Magic

I finally got a chance to hear Magic, and all I can say is that this is shaping up to be extremely different from any other Coldplay album to date. Not sure how I feel about the song so far (only had one listen), but I could definitely seeing myself liking it, even if it's not as immediately great as some of their other songs. That might be a theme with this album, as I felt the same about Midnight. The instrumentation is great, especially the bass. I've read some people say it's a little Damon Albarn-esque and I agree. Not sure how I feel about the electronic drum though. It's a minor critique but when the basses are too high on those it kind of bothers me and distracts from the song a little, but I'll probably get used to it.

It's interesting that "Ghost Stories" is only going to have 9 tracks. I thought MX was a little too short and I hope this album isn't. I personally hope we get some longer 2-in-1 songs like we had on Viva but who knows.

The band also seem really different so far this era, besides just musically. They actually seem more laid back with out any "uniform" and just springing these songs on us with little warning or prior media build up. Also, unless I'm missing something there's no color song on this album. So far, what we've heard so far is a mix of going back to their roots and going off of the electronic sounds they experimented with on MX. Magic seems to be reminiscent of Parachutes alternative tendencies, while also bearing a strong pop feel like that of MX.

So yeah, That's what I think so far. Definitely looking forward to this album

I love the album name and the artworks look absolutely epic! Probably the best they've done since rush of blood! The whole album reveal was the exact opposite of MX and I'm loving it!

Now onto Magic. After Midnight I had different expectations and after a lot of listens I still prefer Midnight. BUT, production wise, Magic is exactly what I was hoping for in that they've kept it minimal. Guy's bass is epic and dominant during the whole song and Chris's voice is just right. However, every time Jonny comes in with his heavenly guitar, and I mean the kind that sends shivers down your spine, he is cut too short! So all in all I hate some parts about it but love the rest. I can't give it a rating yet.

By the way 03:04 to 03:10 sounds really familiar and I'm positive the melody is borrowed from another song I just can't remember what song!

I totally agree with you
I had the same track on my mind when I listened to it first. But since it´s a song I really like, I won´t complain. ^^

I like the track musically, but as others have already pointed out, the lyrics are not the greatest and have been better in the past. However, considering that this track is basically aimed at the audience who is listening to chart music, it might not have been a bad idea to drop a single like that. Let´s not forget about the "ambitious" para para, paradise whohohohohohoho ^^ I think Magic is at least better than Paradise

Speaking about Mylo Xyloto: that part in Magic (2:55 minutes) don´t you think it sounds exactly as the ending of Hurts Like Heaven?

I think the balls have Magically disappeared over the weekend.

Seriously though, the song is underwhelming to me. The lyrics are unoriginal and kind of childish. They annoy me. The song itself would go unnoticed amongst standard radio stuff if I didn't realise it was Coldplay.

However, there might be a pair of tiny balls in the fact that it's not a bombastic anthem, but more of a mellow song. Bombastic would have been the easy way. This is a step away from that and in that sense a step forward. The lyrics aren't though. I honestly can't believe they'd still write lyrics like these.

^Agreed.

I like it.
Actually, I like the lyrics, I like the base [Guy you have no idea of how much I'm loving you these days] but together...well...I like both less.
Maybe I'm just strange.
I liked Midnight more [but I adored it from the first moment so...].
This is more pop but definitely better than most of MX's songs. It's already stuck in my head, thing that didn't happen with Midnight but I think it's normal, how many of you said, Magic is more catchy.
I really like it but if I have to choose, Midnight is the way I'd like them to follow.

EDIT: Oh I I read just now all the complaining about the lyrics.
Guys they are not the best ever, this is true but from my point of view most of the MX's lyrics were just terrible, Magic is like high poetry compared to them. I personally HATE thinking about a grown man like Chris writing and singing Charlie Brown, really, I'm not over it yet.