It’s been three years since Coldplay last released an album, and in that time the world has changed significantly. But Coldplay’s fifth album, Mylo Xyloto, reflects a desire to show some of the good still happening in the world. It’s their most ambitious album to date, from one of the biggest bands to emerge in the past century.

After more than a decade together, Chris Martin and his band wanted a big, bold statement of an album. And not even their harshest critique could deny that they’ve succeeded. Mylo Xyloto features big, grand sounds, rich textures, and more optimism than Little Orphan Annie. It’s a big hug that the world has so sorely needed.

Coldplay is a polarizing, artful band with a kind of weird coolness that is unique to our day and age. The vocal arrangements and soaring refrains, combined with poppy yet muscular guitar riffs from Jonny Buckland make for an updated version of Coldplay’s signature sounds. And isn’t that what you want from a band at this point in their career?

Chris Martin has explained that this album was the graffiti movement in 1970′s New York, as well as a Nazi resistance movement called The White Rose. These things may seem dissimilar, but they are both examples of young people using art to make sense of times of turmoil. Coldplay seems to be inspired to provide a backdrop and a soundtrack for the youth of today. Even though the beats are springy and the tunes inspired by raves, the lyrics are obviously heavily influenced by revolution. “”Don’t let em take control”" shouts Martin in the single “”Hurts Like Heaven.”" But it has a catchy beat and it’s easy to dance to.

Coldplay has never been in the political statement business, their rich lyrics have always been sort of “”self-centric.”" But on Mylo Xyloto, Chris Martin sounds like he truly believes the message he’s selling us. A message of perseverance and tolerance set to rocking guitar and poignant keyboard. And even if you don’t buy the underlying implications, you can enjoy the brilliant compositions and arrangements in Coldplay’s signature styles.

Paradise

Guest artist Rhianna sings on one of the albums darkest and most beautiful tracks, “”Princess of China,”" a song about loss and regret served up on a plate of tasty synth groove that makes it easy to enjoy. As with all of Coldplay’s albums, Chris Martin’s voice is a clear bell blended with a band of perfectly pitched artists all at their prime. Each Coldplay album has been better in some ways than the last, and Mylo Xyloto is the best yet