I just downloaded the title single to Coldplay's upcoming Viva La Vida album, and I have to say it's pretty amazing. I got interested after seeing the itunes ad during the NBA playoffs.
In my opinion, it's much much better than Violet Hill, which was ok, but too U2-ish in my opinion.
Specific things I liked about the Viva La Vida song:
The chordal processions in Viva La Vida were much more interesting than in Violet hill. Starting with G# major, shifting to F minor, to E flat major. Violet Hill was just a boring F minor all the way. Yes, perfect pitch is fun to have.
The timing of the major to minor downward chromatic shift (F# to F) is perfectly timed to the words about St. Peter not calling him, and adds that much more poignancy to the lyrics, which are for the large part unintelligible.
The itunes ad was pure sex.
Thoughts, opinions, flames?