What Makes This Song Great? "The Scientist" Coldplay

In this episode of What Makes This Song Great?™ we explore the Coldplay classic "The Scientist"
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[@kylecoombs1087]

I grew up hating Coldplay being more of a rocker/metal head. A few years ago my wife forced me to buy tickets to a Coldplay concert being one of her favourite bands. I’m not afraid to admit that it was hands down the best experiences I’ve had at a concert. They’re incredible live. Glad I’m old enough to put the ego away to enjoy all music now

[@Abarthgo]

Same here only attending Metallica, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath gigs before my wife wanted to see Coldplay on the Viva La Vida tour. To this day its the best concert I have been to it was mindblowing and full of emotion, colour and positivity

[@MrMcMuffinJr1999]

I always tell people. “Have you seen them live? Come back and try spreading that hate after you’ve seen them live”

[@volt9903]

Better late than never 👏👏

[@kyddshine]

I had an experience very similar to that. They played at Red Rocks as you said it all changed once the show was over. I became a fan. Now I hear people say negative things about them and I will defend them just as if it was something said about Dead Kennedy’s or Willie. Even learned to play this song on piano because it wormed itself in my life. Really makes me flush with memories.

[@rum8121]

I hear what you’re saying man and ya know what it’s OK and party on

[@HarrierMan99]

I'm not afraid to say that I love Coldplay. This group has been so unfairly maligned it's ridiculous. "The Scientist" is great and "Clocks" is a song for the ages. That whole album is awesome.

[@Cherem777]

Clocks is burned into my soul

[@toddstevens8506]

I'm not sure if it's because they don't like the music or they have difficulty dealing with melancholy and sadness.

[@tomvan22]

Don't forget Fix You, what a fantastic song!

[@garymaidman625]

The song that I always loved from this album is In My Place.

[@gangelone999]

agreed, i dont care what anybody says , i think coldplay is great. And i'm a bluegrass banjo player. Just great song writing.

[@kenlee5015]

Never even heard the lower voice in the "ooh" vocal until you stripped away the layers. Now I can't unhear it, nor do I want to.

[@ArtbyAtlas]

I always noticed that part--but I always thought it was an instrument not a vocal. I learned something new today! lol

[@trudywretched]

strong meat here from Sam Peckinpah

[@Martinroque77]

Yeah I always thought it was Will singing the octave below. I had no idea it was anything like this.

[@jamesiyer4937]

This is one of the reasons I love this series from Rick

[@fileunderunknown6924]

I remember thinking Coldplay was everything wrong with music when this record came out. I was a total indie snob. One day I’m walking around spaceman records in philly ( not sure if it’s there now)....it was a tiny little shop. So I’m looking through records and this record is playing. I remember thinking, “wtf is this...it’s great.” So I ask the gent at the register and he said it was the new Coldplay. I bought it, took it home and got lost in the record. It’s an incredible record and turned me into a major fan. And I don’t feel bad about it. Killer songs.

[@RafaelPernia]

I was an indie snob but I loved the first record. It's basically the same as this but raw

[@ronniegibboni8327]

ayy philly repo records where its at

[@redbird726]

I totally get this! I had a similar experience back when. Cool post.

[@santiespinell]

what song was it?

[@jamesiyer4937]

I agree. Coldplay get way too much hate! Parachutes is a great record too.

[@TheArtofGuitar]

Their first 4 albums are epic!

[@GNVS300]

Nice seeing you here

[@s.z.x.01]

How bout their latest one

[@raghavsuryan9735]

I don't know how to explain this, but it sounds like it was meant to be written.😌😌

[@mridulsagar4106]

Wow, surprise seeing you here

[@SirLemmon]

Everyday Life is a pretty good album as well. Church is underappreciated.

[@sams8674]

This video nicely demonstrates Coldplay’s secret weapon, which is the interplay between Chris Martin’s melodies and Jonny Buckland’s harmonic ear. He’s the least flashy guitarist in the world, but each of those careful tunings and chord voicings are absolutely perfect complements to the melody. The two of them have developed a musical language that stirs quite deep, but subtle, and often ambiguous emotions in the listener.

[@danegonzales5651]

Yes I agree! Even with their happier songs the way Chris and Jonny complement each other's roles is what makes their music so cohesive.

[@kyleolin3566]

Thinking about this, I just realized why some songs are tuned a little off. Johnny likely tuned to Chris’s vocals eh? I don’t know why I haven’t done that, as I always come up with melodies that don’t quite work when I try to sing them to the guitar and change the pitch of my singing.

[@RickBeato]

No, the piano is sharp. It’s that way on Amsterdam too. There’s no way they spread both songs up. They tuned to the piano which was 30 cents sharp.

[@storiesreadaloud5635]

@@RickBeato Is there a way to get this effect in Logic Pro?

[@noursarhan8695]

Exactly! Couldn't have said it better

[@vybzkartel9695]

I watch these immediately from fear of the copyright mafia

[@thatchadlmiller]

It's the only channel I'll stop almost anything I'm doing to watch, especially if it's a great song like this. Not because I want to watch it that soon, but bc it's literally happened where I got the notification and *boom* gone soon after.

[@dangerkeith3000]

Rick's either pretty bold putting the song's name in the video title (which he usually doesn't) or he is pretty sure Coldplay and TPTB won't block the video.

[@tezk9044]

Yep me too , as i see yesterday's live episode was taken down

[@MrApplesoggy]

Well since Coldplay or their publisher didn't sue the writer of Empire State of Mind I think this will stay up

[@andreylucass]

Create a Nebula or something

[@misterswegler7245]

Jonny Buckland is extremely underrated. Very very inventive guitarist, always finds interesting tones and parts.

[@RabbidTheNabbit]

@ghost mall john squire too

[@anant8884]

@@RabbidTheNabbit ofc

[@gtxjhcrbq]

@@RabbidTheNabbit John Rambo too

[@louissanderson719]

He is very under rated. His guitar parts perfectly fit the music.

[@licomelano8482]

He played bell too😂😂😂

[@chillitom4726]

After meeting Chris, Rick Beato began to explain his song back to him.

[@tophan5146]

😂

[@thebeamerdreamer]

"What makes your song great?" lol

[@melvinroeleveld]

Parachutes and A Rush of Blood to the Head were the absolute best albums they've ever made with masterpieces like Shiver, Yellow, Everything's not Lost, God put a smile upon your face, The Scientist, Clocks, A rush of blood to the head and Amsterdam. Timeless classics by a brilliant band, absolutely dominating the early 00's.

[@fabithierry]

Jonny Buckland is a very underated guitar player

[@adamlgiroux]

Yes because what he does is usually technically simple, but the way it serves the song and the other parts is actually genius.

[@אורחדד-ת7ט]

Agreed

[@pinkraven4402]

@@adamlgiroux I absolutely adore his guitar on Parachutes, especially the main riff from "Shiver", goood! There's something about it and its tone that sends shivers down my spine. Pun intended 😁

[@flaviusaetiuspt]

Indeed. I was convinced of that when I saw the Clocks WMTSG, but now it makes it even clearer that his parts are really cool and add to the song sounds that you don't necessarily notice upfront, but quietly make the song much more interesing.

[@nat15ify]

It’s criminal how underrated he is. His playing in Parachutes and Rush Of A Blood is great.

[@RhettShull]

This is a perfect song.

[@marcofearg9956]

Nice new band

[@ProbyWaN1337]

Anywhere to check out the new band's music?

[@Ron4885]

Clocks was a decent play as well. :)

[@firsttimecallerlongtimelis836]

I agree and I’m the 200th like on this comment what do I win????🤣

[@raghavsuryan9735]

I don't know how to explain this, but it feels like it was meant to be written😌😌

[@allenhudsonmusicarchives]

“That and “Amsterdam”..” YES. “Amsterdam” and its finale/outro is such a beautiful piece of music. Rick, thank you for this episode! We respectfully request a WMTSG episode with The Killers!

[@Misogiii]

I agree I took for granted how awesome a lot of Killers songs were. I’d like to see that happen, hopefully something off of Hot Fuss for the memories

[@vonricter222]

Agreed! We need a WMTSG with The Killers!

[@mechajintsu]

I love Amsterdam song it was such a perfect ending to the album. I’m glad it wasn’t released as a single not that it has single qualities.

[@shushannahlawson729]

Yes!! I'm ecstatic to hear others love Amsterdam!! The build in the song is ethereal!

[@bjorn3538]

Amsterdam is great.

[@nimaakhtarkhavari8766]

So satisfying to see somebody like Rick, who truly loves music...

[@PeteOliva]

Right? A true appreciator of music ITSELF, free from scenes and trends and whether you are "in the know" or not. In fact, I truly have this belief that people who TRULY are skilled, knowledgeable, and talented are the most able to appreciate music on a pure level, without the ego or snobbery. He's a true example of this.

[@theRamb1er]

When his voice cracks during “it’s such a shame for us to part” 😢

[@KPD017]

My heart 💔

[@vitsquid6511]

Timestamp ?

[@1beg2differ]

@@vitsquid6511 6:45

[@vitsquid6511]

@@1beg2differ thanks

[@djigor]

Yeah, that is the perfect moment. Glad you commented on it. If I bring this song up in conversation that is the moment I talk about: the perfect imperfection.

[@nolanrandall4242]

At the end of the chorus just before he says "Take me back to the start"... Always reminded me of the end of the "Hey Jude" chorus. That little walk-up on the piano.

[@kenlee5015]

Thought the same.

[@mabian69]

... Which also resembles "Imagine" just before the chorus "You may say I'm a dreamer"...

[@ClintScottFischer]

Good ear Brother!

[@zingyearth]

I always get that "imagine" vibe from it

[@dbefore7165]

I was getting an Elton John ‘Nikita’ vibe from it tbh

[@joaovitorpaulino7439]

The whole song makes me emotional, but the bends after "I'm going back to the start"... gets me everytime

[@VibhasPatil]

For all the crap Coldplay get, their first three albums were amazing. I loved Parachutes, A Rush of Blood to the Head, and X&Y. Not the biggest fan of their later work, but have to give credit where its due. Plus they're all good people. I love this song - it's one of my favourites too.

[@vk2461]

Viva la Vida?! And I think their later work is looked down on more than it should, because of the sound. I used to hate Mylo Xyloto, but a few years ago I gave it an honest listen, and now I actually like it much more than I thought I ever would.

[@jmoralesv03]

I think Everyday Life, their latest album, has a great sound, better than Mylo Xyloto or A Head Full of Dreams. After Viva La Vida, Everyday Life and Ghost Stories are among the best works Coldplay has published in the last years.

[@ryuhn8604]

@@jmoralesv03 Arabesque fucking slaps

[@jan279]

Viva la Vida is their best imo.

[@Alpha_7227]

Totally agree with you. The first three albums just sounded so fresh and raw. Then I think their other albums with a couple of exceptions just sound overly produced.

[@GREATRJ1]

Many of Coldplay's songs are in my opinion masterpieces. They can be so varied. But The Scientist reaches near the top, if not the top. The emotion, the sadness, the beauty. Few songs can make me cry, and I'll admit, The Scientist is one of the few songs that can even almost make me cry, and I bet if I listened to it on repeat I would cry from the beauty of the song.

[@bluenotesharp]

Their song “Trouble” has that same quality of sadness and vocal acuity..... I’d like to hear your take on that Coldplay song in the future. Anyone else feel that heart tug ? Inquiring minds want to know!

[@LowcountyLiberalLady]

Me too! It rugs at my heart ❤️

[@skylarjordan7153]

PLEASE yes...

[@Lobberzillo]

Trouble can become dramatically sad if you change the chords order from G, Em, Bm one pregression and then switch to G, Em, Am. It transforms the song into a whole uncertainty feeling. Step 2, have a separate fx (reverb and so) and add a tremolo to the end on the wet signal path of the piano with a speed as the beat. And Step 3, apply some lo-fi EQ to the master.

[@becwhite405]

One of my favourites!

[@garymaidman625]

In My Place is another that tugs at the heart strings, it almost has a desperate quality to it.

[@liquidsolids9415]

Here's another video idea: "The alternate guitar tunings of Coldplay". A bunch of their songs use alternate tunings like this one. Thanks!

[@ChristopherRamirezCalif]

oh gosh, there's so many for them that have weird tunings. See You Soon, Yellow, Shiver, 42, Major Minus, U.F.O., Oceans (just to name a few)...

[@forceuser9356]

Such a revelation. I spent so many hours trying to pick out these guitar parts in standard tuning back in the day, no wonder I could never find it. I knew there must have been some alternate tuning happening but beyond my skill (and patience) to figure that out at the time.

[@pursharthchawla8306]

Loving the alternate tuning for guitars idea for a separate lengthy video!! Please do this one rick!! Loved this video, heard so much that completely escapes the ear otherwise. Those little piano changes and that low vocal blending in. Damn!!

[@mbcarlson]

Good call! The Parachutes album has some crazy cool tunings.

[@rwinter13rw]

they use EADGBD# quite a lot

[@Reepeet64]

Alot of people criticize Coldplay for making Vanilla music, and while their later stuff is not exactly the best, their first 3 albums really are special. Sometimes vanilla ice cream is exactly what you're craving. It may not be the most interesting, unique, or innovative, but dang is it good

[@sauron1427]

I feel like a lot of people forget that coldplay is part of the reason this type of song became "vanilla" in the first place

[@mightyV444]

Vanilla is my favourite ice cream flavour :-)) To me, they had reached their peak with the 'Viva La Vida' album; The singles from the follow-up album didn't really grab me and then they gradually vanished off my radar.

[@xavierlagore5569]

What does "vanilla" mean in this context?

[@danielmoura9421]

I think vanilla also serves as a metaphor for something that can be surprisingly deep and complex, although seemingly bland as we are overexposed to it.

[@pitpride1220]

I don't cry often. I'm also a music snob. This song gets me every single time. It just taps into some part of me.

[@pitpride1220]

@Rick O'Shea Yes yes, that is another one that gets me.

[@Otis790]

And “Lost”

[@chriscrocvlogs]

Same as me, it just instantly transports me back to a certain sad point in my life

[@tomseebold422]

4:54 for CMs solo vocal is out of this world. Just raw, melancholic anguish. Beautiful.

[@bullsquid42]

I'm not a musician, but I love hearing you talk about music. Your joy is incredibly contagious.

[@MrRadialdrift]

Their first two albums had something magic and refreshing from start to end. They have never reached the same quality since.

[@bojangles6444]

They have been reaching for quality but their arms are very short

[@davidlindmark7436]

That album came out when I was in a middle of a divorce. “Scientist” is forever engraved in those memories. Thank you for another great episode! 👍

[@whirle5939]

It's the perfect melancholic break-up song

[@willzay1954]

The album is beautiful... I love Warning sign

[@griffox]

That's why I only listen to music when I'm single. That way I never have memories of a bad relationship ruin an album for me. (Kidding, of course.)

[@jamesaaron7211]

Everyone I’ve ever heard that met him says he is bright, super chill and doesn’t take himself too seriously at all.

[@danegonzales5651]

It's because he most probably just is. Just a very cool guy who's not too full of himself. I'd love to meet Chris one day.

[@ClarkyGuitar]

He did a good cameo in Extras by Ricky Gervais. Worth watching if you haven't seen it.

[@johndef5075]

He does seem genuine.

[@MoPoppins]

I'm not really a fan of the music, but I like Chris Martin, the man. My only familiarity with him is from his appearance on James Corden's show, when they did Carpool Karaoke, and he was so sweet and funny. I think I saw him in an interview, and he had the same energy. Just a radiant, warm presence...he gives off positive vibes.

[@danielmoura9421]

Mo Poppins if you’re interested, watch some of his clips on the Graham Norton Show. He really seems to be such a great presence.

[@jeremyheartriter2.063]

"The Scientist" introduced me to Coldplay. As a kid I couldn't fully comprehend its meaning but it sounded amazing and then I realized it gave out that feeling of longing... I still listen to it. I agree that it's still one of the best.

[@chantellen1852]

I had the same experience with In My Place! I would hum it in the garden while I was playing on my scooter.

[@jeremyheartriter2.063]

@@chantellen1852 so glad to share similar experience 😊

[@jeffhirata]

Chris Martin has this ability to sound amazing yet use only a few select areas of mild vibrato. I think a lot of vocalists “need” vibrato to sound better. Chris does not. Great review Rick. Thx!!!

[@joelbennett9014]

there's nothing i hate more than some warbling pop turd singing an entire song with vibrato on every note to sound more "soulful" or flex their "r&b roots"...it sounds so trashy and dumb. yes, i'm talking about everyone that ever went on a televised singing competition in the universe. i better eat something, i'm getting angry for no reason.

[@schrire39]

I call it the “little boy lost” sound

[@RickydeCamargo]

There's so many second albums that was their best from various artists. What about an episode about it Rick ?

[@gcarlson]

Man that is a great idea. I have the same opinion on that and this album is a prime example.

[@climaxxfb3770]

There are a lot of good examples of this. Lots of fantastic debuts and some even greater second records once the band found their sound.

[@K2m2m2]

Oasis is a good example

[@escimojoe751]

this would be a great concept for a video... .they say the second album is the is the most accurate way to judge a bands songwriting ability

[@montlejohnbojangles8937]

Oh that's a -good- one.

[@tintoweno]

Warning Sign is the other great song from that album, love it.

[@ChrisCanMakeStuff]

Now do "Fix You", that song still gives me goose bumps years after hearing it for the first time.

[@thatellipsisguy8984]

Chris Brent it was always Clocks for me, until Fix You...

[@ecosound34]

I'd watch that video just to hear the stems of the vocal harmonies at the end. Really good stuff.

[@rmh032]

The backing vocals in the second verse elevate this to a level i can't really put into words

[@jerrylclement]

I’m not a coldplay fan, but this just changed my mind. I think I’ll listen to that album.

[@antonioleon3073]

You should listen their first lp too, parachute very recommended

[@weststandwailer9753]

At the time and with only the parachutes album to reference I saw them at Glastonbury (2002) and was blown away completely. Dumbstruck, at the new direction and the performance. Its an ace performance of a brilliant set of songs, check the Glasto 2002 performance on here and watch it in the context of the bedwetters reputation that coldplay had at the time. To be fair, this is the only album i can listen to from CP but what an album. Make sure you check the performance.

[@weststandwailer9753]

Just watching this back. Remembered how they seemed like a band with something to prove at the time.

[@indyinsc]

Not a Coldplay fan either but this record is A+ from start to finish.

[@mysticfellow9843]

@@indyinsc Can confirm from a Radiohead fan

[@jacobwaller8711]

I think someday by the strokes really deserves to be in this series, the melody is so pretty

[@danieldemoro2743]

Honestly that whole album could be a jumbo episode.

[@Blue94Jays]

This would get an immediate click from me

[@snapdragon9568]

@@Blue94Jays same

[@dariodzimbeg]

Most of the time i have no clue what you are talking about yet i still watch every episode. So mesmerising. 👍

[@thatellipsisguy8984]

Dario Džimbeg I have a reasonable idea. It still doesn’t help...

[@Spillly]

Me too.

[@fionafenner4582]

I also have no idea most of the time, and keep listening regardless! I do find, though, that the songs sound even better after listening to Rick - and I hear all sorts of things that I’d completely missed before. :)

[@mikemcf33]

this one I get. when he talks lydian and mixolianin I still listen, but...

[@essany]

For a long time I didn't like Coldplay. But then I realized he writes melodies that make me reflect on how sad I feel. Which is a what a good musician does. That's when I realized maybe I should probably like Coldplay.

[@sams8674]

He’s a truly gifted Melodist. Not a fashionable skill, or as dazzling as a virtuoso instrumentalist, but emotionally nothing beats a good melody.

[@darrylflynn1400]

There is so much heart and raw emotion in this song its hard not to connect in some way to it the first time i heard it i was blown away crushed and renewed all in one go and i new that this band was gonna be around for a long time

[@F4evrsoon]

I remember this song playing on the radio at my haircut appointment because my boyfriend and I had just broken up, and this song sounds just so sad, tears just streamed the whole time. But Rick’s breakdown makes this memory MUCH more interesting. 😁👍👍

[@ChristopherRamirezCalif]

FINALLY RICK DOES MY FAVORITE SONG Heard this song a thousand times, and Rick pointed out things I'd never noticed. Always wondered why I loved such a simple song so much. It's always more complex than it seems.

[@RC32Smiths01]

Coldplay is quite a modern icon in music of this age. Really grateful to this song in particular getting the WMTSG treatment!

[@zeromant80]

As a die hard Beatles fan, i kinda name them as some sort of "modern" beatles... those melodies make me feel sad, happy, angry and more... depending of the song obviously.

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@zeromant80 I could definitely see that.

[@pinkertonisbetterthanblue9096]

a rush of blood to the head is one of the greatest albums of all time.

[@valeriehilen2875]

I so agree. I love Coldplay is general, but ROBTTH is my go to album, the only one I never skip a song on.

[@adamogilvie8337]

Your comment is right and so is your name

[@Anoalekontrieger]

It's almost as good as the parachutes album hehe

[@dreadlockbanana]

It's like a psychedelic album for dads and none of the dads understand why they love it hahaha

[@YouCanCallMeXoe]

one thing I really love about this song is the vocal melody that gets added to the chorus after the first go-around. It's not super noticeable, but they're there, and they really add a lovely layer to the melody once you catch them.

[@Timmie1995]

I love how pure the vocals are on this record. Especially the imperfections make it even better, like the voice crack around 6:48 or the tone shift at 'easy' in the second chorus at 9:40.

[@shambhav9534]

It kind of gets annoying if you listen to it so damn many times like I have, lol. After a while, you do get used to it.

[@mileshi8721]

@@shambhav9534I disagree it's great

[@shambhav9534]

@@mileshi8721 You don't disagree. It's kind of hard to explain. Imagine someone you love is sweating. You love them, _because_ they sweat and are human, not stone. But at the end of the day, sweat is disgusting nonetheless.

[@jessekehoe4740]

Hey Rick love this series a lot. I would kill to see you dissect a tame impala song, he's definitely one of the top producers of the current music era and I'd love to see you break down some of the nuances.

[@HardwareG33k]

That would be great!

[@xPandaZ4]

Lamé impàlà

[@hunterdavis3003]

Yes!!! Still on track!! ,

[@travisshetler379]

Yesss

[@chasmaniacal]

You make me feel like I missed my calling by not being a musician. Really realizing how much depth of technique there is to music when I watch your videos. Thanks for the content!

[@gcarlson]

Not too late. Coldplay is a great place to start learning.

[@bullerfugl]

Music is universal and ageless, its never too late to enjoy playing or making music!

[@twitch043]

it's never too late! pick up an instrument and learn!

[@Timliu92]

It is never too late dude! Simply pick up an instrument and learn! Music is for everybody regardless of age or experience!

[@Derry_Aire]

What? Did you think playing the guitar or piano was as easy as playing the *triangle? Or a visit to the recording studio is as simple as turning on the mic, playing a few songs and it's all done by dinner time? These are honest questions as I can't understand how you didn't realise music - and the making of it - has great depth, technique and much much more. I'd have thought it was obvious. *Apologies to percussionists.

[@TheFallenColumn]

I'd love to see him tackle an ELO song, there are so many different components it'd probably be a half hour long

[@StoryeTime]

I second!

[@BD-me4nk]

Third!

[@doctordogtoffee3832]

Great idea

[@Yngsatchvai]

YES!!!

[@ozcxpilot]

For sure.

[@joshkye]

Incredible songwriting, they make it seem so easy and basic, however what they are able to capture is something not many can do. Love this band

[@maddys3955]

Love old Coldplay!!! Wish they would make more music like there early stuff

[@jardels.kennedy-jl5de]

Coloratura

[@migueldelmazo5244]

I never have any idea what you're talking about, but you say it so beautifully. Thanks for helping me know a little bit more than I did yesterday.

[@quikxfl]

This album runs the gamut of emotion, from heartbreak to elation to redemption. What a record.

[@forceuser9356]

Talk about “A Rush of Blood to the Head”. I was just out of University when this album was released and it injected itself into in my blood and my head and stayed for a long time. I struggled to find a word to describe the atmosphere of this album and I could only come up with “elegant”(?) The melodies and arrangements of these songs, with the air of reverb, I almost felt like I should be dressed formally while listening. Has there ever been such an, um, elegant sounding song of angst as “Politik” for instance? The songs on this record are just beautifully crafted and every single one can choke me up ... and “The Scientist” brings a lump to my throat before Chris even begins singing, every time. It was always one of my favs of this album, it is so achingly beautiful. Definitely their best work.

[@nickc6882]

Force User - timeless, effortless, simple... elegant. Just a great album.

[@noursarhan8695]

Totally agree with your sentiment. Ineffable, isn't it?

[@mrsasshole]

I have to confess as someone who is not a big fan of Coldplay's work after this album, I find myself getting that lump in my throat on several of the songs on A Rush of Blood to the Head as well. This is rather atypical for me with the exception of a few classical pieces. It's one of the most evocative albums I've ever heard. It's a bit more of a pop song, but "In My Place" has the same effect on me. (shout out to Rick, would love to see a WMTSG on In My Place if you're ever so inclined).

[@forceuser9356]

Mr. Sasshole Ditto. I did not purchase one other album of theirs after this one. As wonderful as this one is, I completely lost my connection to the band beyond this. I don’t know, I guess when you write songs this good, it’s hard to equal or top that work. There was some magic happening here that they could never recapture for me.

[@Yawnyaman]

Oddly, Coldplay took a while to grow on me, liked this album but found many songs a bit stodgy and repetitive. X and Y was more developed, Viva la Vida better yet, Mylo Xyloto to me demonstrated that brilliant pop is much harder to write and play than most rock. That was their peak imho until their latest, which shows that you get to a level and then you’re free to experiment.

[@courtney5614]

I've listened to this song thousands in my life and you've shown me small elements of the song I've never caught before. I have a new appreciation for the song and it feels like I'm hearing it for the very first time. Thank you, Rick.

[@MrTonyCresswell]

Me too Courtney......... As a guitar playing musician this was the first piano piece I ever played cos it was (and is) so simple, yet Rick in this video opened my eyes to so much more..... Like WOW?! Now I've discovered this take of it I'll have to go back in there and bring in all the little extra's he's underlined for us all. And like so many have already said Rick just oozes how much he loves music - full stop - and maybe never more so than in this totally wonderful song, through this video and description. GREAT STUFF and thank you!

[@hazmat317]

I absolutely love how Rick breaks down these songs note by note, phrase by phrase, and the changes & almost unrecognizable subtilties. It allows musicians to really figure out & master these classics. I wonder if the band musicians were this technical in creating these beauties or just played naturally as the spirit moved them? My guess is the latter but God Bless Rick for such detailed explanations. He is truly a musical master. His ear is unmatched.

[@kyleellenbogen8113]

I’ve heard Chris doesn’t really understand much when it comes to theory, so a lot of their melodies just come out naturally so to speak

[@augustofos1]

I love this song so much! I don't care what people say, A Rush of Blood To The Head is definitely one of the best albuns of the 2000's

[@jeremywilliams4763]

What I love about Coldplay and especially Chris Martin is the piano chord sequences. He often makes use of suspended chords that don't resolve in a traditional manner, and the voicings of the chords are usually quite interesting and rich sounding, most notably in the song Everglow. Rick Beato please do an analysis of Everglow😁

[@dulichion]

Parachutes and this album are damn near perfect records, amazing. Own both vinyls and listen to them often

[@martinnovales]

After 20 years of listening to this song, hearing the low vocal part in the outro has me shook. never knew that was there 🤯

[@H.I.A.Production]

There is some word painting there too, at the end of chorus he says "take me back to the start" (to the Dm7 which is the tonic).They knew what they were doing.

[@philuhhh]

Right! Sorry for being a smartass, but it actually resolves to a F, not Dm7. You never notice this, but there's a variation: All verses long, the progression is Dm7, Bb, F, *except* the two chords immediately after the chorus, at 1:53 and 3:43 (long version), when it's F, Bb, F. I guess they just simply couldn't resolve the tension of V to vi, and had to put the F in there. There's so many subtle variations in that song, many of which Rick hasn't mentioned, it is pretty fascinating to discover

[@bascurero]

I can't agree more about Rush of Blood to the Head being their best record. I used to listen to the whole album on repeat when I was a teenager.

[@Lobberzillo]

It is emotive. Lyrics, harmony, rhythm and the instruments, including the voice. I really miss songs like their first two albums and some on recent launches (like 'Atlas' or 'All I can think is about you').

[@stefansegi2540]

Indeed, D minor is the saddest of all keys. It makes people weep instantly.

[@donlopeaguirre112]

ha. well played.

[@Buk99]

Lick My Love Pump being the saddest ever song in that key.

[@ozfanatic4917]

I recently discovered Coldplay at 50th Super Bowl. I was so blown away by the music, that they have become one of my favorite groups. I was shocked to find out that they have been together forever. I have missing out for years.

[@parik.c]

There are so many things in the song that’s go unnoticed especially with the little things. Thanks for breaking down such a beautiful song! The tuning of electric guitar of Johnnys is phenomenal!

[@alphamarshan]

"My friend Leslie..." As in, Barnes, Leslie and Jimmy when they were on 99X? Hell yeah Rick!

[@12ealDealOfficial]

This comment brings back so many memories of working in ATL back in the 00s.

[@eddieroberts8918]

99x in the 90’s and early 2000’s was amazing

[@chriskeiser5809]

They started a morning X podcast this year, but Jimmy bailed after a few episodes, and it’s down to Barnes, Leslie, and some other guy.

[@stevefrick8423]

That station was amazing! Their Unplugged CD's, remember CD's? were a yearly treat.

[@mitchellhughes5180]

Yes, Leslie Framm. She’s in Nashville now. I saw her in an episode of Samantha Bee’s show about women in country music.

[@jasonlieberman4606]

I've never been into Coldplay but I've loved this song ever since I just happened to catch it premiere on MTV... a while ago, at least from the perspective of a now-30-something ;) but for how little i took interest in pop or mainstream rock from that time, this is one I've always had to give it up for. stellar, masterful tune.

[@brettstepto6113]

Coldplay’s best song. Genius writing

[@TheUnmitigatedDawn]

Best seatbelt PSA ever

[@prometheustv6558]

Brett Stepto Clocks is better imo

[@gcarlson]

My personal favorite too. Love love love the video...

[@septemberkidzzz]

I'm not a scholar, but the most beautiful part of this song, to me, is the fact that they had EVERY reason to turn this into a 4-chord song. They could easily have made a "Save Tonight", but they stayed on the F in the bass for the last bar. I'm sure this makes little sense to anyone reading it, but maybe you know what I mean Rick?

[@edwardSteadyHands]

Strawberry Swings is also a beautiful yet underrrated song

[@sembilantujuhtiga2373]

very true

[@FroznColors]

I'VE HEARD THIS SONG A 100 TIMES BEFORE. i've NEVER noticed those subtle piano changes. AS ONE OF MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE SONGS, I'M TOO EXCITED

[@deaneautheuxgonzeaux]

A Rush of Blood is peak Coldplay. That album's just divine. Sure, it sounds dark and maaaaaaaaaaaybe Radiohead lite but it's a tense and dark and brooding from start to finish.

[@gfmgma]

Parachutes and A Rush of Blood are truly masterpieces

[@ibpiano5520]

One of the best songs ever written.

[@ananavarro8709]

I learn so much from this video. The voice of Chris Mrtin is harmonic and the great voice. The arrengements in this song, guitar, bass and drums are that make this song really special song.

[@mtadd]

This record never gets old. Thanks for the breakdown on what makes this song great. The other song you mentioned off this album, Amsterdam, plays by the same rules as this song, only the layering is more pronounced, and the emotions are more raw. I like that Amsterdam goes more extreme with the rock towards the end too. Thanks Rick.

[@joeyjoe-joejr.shabadoo9448]

Man, this content is absolutely amazing...I really can’t adequately express how incredibly valuable this is from an educational perspective. Thank you for putting out all of your content, it has seriously helped me with my guitar playing and music theory.

[@yearnpill]

Coldplay’s first 2 albums are fantastic, can’t say I enjoyed anything after XY unfortunately but talented dudes nonetheless

[@FroznColors]

listen to Everyday Life. as an album.

[@prometheustv6558]

REVERIES. Viva La Vida and Death And All His Friends is really great.

[@ala0284]

Everyday Life is a bit of a return back to original type, with a bit more of a modern, political edge to it. Some parallels with AROBTTH. Personally, I like everything they’ve done but I can see why some people don’t

[@montlejohnbojangles8937]

Viva la Vida was pretty fantastic actually, definitely more experimental for them but in a good way. Amazing production too. I haven't really found myself getting into anything after that, but I might just not be in the right headspace.

[@davidlindmark7436]

I’m with you there REVERIES. Parachutes and A rush of blood were great. XY had some merits but after that I’ve lost them.

[@fhowland]

I love Coldplay. Never understood why some people sneer at them. Rush of Blood to the Head is an absolute masterpiece.

[@ashleycmusic]

I so love these song dissects. Thank you!

[@guillermodelnoche]

Would love to see Radiohead’s Optimistic. Awesome as always Rick!

[@12ealDealOfficial]

The live version that dropped before the album is incredible.

[@EB-bl6cc]

Yeah he's only done Paranoid Android so far I believe, a shame, we definitely need more

[@DanManDJ]

Radiohead are savage blockers

[@maryvallas772]

I saw their Head Full of Dreams tour at Gillett Stadium, it was hands down the funnest concert I have ever attended. They gave us all LED wrist bands that were synched to the music and it made everyone feel a part of the show. The energy was amazing! They are also really funny! Love them!

[@lelandbobpalmer]

My favorite Coldplay track - especially because of all that "chord magic" and those wise choices of harmony, which just makes it so interesting, dreamy and "full sounding"! Remember listening to it without people knowing about it, because I was a 16 year old metal head at the time and listening to Coldplay was NOT considered cool :-) It was my transitional phase from metal into "alternative" music (though Coldplay I do not consider alternative) and really starting to wanting to unlock the mystery great record/music production. Remember trying to learn it on the piano an realizing that I couldn't play along to it! GREAT GREAT SONG...can't watch the video because of salt water in my tear canal! Thanks for this video, Rick!

[@mnelson56]

Sorry, this comment is not related to Coldplay, but check out "Saltwater" by Julian Lennon.

[@austinvermillion5727]

How are the first 4 albums not alternative?

[@delfinodelfino]

17:39 [Music] It's it's a sounds like an orchestra, I mean it's absolutely beautiful

[@stewartcohen7683]

Love this song, and glad to learn more about it. That wavering guitar bend is very much the sound of sobbing, and how many women sound in labor-the breakthrough of emotion. What makes any song truly great is how it communicates it's message--here, one of loss and grief and the pain of being human, and the shortfall of science to capture that. Beautiful.

[@HarisIllahi]

"Oooooo" Chris Martin voices part is just extremely goosebumps!

[@marccartledge2752]

It’s such a simple melody but it’s a hauntingly beautiful track and the production is sublime

[@danegonzales5651]

Thank you for covering Coldplay twice (and perhaps many more)! I love their music and I just don't understand why die-hard rock fans like to hate on them. Yes they're not "cool" per se but their music serves a different purpose, which for me let me understand sadness, grief, and joy in a different way.

[@jimmycampbell78]

It’s because for some listeners their music is dreary and their songs uninteresting. Their songs don’t have the emotional impact on me that they do on other people. Musically, I find them very uninteresting. I think people maybe like Chris Martin’s vocals for the emotion, I am not sure what it is but its not for me. I explained elsewhere that I bought the first album “Parachutes” because other people I knew thought it was brilliant, they recommended it to me, and it just left me very disappointed. I tried to get into them. I never heard anything that made me want to listen to them or buy their music again, including this song. But I enjoy Radiohead and Muse, for example. Its not an issue of “I’m too cool to like Coldplay” because they’re popular. I just think they are really fucking dull and middle of the road! This is the dullest WMTSG that Rick Beato has ever done.

[@jimmycampbell78]

One last thought, I guess a lot of people just really like someone singing in a slow melancholy way over a few piano parts and repetitive guitar strumming. I wait for the hooks that never seem to come.

[@dbefore7165]

Bono: “Chris Martin is a cretin but also a great melodist and up there with Ray Davis, Noel Gallagher and Paul McCartney.”

[@NuVibes.]

@@dbefore7165 Bono calling someone else a cretin.. the irony.

[@danegonzales5651]

@@jimmycampbell78 I guess I understand where you're coming from. You laid down good points. You're right, their music impacts people differently, I'm one of those that got hooked and you're one of those that just didn't get interested. Either way Rick loves their second album which he thinks is a great album and I agree with him.

[@aletorriggino]

They always had a great melodic sense, specially those first records. Thanks for the video Rick!

[@KeithKong973]

Coldplay is the best sounding band ive ever seen live and ive been to a lot of concerts. Coldplay just has such a beautiful sound live. Ive never experienced something like that ever before. If you have never been to a Coldplay concert you definitely need to go to one. they are amazing.

[@DonBolas00]

those vocals are just amazing. Geeezzzz

[@avedic]

I'm glad people have finally come around to realizing Coldplay are an objectively great band. Their first 4 records are excellent. And I even really like the Mylo album. They aren't, and never were, trying to be some arty obscure band. They clearly were aspirational and going big from the get go. And what's so wrong with wanting to go for that? But the music itself IS great. I can write a list of 10 Coldplay songs that are genuinely perfect pop rock. Now....Nickelback? Yeah, they deserve the sneers and cheap shots. It's paint by numbers rawk that caters to people who aren't that into music, but want something to listen to while driving to work. And yeah, they're very good at THAT. But it does absolutely nothing for me. Nickelback could never write a song like Strawberry Swing or Trouble or Shiver or Charlie Brown or The Scientist. But Coldplay are kinda masters at writing that sort of massive arena pop rock....that is still intimate and real and beautiful. So yeah....I've always liked em. And I'm glad people have finally stopped using them as a mere punchline. Took a while though.... Although....sadly, their recent stuff is pretty lukewarm imo. Oh well...no one can be great forever. Except Deftones....somehow.

[@dalekay9ine]

Hell yeah! Deftones have been my absolute favorite band since I was 12 and I’m 35 now! Can’t wait for the 9th album!!!!

[@Nedmac320]

I’ve been obsessed with strawberry swing and Charlie Brown for the longest time.

[@BookofProverbs]

I agreed until the nickelback comments smh

[@andrewmarinelly5838]

I almost never look to play a coldplay song but this song and yellow I would never complain or turn off. The band is great and Chris is a great musician but not something I personally love.

[@munizdaniel7]

I personally think that Ghost Stories is Parachutes' more emotive cousin, which is a great thing! And Everyday Life is a great album that forces people to think about ways to help heal this very fucked up world we have created for ourselves; Politik would feel right at home here.

[@RockyHellers]

Warning Sign, from their golden album, A rush of blood to the head, is by far their musical masterpiece.

[@yazinuwa0123]

i love it ❤

[@nakulsprakash1640]

I used to hate Coldplay because I was a rock/metal purist idiot for a long time. Got my heart broken, listened to this song and man it fkn makes you cry. Amazing songwriters and a fabulous band.

[@PorcelainLeigh]

Half the pleasure of seeing your content is hearing you play along with these iconic hits. My Dad had his master's in music. He would have loved watching you as much as I do.

[@BubblegumDog_]

The Scientist is up there among the best. Probably my favorite song of all time.

[@hugopena7140]

You are the biggest music genius i know, please dont stop, you inspire many peolple on making actual good music

[@thatellipsisguy8984]

Hugo Peña and also the biggest fan...

[@JukeboxJack055]

I was dying to watch a new Coldplay episode, thank you Rick ! Now, as a huge huge CP fan, I can understand why people began to hate their late work (from Viva la Vida I guess) because of how different they started to sound, but this video clearly demonstrates how you just cannot deny their early stuff, especially this album, which is to me one of the best album of the 2 last decades. They were just so inspired at the time... It is great to see that a lot of people acknowledges this :)

[@kimemia_maina]

I love how Will Champion doubles up the kick on the latter part of the drum pattern so it has 'heart beat' vibes...

[@nielsendc1]

Your passion and enthusiasm is infectious. I know absolutely nothing about music theory, I’m just a fan of Coldplay. And I found this entire video so fascinating, gaining a new appreciation for production and music theory, and an even greater appreciation for this masterpiece. Thank you!