List of songs by Coldplay



British rock band Coldplay have written or co-written every song in their discography, with the exception of several covers. They were formed in London by Chris Martin (vocals, piano), Jonny Buckland (lead guitar), Guy Berryman (bass guitar), Will Champion (drums, percussion) and Phil Harvey (management). Aside from the latter, all members are equally credited as songwriters on each track. Their experimentation with styles over the years resulted in a sound that is considered alternative rock, alternative pop, pop rock, post-Britpop, soft rock, and pop. Conversely, extended plays Safety (1998) and The Blue Room (1999) featured characteristics of the dream pop genre, setting them apart from succeeding works.

According to Berryman, debut album Parachutes (2000) was a muted record. It combined beautiful and happy messages with moody and atmospheric tones. Made available two years later, A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002) boasted stronger piano and guitar melodies, helping to address the urgency and turmoil caused by the September 11 attacks. The band held onto their previous references for X&Y (2005), but with the addition of electronic production and extensive use of synthesisers. Existential themes were grander in scale to match the arrangements as well.

Its successor, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008), entailed contributions from Brian Eno, helping Coldplay to explore a new musical territory. They experimented with numerous instruments, such as electric violins, tack pianos, santoors, and organs. Lyrically, the album discussed life, love, death, revolution, war, and politics. In 2011, the group launched Mylo Xyloto, a concept record following the story of two characters in the style of a rock opera. It widened their soundscapes by incorporating modern, urban, and dance compositions, as seen with Rihanna collaboration "Princess of China". Three years later, they drew influence from genres like R&B, synth-pop, and ambient to release Ghost Stories (2014). Martin described the album as a journey towards unconditional love, while Avicii and Paul Epworth handled guest production.

Coldplay subsequently invited Stargate to record the disco and funk-inspired A Head Full of Dreams (2015), which contemplated forgiveness, parenthood, and healing. Various acts had a cameo appearance, including Beyoncé in "Hymn for the Weekend", Tove Lo in "Fun", and Noel Gallagher in "Up&Up". Additionally, the band tried out EDM sounds by partnering with the Chainsmokers for "Something Just Like This" in 2017. Regarded as their most political and experimental work to date, Everyday Life (2019) saw them move towards jazz, gospel, blues, and classical rhythms. Coldplay maintained this multi-genre approach for Music of the Spheres (2021), but adding pop sensibilities. They enlisted Max Martin to produce the album and picked topics based on the human experience for its lyrics. Collaborations also involved BTS in "My Universe". Aside from usual activities, the band take part in tribute projects, film soundtracks, and songwriting sessions from other musicians. Similarly, unreleased material has been performed at many shows.