Viva La Vida by Coldplay: My First Listen

It's always nice to be able to look forward to the first listen of a record. Thankfully I've managed to avoid most leaks of the new Coldplay album and so am hearing the album as it was intended. That's often the best way but not so easy nowadays. So first thoughts after 3 plays on loop?

• It's not as high concept as X&Y which may disappoint some fans. I think the change to a more stringsy, folk sound is required if still a little safe.
  
• Chris Martin is still obsessed with planets and the sea. Someone buy that man an atlas.
• Lost is the most obvious stadium-sing-a-long track on the album. The band know their bread and butter.
• There are huge similarities with Simple Minds circa late 1980s from albums such as Street Fighting Years and Real Life. That's no bad thing by the way, just expect a song soon about a jailed activist.
• The band have also been listening to Blur's Think Tank.
• It will sell bucket loads but will not be recalled as their best album.

There you go pop pickers...