Music of the Spheres

Lore & Background

The album is set in a fictional planetary system called The Spheres, which contains nine planets, three natural satellites, a star and a nebula, with each track corresponding to a celestial body. According to lead singer Chris Martin, its concept and themes were inspired by the Star Wars film franchise and the band's earlier album Mylo Xyloto. The idea for a space-themed record had been envisioned since 2010. The album was produced by Max Martin, whom the band called 'a true wonder of the universe'.

In Their Own Story

The ship hums a low, warm frequency as it drifts away from the blue marble of Earth. Outside the viewport, the nebula swirls in shades of violet and gold, pulsing in time with the rhythm inside the cabin. The pilot adjusts the controls, not for speed, but to tune into the specific wavelength of the next planet—a world made entirely of light and melody. As they approach, the silence of space breaks into a symphony of chimes, signaling that love is the only language spoken among the stars.

Reader's Guide

Music of the Spheres explores pop, pop rock, space rock, space music and ambient influences. The album received mixed reviews from critics, though the closing song 'Coloratura' was acclaimed. It was nominated for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards. The album debuted atop the UK Albums Chart with more than 100,000 units. To support the record, Coldplay embarked on the Music of the Spheres World Tour.

Did You Know?

• 'My Universe' (with BTS) was nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 65th Grammy Awards.
• 'My Universe' debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the first song by a British group to debut at number one since 1997.