The X&Y album was created during a difficult period for the band: the departure of creative director Phil Harvey, the abandonment of original producer Ken Nelson, numerous discarded tracks, and a shift in creative atmosphere. Ultimately, Coldplay chose a new producer, Danton Supple, with whom they shaped a more expansive sound, filled with electronic layers and the ambiance of large halls.
The album cover is a design flourish: a combination of colored blocks that form the name "X&Y" in Bode code.
Coldplay was formed in 1998 in London (University College) by members Chris Martin (vocals, piano), Jonny Buckland (guitar), Guy Berryman (bass), and Will Champion (drums). Before signing with Parlophone, the band had already hit the UK Top 100 with the single "Brothers & Sisters" (independent label Fierce Panda).
The album X&Y was a huge commercial success: it topped the charts in over 30 countries and had sold over 13 million copies by the end of 2012.
Tracklist:
- A1 Square One – 4:47
- A2 What If – 4:57
- A3 White Shadows – 5:28
- B1 Fix You – 4:55
- B2 Talk – 5:11
- B3 X&Y – 4:34
- C1 Speed of Sound – 4:48
- C2 A Message – 4:45
- C3 Low – 5:32
- D1 The Hardest Part – 4:23
- D2 Swallowed in the Sea – 3:59
- D3 Twisted Logic – 4:32
- D4 Til Kingdom Come – 4:11
