It's been nearly a year now since X&Y came out. Looking back, I'd say it definitely rates as their third best album. After having listened back to Parachutes and A Rush of Blood…, it seems as though they have become rather predictable. Those first two albums were quite different from each other in comparison, while X&Y simply adds a few 80s-ish electronic textures to the mix. The main problem is the lyrics. Chris Martin is trying to be all things to all people. Too many cliches and generic positivity. I still like the album well enough, and will continue to listen to it I'm sure, but it is mildy disappointing. The music sounds pleasant throughout, but maybe too much so. Maybe next time they can take a few more chances. I'm not giving up on them yet. Besides, Mr. Martin has good taste in music (Radiohead, Arcade Fire, Sigur Ros, etc.).

Agreed. I listen to Parachutes almost daily. X & Y refers to 2 variables in a regression equation, and this album is unfortunately a regression from earlier works.

The music is passable, but those retarded lyrics have to go. I actually laughed while listening to a few songs. They're going to have to find a lyricist for me to take them seriously. Bennie Taupin is free, right?

That's the "they're the next U2" part that annoys me most, is that Chris Martin cannot write lyrics. At least, in the early days, Bono could pen some meaningful lyrics (not counting the last ten years, of course). And to compare Coldplay to Radiohead? Even in his early days, Thommy boy wasn't writing Hallmark inspired cliches like Chris Martin.