A Sky Full of Stars
Coldplay's first dance track, co-produced with Avicii, became a global top-10 hit.
A Sky Full of Stars is a song by the British rock band Coldplay. It was released on 19 May 2014 as the second single from their sixth studio album, Ghost Stories (2014). An exclusive digital EP version of it, with the B-sides All Your Friends, Ghost Story and O (Reprise), came out in the following weeks, being considered the band's eleventh extended play.
- Title
- A Sky Full of Stars
- Artist
- Coldplay
- Album
- Ghost Stories
- Release Year
- 2014
- Notable Collaborator
- Avicii
- Genre
- Electronic Pop Rock
- Status
- Released
Lore & Background
The band co-wrote and co-produced the song with Avicii and received production assistance from Paul Epworth, Daniel Green and Rik Simpson. It was recorded at the Bakery and the Beehive in North London, England. The official music video was directed by Mat Whitecross and the shooting took place on King Street, Newtown, Sydney, on 17 June 2014. It was released on 19 June 2014.
In Their Own Story
The stadium lights dim until only the stage remains illuminated in deep violet hues. A hush falls over fifty thousand people as the opening synth swell begins to rise. Suddenly, pyrotechnics bloom overhead like distant supernovas, and the crowd erupts into a unified chant of devotion. For three minutes, strangers become a single entity, reaching upward toward the artificial constellations projected above.
Reader's Guide
A Sky Full of Stars marks the band's first dance track, being outlined as an EDM track with house influences. A piano-centric song written in the key of G major, it opens as a piano ballad with progressive house-influenced electronic music between verses. The song follows a chord progression of Em7–Cmaj9–G–Bm at 125 beats per minute, with vocals spanning from A3 to G5. The repeating chord sequence and varied melody were inspired by the work of Katy Perry and Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit.
Did You Know?
- The single peaked at number one in Italy, Israel, Luxembourg, Portugal, Lebanon, and the Walloon region of Belgium.
- It was nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 57th Grammy Awards.
- The single art was etched by UK-based, Czech etching artist Mila Fürstová.
- As of November 2014, the song sold over a million digital units in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who produced A Sky Full of Stars and when was it released?
Released in 2014 on the album Ghost Stories, this track features a notable production collaboration with Swedish DJ Avicii. It marked a significant shift for Coldplay by blending their signature melodic warmth with driving electronic rhythms.
What musical style defines A Sky Full of Stars?
The song fuses cosmic vibes with timeless melodies to create an energetic electronic pop rock anthem. This departure from acoustic textures introduced a new sonic layer while maintaining the band's emotional core.
What is the central theme of the lyrics in A Sky Full of Stars?
Amidst themes of heartbreak and healing found on its parent record, this track serves as an uplifting chant for hope and devotion. It encourages listeners to find light and love even during difficult times.
Why is A Sky Full of Stars considered important in Coldplay's history?
This song represents a pivotal evolution in the band's sound by successfully integrating high-energy electronic beats without losing their melodic identity. Its massive success helped redefine their artistic direction for future projects.
How does the story of A Sky Full of Stars conclude within the album narrative?
As an anthem rising above the surrounding sorrow, the song ends on a note of enduring optimism and spiritual connection. It leaves listeners with a sense of renewed faith in love rather than a traditional tragic ending.
More in Tours & Live Performances
Elsewhere in the Coldplay universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record