Song List
The greatest Coldplay songs of the past 25 years
Shiver
"Shiver" is a song by British rock band Coldplay, which appeared on the band's debut album Parachutes (2000) and was released as the album's lead single in the United Kingdom and second single in the United States following "Yellow". As a single, it reached number 35 on the UK Singles Chart, number 26 on the US. Martin allegedly wrote the song about Australian singer-songwriter Natalie Imbruglia, a woman he was romantically linked with at the time (a claim he denies).
Magic
"Magic" was the lead single from Coldplay's sixth studio album, Ghost Stories (2014). It was a return to form for the band and charted at #14 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Don't Panic
"Don't Panic" is an audience favorite from Coldplay's debut album Parachutes (2000).
Yellow
"Yellow" was the 2nd UK single off of Parachutes (2000) and reached #4 on the UK Singles Chart, giving Coldplay their first top-five hit. It was Coldplay's breakthrough hit internationally, reaching number one in Iceland, number five in Australia, number nine in Ireland, and number 48 in the United States. "Yellow" became Coldplay’s breakthrough hit and remains one of the band's most popular songs.
A Head Full of Dreams
A Head Full of Dreams was a commercial juggernaut, topping the UK Albums Chart and peaking at number two in the United States, Australia, Canada, and Italy, where it was held off the top spot by Adele's 25.
Fun (Feat. Tove Lo)
An audience favorite and a beautiful duet between Chris Martin and Tove Lo (Habits). Peaked at #28 in the US.
Hurts Like Heaven
Charted at #27 in the United States, this was the final single released off Mylo Xyloto. It showcased a new and more colorful side to Coldplay.
What If
An audience favorite during Coldplay's tour of X&Y. This song starts slow and melancholic and crescendos into an explosion of sound.
In My Place
Released on August 5th, 2002, as the lead single from A Rush of Blood to the Head, and reached number two on the UK Singles Chart. The song also reached number 17 on Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks.
"In My Place" was well received by critics, who complimented its arrangement and profound lyrics.
Clocks
"Clocks" is considered to be one of Coldplay's signature songs and is often ranked among the greatest songs of the 2000s and of all time. Although it only placed in the top 30 upon release it's staying power is unrivaled.
Viva la Vida
Debuting to critical acclaim and commercial success, "Viva la Vida" reached the top spot of the UK Singles Chart and Billboard Hot 100, becoming the band's first number-one single in both the U.S. and U.K. The song also won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards in 2009.
Midnight
"Midnight" received generally positive reviews from critics, who noted a change in the sound of the band and drew comparisons to Bon Iver and Justin Vernon. Al Horner of NME approved of the band's new musical direction and lauded the song as a "dive into icy electronic experimentalism".
Paradise
"Paradise" entered the UK Singles Chart at #14 before taking the #1 spot in its tenth week, becoming the band's second number-one single after "Viva la Vida" in 2008. It charted at #15 in the US.
Princess of China
"Princess of China" is a duet recorded by Coldplay and Barbadian singer Rihanna for Coldplay's fifth studio album Mylo Xyloto. It peaked at #4 in the UK and #20 in the US.
The Scientist
The second single from A Rush of Blood to the Head, "The Scientist," reached #10 on the UK Charts. It was the third single in the US and reached #18 on the US Billboard.
Low
A standout track from X&Y (although not released as a single). This a phenomenal song to experience live.
Green Eyes
Chris Martin wrote “Green Eyes” as a ballad for a former girlfriend who, obviously, had green eyes.
Speed of Sound
Built around a piano and guitar riff, the song peaks into a huge, synthesizer-heavy chorus. It was released by Parlophone as the lead single from the album. "Speed of Sound". It charted at #2 in the UK and #8 in the US.
Every Tear Drop is a Waterfall
The lead single off of Mylo Xyloto. "ETDIAW" debuted at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, selling 85,000 copies in its first week before climbing to its peak of number 14. On the UK Singles Chart, the song peaked at number 6.
Major Minus
Coldplay described "Major Minus" as "an ominous, thundering beast of a song with rattling guitars, potent (and rare) Buckland solos and restless, shifting musical patterns". Charted at #92 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Sparks
"Sparks" has been ranked among Coldplay's best works by Billboard and Consequence. The former also included the song on their "40 Best Deep Cuts of 2000" list, pointing out that it contains "many of the touchstones that would become synonymous with the British rock band in the ensuing decades", from the hopeless romanticism of the lyrics to the use of interjections. The song experienced a resurgence on the charts in the 2020s after going viral on TikTok.
Charlie Brown
Despite the name, the lyrics have no relation to the Peanuts franchise whatsoever.
Sky Full of Stars
The band co-wrote and co-produced the song with Avicii (RIP). It charted at #9 in the UK and #10 in the US.
Adventure of a Lifetime
The lead single off of the album "A Head Full of Dreams", it reached number seven on the UK Singles Chart and number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Something Just Like This
Released as a collaboration with American electronic music duo the Chainsmokers, the song charted in the top 10 in over 30 countries and is the top streamed song (by Coldplay) globally on Spotify.
Up & Up
The third single off of the record "A Head Full of Dreams". A great way to close out a concert and an uplifting song that warms the heart.
Fix You
The second single from X&Y, it reached number 4 on the UK Singles Chart. The song reached number 18 in the United States.
Chris Martin wrote the song for his ex-wife, Gwenyth Paltrow, after the death of her father.
Another's Arms
"Another's Arms" features an arrangement of guitars, strings, "whooshing keys", "stuttering drums", a "female specter" that "croons in and out of focus", and Chris Martin's lead vocals. The song contains a vocal sample from "Silver Chord" by Jane Weaver.
O
Standout track from the Ghost Stories album; its haunting melodies will bring tears to your eyes.
Always in my Head
"I think of you... I haven't slept... and so my mouth waters, to be fed... and you're always in my head."
A haunting song about Chris Martin's divorce from his ex-wife, Gwentyh Platrow.
Everglow
Features uncredited vocals by Gwyneth Paltrow, who at the time was married to Chris Martin, despite their separation being announced in 2014.
Charted at #52 in the UK, but #8 on the US rock charts.
We Never Change
The 9th track from the debut Parachutes (2000) album. Introspective and melancholic, it follows someone who seeks happiness and positive change but succumbs to the idea that "we never change."
Atlas
"Atlas" charted in 16 countries and reached the top ten positions in three of them. It received positive reviews from music critics, winning the Hollywood Song Award at the 17th Hollywood Film Awards, and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media and a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.
A Message
The last song written for the album X&Y. Chris Martin wrote the song while he was naked.
"I did write it naked, yeah. I wrote it on a guitar, sitting on a sofa. [...] In the middle of the night, I thought I was either going to be sick or go write that song. So the song just came up, then I went back to bed.
Trouble
Our namesake and perhaps our favorite song off of the album Parachutes (2000). It peaked at #10 in the UK and #4 in the US.
Violet Hill
"Violet Hill" is the first anti-war protest song from the group. The single was received with positive reviews from critics and was released worldwide as the lead single from Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends.
Higher Power
Nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards. Charted at #12 in the UK and #53 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
My Universe
Collaboration with South Korean pop group BTS. This single is the first track by two co-billed lead groups to top the list and the first song by a British group to debut at number one in Billboard Hot 100 history.