Coldplay’s story began in London, 1996. It was at university where vocalist Chris Martin and guitarist Jonny Buckland first met, and the initial blueprint for the band was sketched. Their chosen moniker, however, was not always Coldplay. Their first attempt? Pectoralz, which, in plain English, translates to “chest muscles.” It’s the sort of name that feels destined for obscurity, regardless of inherent talent. The situation didn’t improve much thereafter. To have changed from Pectoralz to Starfish is a decision that defies comprehension. A name holds weight. It’s a primary symbol, shaping the initial perception of its subject. Therefore, to assert that Coldplay is superior to Pectoralz or Starfish is not a matter of opinion, but rather, one of objective fact. From that point, their ascent was largely a seamless glide.

Capturing immediate attention with Yellow, a standout from their debut album, Coldplay went on to unleash a cascade of hits with each ensuing record, swiftly captivating the global stage. Yet, their triumph was not confined to chart success alone; they soared to considerable musical heights. The sheer inventory of accolades they’ve amassed, including seven Grammy Awards, could effortlessly consume half the space on this page.

The Coldplay songs I hold dear are countless, as I imagine is the case for many of you. Therefore, I shall venture to highlight a few that perhaps sit just outside their most colossal hits. From their inaugural album, Parachutes, it is Shiver that claims the most cherished place in my affections. The track’s nimble, yet intricately woven, guitar riff has been a source of enduring admiration.

A truly pivotal moment arrived in 2002 with their sophomore album, A Rush of Blood to the Head. While Radiohead,their melancholic British rock forebears and a profound influence, had navigated towards increasingly esoteric musical climes, thereby creating distance from a broader audience, Coldplay masterfully stepped in to fill the breach, claiming the successor’s mantle with their more direct, earthbound rock. As epitomized by the track In My Place, Coldplay’s compositions possessed an undeniable, immediate
accessibility — straightforward rock refreshingly devoid of convoluted structures or intellectually taxing devices. Even now, their second album stands as arguably the most brilliant constellation in Coldplay’s career. Beyond its staggering sales, a legion of music publications has canonized it as a seminal work, and it garnered three Grammy Awards.

In the years that followed, Coldplay continued their exploration of rock artistry through a lens of relatable, unadorned honesty. This is the very essence of their appeal. One need only listen to Fix You from their third album, X&Y, or the titular Viva La Vida from their fourth, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends, to recognize an undeniable truth: this is music crafted for universal embrace.

Coldplay’s performances in Korea this past April were momentous. Even when the world’s most celebrated musicians or bands grace Korean shores, their engagements typically extend to a maximum of two performances. Coldplay delivered an astonishing six concerts, each to a venue packed with eager fans. I, too, set aside an evening to immerse myself in their live experience. My impression? I witnessed the ultimate stadium rock band — the breathtaking scale of the production, the impeccable architecture of the show, a kaleidoscope of visual wonders and their profound connection with the audience.

Through their shows, Coldplay also imparted a message of profound inclusivity: “In a world that can feel scary, you’re proving that most humans want to just get along fine — sing together, dance together, regardless of religion or race or nationality or gender or sexuality.” These were not hollow pronouncements. Their actions spoke with equal eloquence, demonstrating genuine empathy for the vulnerable. Some 30 hearing-impaired individuals were invited to the concerts, where a sign language interpreter artfully conveyed the lyrics from the stage. Their respectful tribute to Korea also resonated deeply: During one of their concerts, Chris Martin made time to thank the Korean fans in the audience: “We don’t take it for granted that you welcome people singing in English to your country. We know how lucky we are that so many people speak English around the world.“

Coldplay traditionally anoints the culmination of their main set, just preceding the encore, with the stirring strains of Fix You. For those unable to attend, allow me to propose a worthy alternative: YouTube. A simple search for “Coldplay Fix You (Live in São Paulo)” will suffice. There’s a small request I make, however. Direct your gaze not to the band, but to the crowd. Absorb the spectacle of faces, streaked with tears, yet luminous with transcendent joy. As you do, pose a question to yourself: “How often, in the course of my own life, do I encounter experiences of such pure, unadulterated elation?”

My own well of knowledge is not infinitely deep. Yet, if there is one conviction I can offer with unwavering certainty, it is that a life punctuated by a multitude of such opportunities is a life lived with a richer, more vibrant resonance. It needn’t be music. Whether it’s cinema, photography, art or anything at all, we must carve out at least one sphere into which we can pour our entire being with sincere devotion. The great painter Van Gogh, in a letter to his brother Theo, imparted this wisdom: “Admire as much as you can; most people don’t admire enough.” I hold this sentiment to be true. The very texture of a life enriched by pursuits that evoke admiration and joy is likely quite distinct. Allow me, then, to continue by introducing more Coldplay songs that have, for me, been sources of undeniable admiration.

• Bae Soontak is a music critic and a writer for Bae Chulsoo’s Music Camp. He is the author of Legend: 20 Years of Bae Chulsoo’s Music Camp and 100 Albums.

• A selection of these tracks can be enjoyed in the “2025 Korea Concert: Global Band Coldplay’s Popular Hits” section of your in-flight entertainment content.

Shiver (2000)

As previously noted, this remains my most treasured piece from their debut album. There’s an additional layer to my affection. Chris Martin, in an interview discussing this song, once charmingly admitted, “Trying to rip Jeff Buckley.” A listen to Grace, the title track from Jeff Buckley’s seminal 1994 debut album, Grace, will eloquently illuminate the context of that remark.

Square One (2005)

An examination of Coldplay’s discography reveals a recurring motif. With remarkably few exceptions, the albums’ inaugural track invariably projects a sound of considerable magnitude. This opening statement from their third album, X&Y, adheres to this principle. One might infer this to be a calculated artistic choice, designed to instantly ensnare the listener’s attention from the very first note.

A Sky Full of Stars (2014)

This composition represents the band’s foray into a symbiotic relationship with electronic music. Consequently, it is often the catalyst for the most resplendent visual displays during their live performances. Production duties for the track were helmed by the legendary DJ Avicii, a talent now sadly lost to us.

Magic (2014)

The album Ghost Stories harbors another exquisite creation. I wholeheartedly recommend Magic, a track distinguished by its captivatingly crystalline and iridescent sonic palette. For me, this album unequivocally resides within the top echelon — among the top three — of Coldplay’s entire recorded legacy.

KiiiKiii, Uncut Gem

KiiiKiii is a five-member girl group forging a new path in K-pop through emotionally resonant music and creative synergy between visuals and sound. In their debut album, the track I Do Me establishes the group’s identity, the celebratory anthem Debut Song announces the world debut of KiiiKiii’s dazzling members and Groundwork serves as a witty intro to the group.

Lee Chan Won, 2024 Concert Live Album Changa

Lee Chan Won’s album Changa encapsulates the excitement of his 2024 national concert tour, which kicked off at Seoul’s KSPO Dome and continued in Incheon, Suwon, Daegu, Cheongju, Gwangju and other Korean cities. Lee’s stirring vocals and heartfelt delivery resonate in each track in this live recording, which captures every bit of the concert’s electric atmosphere.

Ariana Grande, Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead

Ariana Grande’s latest album shows off her signature bright and endearing style. Tracks likes We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love) as well as Yes, And? comfort listeners with heartwarming melodies and a hopeful message.

Playboi Carti, Music

Playboi Carti’s latest album goes long on bold, original experimentation. The short tracks build on hypnotic synths and fat bass lines, roping in listeners with looping hooks. Standout tracks like Pop Out and Radar showcase Carti’s husky, casual vocals, which contribute to the chill, ethereal sound.

Krystian Zimerman, Maria Nowak, Brahms: Piano Quartets Nos. 2 & 3

Pianist Krystian Zimerman and violinist Maria Nowak are among the world-renowned musicians featured on this recording of Brahms’s Piano Quartets No. 2 and No. 3. The measured interpretation, at once introspective and emotional, is ideal for anyone who needs a moment of quiet reflection.

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