Coldplay

“Mylo Xyloto”

(Parlophone)

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Even though it seems as if the hype around “Viva la Vida” recently died down, Coldplay is back with a new album “Mylo Xyloto.”

As with most Coldplay songs, I didn’t expect to understand what the lyrics mean or why a five-minute instrumental is necessary, but I was pleasantly surprised with “Mylo Xyloto.”

The psychedelic cover artwork had me ready for some unintelligible mumbles and jumbled melodies, but the lyrics were insightful and clear on most tracks.

The band released its single, “Paradise,” before the album, and it is one of my favorites. The music video consists of the band in elephant costumes, a unicycle and a subway. Need I say more?

As for the title track, “Mylo Xyloto,” I was unimpressed. I expected to learn more about the strange name choice from the lyrics, but the track was less than a minute long and instrumental. It left me confused and pushing the skip button on my iPhone every time it came up.

Still, the band redeemed itself with tunes such as “Major Minus,” and let’s not forget “Princess of China,” which features Rihanna in a strange but oddly genius combo.

I could only listen to “Viva la Vida” for a week before getting tired of it, but “Mylo Xyloto” has value that will keep it on my playlist for quite a while.

Megan Deaton is a journalism sophomore.

Kelly Clarkson

“Stronger”

(RCA Records)

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Kelly Clarkson’s fifth studio album, “Stronger,” is just that — stronger.

This album features the same pop/rock style she continues to improve upon with every album. This album also gave Clarkson the opportunity to experiment with the different textures of her voice, allowing her to deliver a unique and memorable performance with every song.

Fans got an early glimpse of the album with the early release of seven songs, including the lead single, “Mr. Know It All,” but the combined album completes the portrait she and her team of producers worked to create.

“Stronger” has it all, from dramatic songs such as “Honestly” to the pop-driven “What Doesn’t Kill You” to the ballad “Why Don’t You Try.”

Kyle Margerum is a professional writing junior.

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