call this out in the video

[@greensakana2673]

Me too! Brilliant video still.

[@jakes1677]

I always play air bass when this part plays in the car

[@chaselittle2601]

The bass is playing the counter melody.

[@TheKennyboy92]

Absolutely love that bassline

[@Kurt1969]

Not a huge fan of Coldplay but always thought this song was so hauntingly beautiful. It always takes me to a fantastic and mysterious place like no other song. Will have to check this album out.

[@Evli10]

This is what made Coldplay my favorite band. I have never found their feeling anywhere else. I have found many other great feels of course, but this is something special to me. I really encourage you to give this and their other albums a chance!

[@Kurt1969]

Crazy. Yes, I'm listening to this album right now and it does continue to give me the feeling Clocks does. Perhaps not as strong, but it's there and I like it.

[@Evli10]

Nice!

[@christopherecatalano]

It is a really good album, and pretty dark and unusual harmonically.

[@GehennaNL]

Maybe also try 'Don't Panic' from Parachutes.

[@JC-bl9bo]

I don't understand the hate for this band, excellent musicians.

[@patricklauer4452]

Yes man I agree

[@mitchellweiner4990]

Because too much of their music sounds so similar. Bruce Springsteen had the same result for years post-9/11. So much of his music had the same theme that he became boring. Luckily,he redeemed himself with his last two records. Hopefully,Coldplay can do the same because you’re right. These guys are legitimately talented!

[@USMCLP]

@Mitchell Weiner Every single album they make sounds completely different from the one before. Their musical palette has been literally all over the place their entire career.

[@tdoggo7614]

A lot of grunge and post grunge fans loved their earlier albums but they got away from a more rock sound to what I would classify as pop.

[@wolfgangkiernan1497]

@@mitchellweiner4990 Tom Morello redeemed him. Tom Morello made me a fan, that and Clemons Parker-Esque sax playing in a rock band.

[@zynthio]

I never thought about it the way you said it, but Will and Guy really are like a clock in this song. The clockwork of the bass and drums, with the dreamy atmosphere of vocals, piano, pads, and guitar over them, makes for a magical dynamic. Coldplay are severely underrated, and they've always been my favorite band of all time

[@tyleraog2713]

Does anyone else notice in the beginning piano chord progression it has this faint ooo ahhh and later Chris sings along to that little faint sound between the chords changing it’s so subtle but so good!

[@robertkleeman7725]

This helped me understand on a deeper level why I love this song so much. What a masterpiece.

[@lightofhopepr]

The bass line sometimes plays the main Melody of the outro where it says: Home, home where I wanted to go"! It makes it amazing and what I love about the bass in this song

[@ThierryRocksTV]

Coldplay's first three albums were incredible

[@ThierryRocksTV]

@Benjamin Davis Viva La Vida is ok I guess

[@user-qf4zs6qj4c]

Oldplay for the win.

[@avuhhh]

Marcos Bueno Murillo exactly! for some reason I feel like fans were turned away from their music with mylo xyloto, but ghost stories has more parachutes vibes than a rush of blood to the head does imo. and it seems like everyday life will be headed in that direction as well! really hope that more of the older fans will give it a chance.

[@patricklauer4452]

@Benjamin Davis fuck yeah

[@JCB16328]

@Marcos Bueno Murillo As a die hard fan from Parachutes onward, my favourite record of them, ever, is ''Midnight'' which was released on Ghost Stories.

[@tiscover]

Wow - someone saying something nice about Coldplay. That's nice for a change ;)

[@russellward4624]

tiscover I’ll fix that. He’s a plagiarizer

[@jasonfanclub4267]

this song, too?

[@cwancyk]

why?, Coldplay is fucking amazing

[@russellward4624]

Jason Fan Club no not this song but he’s don’t it a couple times I think.

[@athmaid]

Russell ward source or it didn't happen

[@yourfamilydocter]

I literally starting playing drums because of Clocks. It was 2008, I was in fourth grade and wanted to start a band with my best friend so we could play in next years talent show. The song: clocks. 12 years later I would say music has been the single greatest gift in my life

[@ieuanphillips4963]

I've never seen a Radiohead fan who likes coldplay

[@themtbpoet8886]

@@ieuanphillips4963 I am a Radiohead fan who loves Coldplay

[@jqreal0172]

@@themtbpoet8886 same

[@mikechivy]

One of the best songs I've ever heard. The instrumentals bring me to another place.

[@witzerdog]

This chord progression is what I call a sonic onamonapia. It sounds like the subject - a clock. It is a circular sound and progression and then starts over. Even the lyrics feel like they're starting down, then up, and then over the top. Like a clock. (four chords high, to low, lower, up again, repeat... 4 quarters. 4 fifteen minute sweeps in a clock) That is really what makes this song beautiful.

[@witzerdog]

This is really what makes this song great. It feels like the subject. It runs, it grabs you, and it give you the feeling of time passing in circular motion that can't be stopped.

[@junatan25]

I love the internet!

[@osopapi]

Interesting observation.

[@kitchenasmr6876]

Part of me likes these videos because I like Rick's analysis of the music. Part of me just likes to see Rick enjoying the music he's analysing.

[@reneperez2126]

my thoughts¡¡

[@charliewickham6294]

This song is definitely a stroke of genius. There’s nothing else quite like it

[@nyejones2368]

this is so interesting breaking this down- I was born beginning of 2003 and with this album having been released just a few months before, it was just on repeat in the car, and one of my first memories was listening to this exact song on a sunny day with the windows down; must’ve been about 6 months old at the time. And still to this day having just turned 18 it’s still my favourite album :)

[@flamingopower2637]

Yo I was born in beginning of 2003 too January 5th

[@aswift9272]

This popped up in my recommended and I'm glad it did. That was a fantastic music analysis But am I the only one here who likes both old and new Coldplay ?

[@amiesherman9595]

I'm with you!

[@jamilmcclelland8304]

I like new and old Coldplay

[@ala0284]

I love both. They’re really different but equally amazing

[@pepa20]

Wish i could do the same. But i'm an old school lover..

[@sangteaalchhakchhuak1900]

im with you

[@TheFirstJedi]

Coldplay are an incredible band. I love their work, new and old - despite the hate they receive from the edgelords. Really love your breakdown! I'd love to hear your breakdown of "Cult of Personality" by Living Colour.

[@MusicLoverr345]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽.

[@jaimechavez-tb4nb]

I agree coldplay forever

[@BradleyOsborneOfficial]

TheFirstJedi edgelords haha, are they fans of Edge?

[@midnight687]

ikr!! fuck them. Coldplay made great stuff even in recent works

[@RB747domme]

TheFirstJedi what do you think of Cemeteries? Or China? I would love to hear the stems of both of those.

[@pmenzel86]

I feel like you looked so closely at all the details that you missed how the timing creates a feeling. Obviously it's all in common time, but the way the drums/keys break a 4+4 rhythm into a 3+3+2 just makes it pulse and sway, and gives the whole song an almost hypnotic effect

[@garydraper3310]

pmenzel86 exactly. It’s the restless drum riff.

[@garythomas4431]

Being a musician, this song really caught my attention. The piano intro grabs you and won't let go. The orchestration of the other instruments is perfect. The synth pad is hauntingly beautiful. The vocal so sad. Great job Rick.

[@rheasachdeva]

That's fkn beautiful, been a coldplay fan since 10 years, can never get tired of them!!

[@hallamhal]

Id like to point out the high bass part is foreshadowing the vocals at the end "home... where I wanted to go "

[@angelagracefoster6826]

Perfection

[@slorr55]

That pad sound playing the main chords throughout the whole songs really fucks me up, i tried playing this song with my highschool band and the song sounds so empty without it, such an amazing song

[@rooh5825]

You haven't listened to this song a million times. Not unless you listened to this song on repeat for 8 years, 1 month, 12 days, 21 hours, 59 minutes, and 1 second straight.

[@jpwill75]

There is a beauty in simplicity, a beauty and classic elegance.

[@jdmagpie]

Gotta be one of the best crafted songs ever. Thanks for breaking it down. I've listened to it for years and and it's like hearing it new all over again.

[@le_gwen]

This series has been the most insightful instruction on songwriting I’ve ever had, really cool

[@Kenob6]

I am not a musician but I enjoyed that video so much! Clocks is my favorite song ever and A Rush of Blood to the Head is my favorite album from Coldplay. I wasn't able to understand most of the musical technicalities in the video but I for sure was able to hear them and appreciate them. Now I love my favorite song even more and I get to thank you for it. Thank you Rick!

[@liranMashina]

My favorite band ever.each coldplay album is amazing, but rush of blood and x&y are my favorites.

[@angelagracefoster6826]

X&y was phenomenal

[@SynthesisGarageBand]

There is not a single bad song on X&Y. Phenomenal.

[@Geekman333]

One of the best aspects of these videos for me, I'm basically theory illiterate despite playing for over thirty years, is watching Rick enjoy the tunes. Fantastic stuff.

[@JeffIftekaruddin]

I just re-listened to Parachutes front to back. I have always been blown away by the magic they create together. I love the fact I never heard that guitar sound in the intro. I recently saw them live for the first time. In 34 years of going to live shows I have never such an auditory/visual spectacle that rendered me speechless.

[@erix777]

"Every part that you add, ...just adds!" That pretty much says it all about this recording and I haven't heard many like that in a lifetime. This video is awesome!

[@baconlatte]

Another great video. Coldplay never sold out. They just got popular. They are brilliant songwriters and have their own unique sound. There is no pretense. Chris Martin's voice is one of the best ever and comes across as genuine and true and from the heart. The haters are herd following d-bags.

[@JasonM96]

Besides Nickleback, Coldplay is the band people seem to love to hate on most. Some of the criticism is justifiable, but their first two records in particular are terrific, IMO. Their more recent albums point toward aspiring to current pop trends, which is fine, I suppose, just not my cup of tea.

[@RickBeato]

Agreed.

[@Sylvestror]

I've recently discovered that people hate on Muse too.

[@movimentodoscacos]

Sylvestror It's mostly Radiohead fans who say Muse rips them off even though they sound totally different. I like Radiohead much more than Muse but the hate towards Muse is really nonsensical. I really like Muse's early records. Their last ones suck tho. IMO of course.

[@n8can2chitown24]

X&y is great too

[@fordrac1ng81]

Radiohead for soccer moms

[@enthusia492]

I'd like to see him respond to the song Death and All His Friends. Easily my favorite Coldplay song. And one of my favorites to play on piano.

[@anonymous-hk6ge]

Incredible analysis! Coldplay songs have this really cool dreamy feel and to see you go on depth and analyze it was awesome. Props to Coldplay!

[@gregoryspicer1555]

I don't know what the he'll you're talking about but your passion explodes off the screen. I'm totally spellbound. It's like a music appreciation class on crack. Thank you for helping us see this beauty a little deeper than we would on our own.

[@KleyDeJong]

I love everything about this video. Pure gold. I've listened to this song and record a thousand times, yet I come away with a few nuggets that I've never really caught before. Thank you Rick!

[@chatochafa130]

2:35 that’s crazy that Muse inspired this. When I first heard Muse Starlight, I pictured it being inspired by Coldplay’s Clocks.

[@dalianmoya]

Matt bellamy has helped write a few coldplay songs, like Politik.

[@deldia]

They both grew up about 20 min drive apart in Devon.

[@MarcWijesuriya]

Also Chris said that he always tried to get the organ in fix you to sound like the one in Megalomania. I'm glad it didn't, the two are completely different songs

[@lawrencesimmons5093]

not surprised but still stands proud in its own right. Muse's Starlight and Mercy are on a similar level

[@trj820]

The riff is actually ripped directly from Muse's "Hyper Music". Matt plays it over the 2nd pre-chorus.

[@Staye100]

This is probably my favorite series in youtube. As an sound technician I love your input and the breakdown of these songs. A lot to learn from them.

[@RickBeato]

Thanks Daniel!

[@rx-heaven8934]

I usually can't stand mainstream/pop music, but Coldplay is, in my opinion, the best centemporary pop band we'll ever see. Such a pleasure to listen to.

[@candycane3739]

Rick, I consider it a huge compliment that you hold Rush of Blood to the Head so highly. It's one of my favorite albums of all time. Specifically Amsterdam; literally watched this after coming back inside from a listening session ending with the track. Musically and lyrically a masterpiece. This album I grew up with; it played a huge part in shaping my music tastes. It's so validating to hear you praise it this way, and to share so many of my own sentiments about the album. Rick put a smile upon my face with this one :)

[@jameswehner9175]

Saw Coldplay live in 2016 and it was awesome.

[@mookyyzed2216]

I've LOVED this band from the very second I heard them. This was Parachutes. They were completely unknown at that time. They spoke to my sole. Thank you Beato for helping me see why that was.

[@3ggshe11s]

Amazing album. I'd love to hear you break down "Politik" someday.

[@popoff7808]

8 Minutes in and we haven't discussed anything but the intro. This is so great.

[@nuttyfrootie8550]

Clocks is my favorite Coldplay song of all time. I love to play it out loud while driving, mostly when summer reddish sunset is full in the sky. It just feels so nice.

[@ScottDaviesMusic]

Love this song. The songwriting takes you on a great journey. The synth pad, production, progression... all very enveloping. With hundreds of comments, though, who will actually read this? Anyway, I don't think you take requests, but a couple of songs I would also like to see in your "What Makes This Song Great" segment would be "God Only Knows" by the Beach Boys and/or "Andvari" by Sigur Ros. I know Sigur Ros has more popular songs, but that ending... it is way too long, yet you don't want it to end. Back on topic, Coldplay has written some pretty cool stuff, imo. They have experimented with some great, unconventional progressions that always resolve and feel right. But they don't shy away from those satisfying, cinematic, feel good progressions either. Case in point, "Fix You". They big fan-fair ending has an amazing feel-good progression, that is twice as long as you expect it to be. Then they throw in that curve ball for one of the turnarounds. (The third?) Regardless, good job, Rick. Good job, Coldplay.

[@TaffmanGuyo]

A wonderful examination Rick, thank you. I don't mind people disagreeing with you but I wish they would give solid musical reasons, otherwise they sound like people who don't like bands just because they are successful. I may not always love the song you've chosen but I respect the reasons you feel that it deserves the title "Great". Once again big thanks from the UK, I don't know how you find the time & energy, but I' glad that you do.

[@Lorenzo_Strozzi]

his work is precious indeed!

[@bwgti]

This is the perfect comment to this series. Thank you Taffman. And of course thank you Rick!

[@erlineandrews]

It's amazing to me how many people online seem to dump on bands just because they're big. Even Arcade Fire seems to be getting some backlash I guess because they've gotten really big.

[@spiderbabybill]

In fairness, some people just don't like Coldplay. I like plenty of "big" bands but I just can't handle the dun-dun-dun-dun lack of dynamics and Chris Martin's vocals or lyrics.

[@piotrolejak7264]

Well said! I gave a thumb up - if i could, i would give 2 or 3 or more... cheers!

[@lukeproctor5873]

Brilliant video and analysis, as ever, Rick. I don't know whether you know this but Muse and Coldplay are both bands from East Devon in the UK. In fact their geographical origins are fewer than fifteen miles apart. I've heard mention of how the two were thrown together on tours but the fact that they come from the same time and area - my locality- shows that they were intrinsically linked prior to their individual rises to stardom. East Devon sometimes gets a slightly raw deal when it comes to music, many bands eminate from Bristol up the road, or London (which in American terms might not seem far away but in UK terms might as well be the other side of the world!), but Coldplay and Muse are two of our most successfull hometown talents showing the rest of the world how we can mix it with the best down 'yer in Deb'n.

[@PaulMurphyMusic]

I love these ‘what makes it great’ videos. What’s most awesome about these musicians including Coldplay is they aren’t really thinking about the theory, they just make the great music that is in their heads!

[@michaeljackson8180]

I am here because I have nobody in real life to talk to about songwriting like this. Awesome breakdown, and I will watch it a few times to digest it all.

[@theelusive9625]

This album is pure genius. I love EVERY song off this album. Unfortunately they never topped it but X&Y did come damn close.

[@nickhaldin8674]

TheElusive I LOVE X and Y, yet that album got slammed by critics. I have no idea why

[@irenegriffiths242]

Parachutes is my favourite,🎸🎸🌹❤️🎤🎤🇬🇧🐝🐝🐝🐝

[@christianhildalgo]

@@nickhaldin8674 they said it was too similar to AROBTTH. But for me, it was the greatest essence of AROBTTH but with double the "Coldplayness". Just the best album they've made and the one that represents Coldplay the best imo.

[@nickhaldin8674]

MaestroCygni absogoddanglutely. I feel the exact same 👍🏼👍🏼

[@amemeaddict]

To be honest, only a handful of songs from the album are close to being good, and X&Y is nowhere near close. If you want to complain about Coldplay changing their style, complain about X&Y. X&Y is Coldplay following AROBTTH formula but adding synths and long guitar solos, yet somehow it sounds so different. I think it's just delusional to think Viva la Vida isn't better than AROBTTH, considering the album is mostly literally everything in this video plus violins, bells and acoustic guitars.

[@nikirose5996]

One of my all time favourite piano lines. The song as a whole just absolutely melts me

[@samuelkarel6398]

I think Coldplay is “back” with Everyday Life. Fantastic album.

[@tdoggo7614]

I hope so. I tuned them out several years ago.

[@mohamedhannoura1445]

Agreee!

[@LyricalDJ]

I think it's sort of amusing. Some people disliked Coldplay from the beginning. Some only liked Yellow. And these people have always been quite vocal. Not that disliking music is bad, of course. Taste and all that.

[@Daneiladams555]

Horrible song

[@nightski380]

I like all of their music in different ways.

[@SteveSilverActor]

I think the constant tension and release in the song is what makes it so moving and powerful.

[@hemangchauhan2864]

21:27 awe inspiring. So beautiful, I have no words. Clocks is so dense with such cool compositions.

[@JesseLeeHumphry]

Rick this is an absolutely awesome video. I loved the breakdown. I always thought the sound in the beginning was a vocal tone but I'm glad to know it was a guitar sound. I think the only thing I'd add is a bit of discussion on Will Champion's cymbal use. You talk about his crashes at the end, but most important from his part is his use of hi-hat against ride cymbal. The song starts wide, narrows down, widens, narrows, widens, and then stays wide until the close. But Will Champion helps this sort of physical fluctuation by switching into hi-hat for the "narrower" sections, and then switching into the ride cymbal to give it more ring and life. This is a tiny little detail but I think it's really important along with all of the other elements in giving the track its personality.

[@quotientgalaxy]

I read that this Song almost didnt make on the record. It was the last one they added and they had to rush to finish it. So they created this masterpiece under pressure.

[@IrieIrie]

Those guitars have got a really strong ‘Interpol’ sense to them. Thank you for the videos Rick - love what you do!

[@bj.bruner]

What I love about this song is the ethereal sound of the choral voices throughout it all

[@lordcrispen]

I come back to watch this every couple months. Might sound odd, but the first time I saw this video is where I can firmly place a marker on my life's timeline where after this I finally started to hear all the little moving parts in all the songs I've always loved. This and the "You Oughta Know" video helped me so much. Thank you Rick for what you do.

[@maverick.gaurav]

Wow, I did not even know this kind of content was present on KZbin.

[@sergiosaunier]

Rick Beato's channel is an youtube treasure!

[@SC2spanjel]

I had no idea that the song contained so many gems, thank you for making me appreciate the song so much more :D

[@kuromyou497]

The lyrics are "shoot an apple off my head???" Whoops. Been singing it "A shoe that I pulled off my head" this whole time. :/

[@TomTM_ST]

ahahahahahahah

[@modgrip805]

"Shouldn't I pull off my head" over here 🤷‍♂️

[@angelagracefoster6826]

I always thought it was “shoot and I pulled off my head”

[@martinnovales]

to hear these tracks soloed for the first time after all these years is freakin insane... thank you for this my mind is blown

[@WolffJamz]

Your song break downs make me so happy! I love listening to someone who appreciates little parts that make the song. Thank you Rick.

[@zeefour]

10:17 This is actually more beautiful than the whole tune. Wow.

[@Jess91296]

zeefour I got chills when he threw the bass in right after ahhhh

[@fenna941]

I mainly listen to punk rock and hard rock but damn, whenever I listen to coldplay I just can't help but bop my head and smile because their music is so awesome :D

[@MartinJG100]

Great deconstruction, Rick. Although Chris Martin is the driving force you get some idea of the sum of the parts ensemble that is at work and this is where the band shines. I suspect they all have strong views but a good instinct for the sweet spot which is so important in the end result. Let's face it, Will Champion is not really your typical drummer. He's an intelligent musical all round guy who ended up learning to play the drums with his mates and it shows in his work. Dexterity and variety in his contributions on each song which is the sign of a thinking drummer. Agree with you re 'Rush of Blood'. Plenty of 'good bits' in later albums, 'Fly on' in Ghosts, for example, but they have somehow lost that 'gut feel' that defines young bands in their early days. Enjoy your examinations but I doubt I am alone with a 381K subscription and rising ...

[@DanLoudShirts]

I've followed Coldplay for over 20 years. This is one of their finest songs ever and to hear a breakdown of the various parts and chords so expertly done is an absolute joy. Great video.

[@graceface3204]

Chris Martin, Bob Dylan, Peter Gabriel, Damon Alban, Dave Matthews, Donald Fagen - all singers that sound like they can't sing but at the same time they all sing with absolute perfection. Their voices come directly from their brilliantly complex souls.

[@Mala2335]

Its weird to see all these negative comments about you choosing Coldplay. I wonder if people even know why they dont like them, or they're just swept up in the anti coldplay meme sort of like the hate that Nickelback gets. If Radiohead released this song people would be in the comments singing their praises. Even if you dont like the song then just take note about the parts you dislike so you can avoid them in your projects. The worst thing that could happen is you learn something! Be open minded!

[@Evli10]

Word.

[@ohwhen7775]

When Parachutes is the first Coldplay album you've heard, then you'll understand. Nothing they did after sounds anything like Parachutes for the most part. I remember liking God Put A Smile On Your Face quite a bit, that's a great track, but Chris Martin is responsible for some really annoying vocal lines that got repetitive and were found out for trying to be deliberately catchy... Sorry not for me. Like Reach here said in reply to someone else, Parachutes is really unique and it's disappointing for me to think that most fans of the band mightn't even own or have properly listened to it.

[@Evli10]

Parachutes is a gem. Some of my current ideas are influenced by that type of feel... Love it.

[@mrihavenoname1512]

Owen when you state things like nothing sounds anything like parachutes you have no basis for an argument. The whole point of music is to learn and evolve not stick to the same formula until its bled to death. Yes parachutes is a good album, however it doesn't mean rush of blood to the head, X&Y, viva la vida, etc don't have their individual charms just because they're not parachutes. If you go around comparing one album to the other then you completely miss the point of music, and outright ruin your own enjoyment of the work the artist does.

[@travvistodd6016]

It's fashionable. That's all.

[@Darkwell0071]

I am so glad I found your site. What you are doing is so beyond what anyone else has even attempted.

[@christhevalentine]

I think Viva La Vida was still their best record, by far! Songwriting, arrangements, instrumentation... Just genius!

[@gavinpicard3003]

The lyrical content is amazing as well. There are many allusions to God throughout the album.

[@lunar-tick4310]

Problem is, it wasn’t their song

[@gavinpicard3003]

Lunar- Tick Viva La Vida is an album, not just a single song. And besides, all that’s similar is the riff. There’s so much more to a song than a riff

[@imaginativeIdeations]

Yeah Viva is definitely brilliant lyrically, but personally I think Parachutes is Coldplay’s best album though. Just because I think it’s the most consistent with how it flows (not that Coldplay’s other albums aren’t) but I think Johnny’s guitar work is just the best on Parachutes. But honestly though, all Coldplay’s albums are all great in their own nuancing way, I just know that Parachutes is the most nostalgically melancholy for me.

[@brendanfarlow7609]

Chris Valentine viva la vida might most popular but parachutes is best

[@1KMPLX]

Hip hop is my genre, but this is one of my favorite modern non hip hop songs. There is a soaring majesty and heartsick beauty to it that swallows me whole every time it comes on.

[@21whichiswhich]

Clocks is my all time fave and love. Haunting and enchanting. I’m beyond happy to see them live last January 19, 2024 in Manila. The concert is magical and the crowd are so great. I wish everyone can see them live in their lifetime. The best concert of my life. My top favorite part of the concert is Clocks, it just hits differently in live. They just performed Clocks on dark crowd with just green lights dancing around. Simply masterpiece.

[@jerebenitez8542]

Damn. This is the first time watching this series and it just blew my mind. I'm barely starting with music theory, ear training and... music in general to be honest, and I never imagined so many things were happening in the songs I listen to that I wasn't aware of. I knew I was missing some things, but it hadn't occured to me that there were so much stuff happening under the hood. I'll have to up my studies a notch and keep watching these till I get the hand of it I suppose.

[@timothyjewett625]

I also am becoming a huge fan of Rick Beato's! I highly recommend David Bennet Piano, he breaks down a lot of songs and his visuals are excellent.

[@jeremyc9593]

Have you stuck with it?

[@waterglas21]

Coldplay is such an underrated band, specially their first albums are fantastic. Clocks reminds me of that post punk vibe Joy Division had.

[@MusicLoverr345]

I wouldn't say their underrated but, I agree they are awesome.

[@ftvideos7663]

@@MusicLoverr345 kinda the biggest band in the past 2 decades. They arent underratef

[@chrisbirch4150]

@@ftvideos7663 On KZbin someone somewhere has to say the main subject of every single video is 'underrated'. Seem to be a peculiar phenomenon of youtube

[@lytaquiroz1524]

Kind of hard to say they are underrated, when they actually won the Record of the Year Grammy for this song... which if this video is any indication to the haters, the totally deserved it

[@mike18699-e]

@@chrisbirch4150 at least in this case it makes sense - a lot of people profess to hate Coldplay, so they _are_ an underrated band. However I agree that 'underrated' is a very popular word in KZbin comments sections right now - and it's clear that a lot of people are using it without understanding what it means.

[@timspier]

I love that you got a haircut in the middle of the video, such a flex

[@bobbyrinehart1299]

The tension brought in by the bridge in this song is magnificent.

[@invisiblecurious856]

old coldplay is A GEM before they get into mainstream.

[@Billiamwoods]

Coldplay were always a mainstream pop band lol. I agree their music got worse in the 2010s, but they were arguably more popular at least in the UK earlier in their career.

[@ILQA1]

Aw man this is great! I love Coldplay, one of my favorite bands actually. I'm so glad you're not only focusing on classic rock songs in this series. As we can see, there are a lot of great songs in other genres as well

[@moina.uraizee1725]

First of all: Hats off Mr. Beato for consistently doing such amazing insightful music education videos - your musical talents are only superceded by your generosity and ability to teach-share your knowledge and ideas. A BIG thank you! May I PLEASE know how do you manage to get separate tracks of the instruments and vocals that make the mastered final track? Do you have access to the multi-track recordings (which I'm sure all these illustrious musicians would readily share with you)? Or Do you have digital audio equipment that allows you to do the wizardry (in which case please make a separate video on how it is done using your equipment, software, and skills)? Thank you for your wonderful sharing and wishing you the best! 🙏 Edit: I must also add your love for music and enthusiasm is infectious 😊

[@politicachata1164]

One answer I can surely give you, guys: There's no such software for separating tracks, not at all, nope. So, he's surely got access to the tracks. But I don't know how he did put his hands on it.

[@M4TCH3SM4L0N3]

@@politicachata1164 others have pointed out, but he has a lot of production in his history and a lot of friends still working in it. I think he has even addressed this indirectly before, but essentially he has access to the studio copies for many great recordings.

[@cesar_m.p.]

There are several software to do this, but not at all at this extent. There's Izotope's RX to start with. There are a few free options too. Lately there's a website that generate this track separation as a paid service. But none of that will return you the individual stems at this quality.

[@joseph-ow1hf]

Rick. these breakdowns are the single best thing the on the 'net. I know it's gotta be a ton of work but please keep 'em coming. I'm sure you get a ton of suggestions but how about the polyrhythms that Zepplin used (Bonham playing 3 against the band in 4?) or anything by Neil Finn? excellent melody writing and use of slash chords. Or Maybe Ryan Adams? (more traditional, but again great melodies) Thanks for all your work. I always check to see if there is a new 'what makes this song great' vid.

[@363HECTOR]

Zep cannot be done, he explained in some other video, copyright issues

[@mattmarkus4868]

+Héctor Rodríguez Correct. Jimmy Page’s great great grandkid will need a home in The Hamptons and a private jet, therefore no Zeppelin will be permitted for music education on KZbin.

[@rockman00]

Thank you for doing Coldplay justice :') As a Coldplay fan for so long I am elated to see someone show appreciation for them with such technical attention to details :')

[@kellytheintrovert]

Coldplay blew me away when I first heard them. Not a fan of their newer stuff but those first 2 albums (third is still good too) will forever have a piece of my soul.