Moon Music by Coldplay (album)
Bibliographic Information
Title: Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Copyright Date: October 2, 2024
Record Label: Parlophone Records Limited (U.K.) & Atlantic Records (U.S.)
Album Length: 11 songs, 44 minutes
Genre/Format
Alternative, Pop-Rock/ Album
Interest Level
There isn’t an age rating associated with this album, however there aren’t any songs with explicit language. This album is number one on Billboard200 this week, and appeals to a wide age range audience, including teens.
Awards or Honors
Billboard 200 awarded the album their highest-ranking debut award.
Album Description
The album has ten songs and opens with MOON MUSIC, which feels like movie music for a scene where the astronauts in Apollo 11 finally realize they are going to make it back to Earth. It’s very cinematic and continues to build in positive feelings until Chris Martin sings about trying to get better and “trust in a world full of love.” The songs move between ethereal and upbeat.
Other songs include feelslikeimfallinginlove, WE PRAY (video below), GOOD FEELINGS, a title without text- just a rainbow emoji, JUPiTER, iAAM, AETERNA, ALL OF MY LOVE, and ONE WORLD.
JUPiTER feels like it is about a young adult struggling to find their identity and place in the world, but gives hope to the listener.
Artist Background
Coldplay is a British rock band that formed in 1998. It consists of Chris Martin (lead vocals and piano), Jonny Buckland (guitar), Guy Berryman (bass), and Will Champion (guitar and drums). They have ten albums. They have won three Grammy Awards for their music. They are currently doing a world tour, Music of Spheres (Coldplay, n.d.a.).
Critical Evaluation
I hadn’t heard any of these songs, and I’m not sure I’ve consciously chosen to listen to seek out their music since high school when I was obsessed with Parachutes (2000). I found myself enjoying most of the songs on the album. It felt somewhere in between pop-rock, folk, and alternative, with some electronic beats mixed in.
I listened to the album a few times to really get a feel for it, and skipped through a few songs that I didn’t love by the third listen, but overall I thought it left me in a better mood than I was when the album started, and I will definitely add a few of the songs to my play lists.
I loved WE PRAY - the beat, the violin, the mix of voices, and the lyrics (even though I’m agnostic).
I also loved JUPiTER - about a girl named Jupiter who is struggling for acceptance - which so many teens also struggle with - and an ultimate message to never give up.
Creative Use for a Library Program
The lyrics in this album exude positivity and stretch consciousness. Invite teens to use a makerspace to write their own songs that feature positive messages.
Speed-Round Talk
Travel through the Cosmos with Coldplay in their 10th album with upbeat and positive vibes.
Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation
There aren’t any explicit songs. I’m not sure why this would be challenged.
Reason for Inclusion
This album will likely appeal to many young adults with its message of positivity, hope, and love.
References
Billboard 200. (2024, Week of October 19). Billboard 200. Retrieved October 20, 2024 from https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/
Coldplay. (n.d.a.). https://www.coldplay.com
Coldplay. (n.d.b.). Coldplay [photograph]. Apple Music. .https://music.apple.com/us/artist/coldplay/471744
Coldplay. (2024). Moon music [Album]. Parlophone.
Coldplay [@Coldplay]. (2024, October 3). JUPiTER (Official lyric visualizer) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07Pmjxhuo4k&list=PLsvoYlzBrLFD2SjOINQp3qIJOOrfUGc3A&index=18
Coldplay [@Coldplay]. (2024, September 21). Coldplay, Elyanna, Little Simz, Burna Boy, TINI (Elyanna version) (Official) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZRevp5HlE4
*Cover Image is property of Coldplay; taken from Apple Music.