That’s the joy of new music. A sense of discovery and a sense of anticipation as you wait for more. 

And then, a few months later, as “Shiver” was still in heavy rotation in my home, came the song that placed them on the map, the romantic lament of “Yellow.” The single would transform the band from being a little-known gem to launching them onto the world stage. With its soft lilting arrangement, “Yellow” wrapped its arms around the world and the world hugged back. Lyrically obtuse yet somehow universal, it captures the experience of love and longing. “Yellow” was the perfect song for a hopeful new millennium filled with openness and optimism.

With the arrival of Parachutes on July 10, 2000, the promise of “Shiver” and “Yellow” was further expanded on with a collection of songs that introduced a band finding their feet. 

Yes, there were moments that traced hints of inspiration such as the nods to Jeff Buckley in the indie-rock of “High Speed”  and “Shiver,” but they were more than just carbon copies. Where the influence was obvious, Coldplay still managed to make it a launching off point and reshape it into their own making.