Coldplay’s long-awaited 10th studio album, Moon Music, released on Friday, promises cosmic ambition but delivers little more than a forgettable journey through space. As a sequel to 2021’s Music of the Spheres, this 44-minute LP falls short of Coldplay’s earlier works, marked by an underdeveloped concept and lackluster execution. Recorded during their massive $1 billion Music of the Spheres tour, Moon Music appears distracted and lacks the energy that once defined the band’s sound. The album’s sporadic high points, like “GOOD FEELiNGS” with Ayra Starr, offer a glimpse of potential, but they are overshadowed by repetitive and uninspired instrumentals and lyrics.
The singles that preceded the album – “feelslikeimfallinginlove” and “WE PRAY” – failed to capture attention or deliver the anthemic power Coldplay is known for. “feelslikeimfallinginlove” suffers from awkward lyrical delivery and unmemorable melodies, despite the involvement of Apple Martin, daughter of frontman Chris Martin. Meanwhile, “WE PRAY,” featuring stars like Little Simz and Burna Boy, falls victim to overcrowded production, leaving listeners feeling disconnected from what could have been a global anthem.
While Coldplay’s collaborations with prominent artists from various genres, including Afrobeats and hip-hop, inject fresh energy into the record, the overall offering lacks the depth and emotional impact of their earlier albums such as Parachutes or A Rush of Blood to the Head. Despite the grand vision and talent behind it, Moon Music feels like background noise rather than a significant musical statement. As Coldplay gears up for more live performances, it’s clear the stage, with its dazzling lights and larger-than-life sets, is where these new tracks might finally come to life – but on record, the band remains grounded.