SAM Where to go from a multi-million selling debut album? This album is quite a step forward from the understated, fragile beauty of 'Parachutes'. The naivety of the first album has been replaced by a bolder and more confident Coldplay, who now, half-jokingly.

Pronounce themselves "the greatest band of all time". And on the evidence from a handful of songs from this album it's hard to disagree. 'In My Place' is the most "commercial" moment in the album, with its nagging guitar riff, but it is none the worse for it and surely is destined to be this albums 'Yellow'. 'The Scientist' is a slow building lighters-in-the-air song about loves and regrets. The hauntingly windswept 'Clocks' is another stand-out track. We all knew Coldplay can write superb guitar-based "pop" songs with the best of them, but 'Politik' is a song which makes you sit up and really appreciate how far this band have come. The pounding opening slowly melts into a majestic strings section "give me love over, love over this"...for anyone who saw them perform this at the Grammy's or have seen them live will agree, Coldplay have never sounded this awe-inspiring.

This is not to say this album isn't without its faults. Possibly not as consistent, stylistically, as the first, some people may find this a good thing, I'm not too sure. Its only when Coldplay stray too far away from their musical roots that they run into trouble, 'Green Eyes' is a country-tinged strummer which isn't a bad song, per say, just a little...dull. 'Daylight' is marginally better but not a patch on what's gone before. Where others have fallen by the way-side trying to follow up a commercially successful album (Travis, Linkin Park etc) Coldplay have over-come this hurdle with ease. The sky's the limit from here on in, roll on album three...

²Turn It Up Track: 'The Scientist'
²Turn It Off Track: 'Green Eyes'

Album rating: 9/10 «««««««««

DAZZA The best band out there at the moment in my opinion! Chris Martin is the best lead singer because he has a really good voice which the songs are built around. Their stage shows are supposed to be amazing! They are masters at writing top sing-along tunes.

Including songs like 'The Scientist' and 'In My Place', which are loved the world over, as well as other really good tunes such as 'Clocks' and 'God Put A Smile Upon My Face'! Overall most of the songs on this album are, in fact, really uplifting sing-along tunes, which are the dogs bo****ks in my opinion. Some of them hold their own whilst others are good, but not as good as the above tracks. If there is one album you should have in your collection then this should be it!

²Turn It Up Track: 'In My Place'
²Turn It Off Track: 'Green Eyes'

Album rating: 7.5/10 «««««««½

HUMMY There’s no band around quite like Coldplay and in their niche they are without doubt the greatest the genre has to offer, this album is testament to that fact. Their broad appeal further demonstrates how Chris Martin’s unique vocal talents and ability to string notes together strikes a chord in everyone’s heart.

This album is a slightly more mature affair, with some braves steps and new directions, ‘In My Place’ perhaps a sign of where they might be heading, if another album were to be produced. You’ll find yourself fully immersed in Coldplay’s world, with subtle haunting ballads to symphonies of noise. Although I’m slightly despondent to this genre, Coldplay certainly open up doors for other talented bands to follow in their footsteps, bringing guitars to the greater public and anything that does this must be applauded.

²Turn It Up Track: 'In My Place'
²Turn It Off Track: 'Green Eyes'

Album rating: 9/10 «««««««««