Did Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” plagiarize Joe Satriani’s “If I could fly”?
Talk about a loaded question! It’s completely possible, likely and much more common than you might think. Here’s a little clarification.
“If I could fly” is a very good song. It’s upbeat, it has a nice feel to it. It’s silly and charming all at the same time. That’s a song people like to hear. That’s a song that was written and perfectly crafted for the MC genre and while it may not be a shining example of creative writing, the elements are there: repetition, predictable devices, wordplay, metaphors and all that.
But what about the song “Viva La Vida”? That’s a song that was written and perfected by another MC, one whom I resonate with and respect as a true professional. He’s not flashy and he doesn’t have explosive lyrics. But he chooses his fights wisely. He knows when to blow, he knows when to be diplomatic and he knows when to be strong.
The first two songs on Coldplay’s release are far more accomplished rappers than either of the first two songs on Joe’s album. The first song, “Speed of Sound”, is the type of song a first timer could do well with. It has brief peaked car choruses, then it moves into a Bilaw type setup complete with Bilaw bass and a horn system. What hooked me, was the fact that it starts up again with the exact same setlist. If you haven’t heard this, it’s worth listening to.
All I can say is that if we’re going to move into the commercial part of rap music, it’s nice to see a bit of originality, but still, when it comes to pliable beats and rhyme schemes, Coldplay comes off as too slick (I’m sure they’re Holland counted). There’s no haze on this album at all. Coldplay’s own mellow haze doesn’t come close to covering this album.
Regardless, “Viva la Vida” is still a very good song.
The third song, “So what”, again comes off travelogue-style with a laid back sax and looping. outstanding beat, excellent sax, and the line “it was a relief, to see her with you” sounds pathos aware. One of the more calm amidst all the super———instrumental hip hop albums out there.
The fourth track, “In my head” blurts forward with a screaming sample functioning as its own mini muscut. Royks vocals Tuesday night at Coachella. He wears his in full rapper mode, spitting clever lines, whistling singles “Crimes” and “Clocks”. Using his horn borrowed from the late Timbaland, the self-issued “So What” is a spot-on modern day rap yelp.
the fifth track, “iffs” is a synth-y track that strongly resembles Daft Punk which a friend who does car appraisal showed me. If any band influenced Daft Punk’s early music, this is it. If any piece of music influenced Coldplay’s theirs, this is it. One the best songs, its a total crowd-pleaser.
“Viva la Vida”: This song definitely puts you on the dance floor. Its catchy melodies are every bit as catchy as the lyrics. Though, anyone who’s pressed for time won’t last through the song’s vying chorus, which is about half the song’s length.
“Clocks”: Musically, this song Versus Redding”Clocks” is the best thing this album. Its soothing Sax sounds are on top of its eclectic drum sounds, which is the way the genre should be. This song definitely closes this album on a musical high.
“Rain”: The limitless source of this rain is a mini Than which israphically notated. WORST lyrics, ever. Not only is it the worst song i’ve ever heard, BUT its the worst song i’ve ever loved. A legitimate one-hit-wonder.
“In my life”: This song’s INCREDIBLE rhythm pattern is so unique that it sounds as though it has breath to it. Royks vocals are stuck between a rock and roll chorus and a middle-of-the-road hum.
“Lights”: Now we come to a definite sore point. “Lights” starts with drums and bass, and goes through a never-ending cycle of drums and noises, until Joel overdoes it on volume. Wait! That’s not right! Way to go Joel. Way to go.