Coldplay Sounds Hot in Washington

Recommended Beverage for this show:
an icy cold Boddington's

Singer/songwriter Chris Martin still seems stunned at his band’s success, but they again proved deserving of it at the MCI Center on March 2, their second area show on this tour. Martin’s energy and magnetic stage presence drew in the audience from the moment the 90-minute set began, with a setlist that offered a good sampling of their three albums. The opening song, Square One, from their latest album rocked a little too hard, slightly drowning out Martin’s voice, but the mix was quickly adjusted and sounded tight thereafter.

While their albums tend toward the mellow, Coldplay rocks hard in concert. Such popular songs from the first album as Don’t Panic, Yellow, and Trouble sounded effortless and fit in quite well with the new songs—particularly the U2-esque track Talk. They did perform two melancholy songs in slow, soft arrangements that brought tears to many eyes, including my own, and for a moment we were transported, almost forgetting we were in an arena. The Scientist—from their second album, “A Rush of Blood to the Head,” and the show closer Fix You from their latest album, were intimate and beautiful, and the crowd both cried and sang along.

The band came out for an acoustic encore, as giant lighted lyrics floated on the screen behind, performing fan favs that included Clocks and In My Place. Indeed, “God Put a Smile Upon Your Face” and everyone else’s at this show.