GHOST STORIES (by Coldplay)

SUMMARY:                    RUNNING TIME: 42:47 Min.

In 2014, Atlantic Records handled the North American distribution of Coldplay’s sixth studio album: Ghost Stories.  Its eventual accolades include a 2015 win for Billboard Music Awards’ Top Rock Album and a 2015 Grammy nod for Best Pop Vocal Album.  Ghost Stories consists of these nine tracks:

                                                              Running Time:

1. “Always in My Head”                                 3:36
2. “Magic”                                                     4:45
3. “Ink”                                                        3:48
4. “True Love”                                               4:06
5. “Midnight”                                                4:54
6. “Another’s Arms”                                        3:54
7. “Oceans”                                                    5:21
8. “A Sky Full of Stars”                                   4:28
9. “O”                                                           7:46          

Note: Alternate versions of this album exist, including a Target exclusive with three additional tracks.  

REVIEW:

For aficionados of low-key pop rock, Ghost Stories smoothly fits the bill.  No particular track dominates this album, but the radio-friendliness of “Magic” or “Midnight” are the highlights.  As terrific as this album’s playlist is, Chris Martin’s vocal delivery and the melodies themselves often sound too repetitive to make sufficient distinction between them. 

Ghost Stories, as a result, comes off as a slightly above-average effort from Coldplay.  Yet, the album’s artistic classiness still presents welcome potential in expanding Coldplay’s fanbase.    

PACKAGING:

Sporting some pretty neat artwork, the album insert includes technical credits and other obligatory info.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         7 Stars