5/10

Barely a year has passed since Coldplay got everyone riled up with their 2014 album 'Ghost Stories', and now here we are again as the band attempt to recreate another stocking filler for this festive season. While it may seem like a quick turnaround, the band have certainly had a huge creative spell of late as 'A Head Full Of Dreams' doesn't sound like the overly rushed record we were all expecting.

But what is most noticeable on this new full-length is just how chirpy and upbeat the band have become. Even if you can only think of three tracks from their back catalogue, what you'll likely remember is huge anthemic choruses or heart-wrenching ballads. And while 'A Head Full Of Dreams' still has its fair share, the bulk of the album is a more fun-loving affair, filled with catchy guitar licks and Chris Martin singing through a smile.

I guess it was always inevitable that Coldplay would go full pop eventually and they seem to be ok at it. It's not that most spectacular of their records (Even Ghost Stories was better), but it still passes for a pleasant and harmless release.