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At the same time modern and emotional (great achievement, as nowadays it is not 'cool' to express feelings), the album solidifies Coldplay's very own style, different from Radiohead and different from Travis. If a tangible similarity is left there between the three British groups, it is predominantly vocal expression of their singers, Chris Martin, Thom Yorke and Fran Healy, respectively.

The atmospheric music and arrangements are dominant over lyrics which basically reflect contemporary anguish of young adults and even try to hint at world events ("Politik"). What also makes this album stand out is its defying categorisation. While Brits are not shy to file Coldplay under pop, American critics usually place them under alternative or indie cap. But, does it really matter?

Indeed, opener "Politik" is as rocky as Coldplay can be, yet setting the mood beautifully. Particularly potent in keeping the magic alive are "The Scientist" with its groovy guitar licks and piano motive on "The Clocks". Minimalist melody on "Daylight" reaches climax on chant-like ending "...slowly breaking through the daylight..." The most emotional moment is saved for "Warning Sign", when Chris goes, with disarming sincerity: "and the truth is, I miss you...". Sublime "Green Eyes" and "Amsterdam" display the band in a quiet, thoughtful mood, opposite to agitated "Whisper."

In all, Coldplay have crafted an almost perfect album that improves with repeated listens. Admittedly, "A Rush of Blood to the Head" may not necessarily appeal to all listeners, but one is inclined to agree with those who are overwhelmed by its emotional impact. Even though the elusive emotion would be hard to describe by words. You're not sure whether it's joy, euphoria, spell, peace or whatever. There is... just something about this one.

Thankfully, that is no cause for alarm. Coldplay may be mainstream but they are never pandering or slick; this band is certainly above the likes of Travis or Train. A less politicized 1980s U2, URBAN HYMNS-era Verve, or even The Cure minus the goth, may be a better point of comparison. If you're looking for a straight-ahead melodic rock band in 2003 that knows their limits and never goes in over their head, you probably can't do much better than Coldplay. And although this album doesn't present any kind of major sonic progression from their much-acclaimed debut PARACHUTES, it is in fact a much sturdier and more consistent record, with no songs quite as strong as "Yellow" or "Trouble," sure, but it's listenable all the way through, rather than only intermittently good as PARACHUTES was.

The opener, "Politik," is a major highlight, with it's crashing waves of strings, pianos, and guitars and simple, effective lyrics vaguely alluding to the state of the world today. The other great songs-- the haunting piano ballad "The Scientist" and the epic, troubled-sounding title track-- are actually reminiscent of Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys at their best, the former in its perfectly constructed lyrics that tread the line between emotional and corny but somehow never end up on the wrong side, and the latter with its soaring, strangely nasal chorus.

Minor highlights are everywhere: The first minute of "Warning Sign," with its practically melting sythesizer riff, comes the closest to recreating the low key, spaced-out melodic glory of "Trouble" from the last album, although it sounds nothing like that song. The track that actually does sound a bit like "Trouble" is "Clocks," one of the album's singles, with its hypnotic piano riff and layered vocals and guitars. It's not as good as "Trouble," and like many of the songs on here it goes on a bit too long, but there's little else to complain about. Ubiquitous first single "In My Place" is actually mildly disappointing; it's nice but doesn't have any of the staying power of "Yellow." You can't really fault a song with as gorgeously simplistic a riff as this, but take that away and it's just a soppy, overly commercial love ballad with no vocal melody or interesting lyrics to speak of.

Fortunately it's really the only thing on the album that smacks of sellout. The rest is beautifully played, beautifully constructed pop music, subtle and atmospheric-- never flashy-- that makes its point with simple melodies and riffs and naive but heartfelt lyrics. Revolutionary art? Never, but it doesn't even try to be. If this is the future of rock 'n roll, maybe we're in trouble. But as an emotional, very enjoyable stopping point in the evolution of music, A RUSH OF BLOOD TO THE HEAD is pretty hard to fault.

"A Rush Of Blood..." is as the title states a rush of some really cool drifting soulful mellow and effective tunes that will flow straight to the head.

In My Place by itself sends shivers and a sweet sense of joy every time you'll hear it and sing along to those beautiful verses and chorus.

Politik is a straight out low key rocker with that ever so delicate sound of Coldplay.

If you thought that was not enough, then comes the outstanding Clocks, God Put A Smile Upon Your Face, The Scientist and Warning Sign that will mesmerize you just as much as Sparks, Spies and Yellow did on Parachutes.

What seems exciting to me about A Rush Of Blood To The Head is that even though it is a follow up to a successful debut album, it sounds as though it is the debut album. The band have not relyed on any new sounds or any heavier or more expensive equipment while recording this album (it's obvious from comparisons between this one and the first). Coldplay can indeed record each album with the same melodies that they recorded before and it will still sound amazing. Not that the songs on A Rush... sound like the ones on Parachutes but it sounds as if they were all written and performed during the same time when Coldplay were possibly unknowns and trying to make a break. Well, a break they did make and this album is a delight to the ears.

After years of prolific British talent rising, most notably Oasis, Radiohead, Travis and The Verve, Coldplay are the new breed, the new generation of British Rock talent that will score big in the charts around the world. The album's lengthy stay in the top ten on the Billboard charts could be an indication of just that, that they are here to stay, at least for now and hopefully for a longer time. I wish them luck and more beautiful albums with those sweet and not too flashy songs. To put it in a nutshell, A Rush is not your Morning Glory but it ain't your Be Here Now, it's not Urban Hymns and it's not The Man Who nor The Bends. It has an identity of its own just as much as Parachutes did. That ID was Coldplay, and they are just as celebrated as any of those bands.

And as the opening song Politik says "open your eyes..." Maybe it is time to open your eyes to a new Brit rock invasion of Coldplay, maybe they intended it to be more than a lyric. A statement.

Final Rate: 10/10

A+