Coldplay - Talk Single Review

Coldplay
Talk
Parlophone
Released 19/12/2005
Single Review

Released to coincide with their winter arena tour, "Talk" is the third single to be lifted from "X&Y", the multi-platinum third album from Mr Gwyneth Paltrow and company. Having yet to reach the top of the single charts (denied by an annoying frog no less), could this finally be the track that sees them hit numero uno?

The borrowing of Kraftwerk's "Computer Love" riff on Jonny Buckland's guitar instantly makes "Talk" a stadium anthem. Infectious and sprightly, it sets the tone for a rock track that displays the influence of U2. It's only let down by Chris Martin's vocals – instead of whimpering his lyrics and trying to convey his confusion, he might benefit from just letting go once in a while. B-sides across the formats include Coldplay's version of the Embrace hit "Gravity", which Martin wrote and donated to the rejuvenated Leeds band.

Alex Lai