The band were under no illusions that their follow-up had to rate highly. With 'A Rush Of Blood To TheHead' the band have certainly blown that 'difficult second album' scenario out of the water.

"We made this album feeling like every day could be the last and we just wanted to get everything out, do everything to the maximum. We might as well make the the most of things and live everything with conviction" - Chris Martin

Produced by the band and Ken Nelson (the same team responsible for 'Parachutes') and recorded at Parr St. Studios, Liverpool and Air Studios, London, 'A Rush Of Blood To The Head' features 11 new songs. Although still recognisably Coldplay, it's more energetic and uptempo than their debut. Fuelled by a new confidence and instilled with a sense of urgency, Coldplay have delivered an album that surpasses even their own incredibly high standards. With 'A Rush Of Blood To The Head', they have created a masterpiece, this year's defining record. Parlophone Records August 2002

'Of course, 'Yellow' was a fantastic song. But frankly there was nothing on Coldplay's debut that even hinted they would follow it up with an album as accomplished, original and majestic as this' - Uncut (UK)

'...positively orgasm-inducing...album of the millennium so far, no problem' - Marie Claire (UK)

'...a collection of vastly moving songs that will render stadiums as intimate as bedrooms. U2, Radiohead...Coldplay? It would seem so' - Q (UK)