Hear Me Out: Our Votes for Artists of A Generation
Few bands have managed to capture the emotional landscape of a generation quite like Coldplay. Since their debut in the late 1990s, the British quartet has evolved from introspective indie rockers to global icons, while maintaining a sound that is deeply emotive, universally relatable, and unmistakably theirs.
For me, the heart of Coldplay’s appeal is their ability to evoke emotion. Chris Martin’s voice acts as a conduit for feelings that many struggle to articulate. Coldplay’s lyrics often explore themes of love, loss, hope, and redemption, making their music a source of comfort and catharsis. Their use of soaring melodies, atmospheric instrumentation, and dynamic arrangements creates a landscape that feels both intimate and epic. Coldplay doesn’t just write songs; they craft emotional journeys.
Take “Fix You” for example. It’s a song about trying to help someone through pain when words aren’t enough. The line “lights will guide you home” has become an anthem of support and healing for listeners facing everything from heartbreak to mental health struggles.
“Paradise” captures the longing for escape and the desire to find a place of happiness or encouraging someone to follow their dreams. Its poignant lyrics strikes a chord with many of us who feel the need to escape the daily routines of life.
Coldplay’s "Yellow" is a simple yet powerful tribute to love and devotion. The colour yellow symbolises warmth and hope, and the lyrics express a willingness to do anything for someone special. Its emotional honesty and dreamy sound make it deeply relatable, resonating with anyone who’s experienced love or admiration.
Then there’s “A Sky Full of Stars”, a euphoric celebration of love and wonder. Its blend of EDM (thanks to the collaboration with Avicii) and Coldplay’s signature emotional depth creates a feeling of transcendence - being lifted by something bigger than yourself. “A Sky Full of Stars” is a popular choice for funerals, often used to celebrate a life with a positive and uplifting tone. Its upbeat melody and lyrics about finding light and hope amidst darkness resonate with many - by evoking joy and remembrance. You may also know this song if you have watched the animated movie Sing (which is when my son first fell in love with Coldplay) where it represents Johnny’s journey of self-discovery - the song's themes of overcoming darkness and finding light through love and passion mirror Johnny's own experience of breaking free from his family's expectations and embracing his musical aspirations.
As Chris Martin once said, “We’re just trying to make music that speaks to the heart.” That philosophy is the thread that runs through their entire discography.
Coldplay’s lyrics are often ambiguous enough to allow listeners to project their own experiences onto them. Whether you’re a teenager navigating heartbreak or an adult grappling with existential questions, there’s likely a Coldplay song that speaks directly to you.
Their openness to vulnerability, especially in a genre often dominated by bravado, has helped redefine what it means to be a rock band in the 21st century. They’ve shown that strength can be found in softness, and that emotional honesty is not only acceptable but powerful. Coldplay understand the need to evolve, shown by their collaborations with a range of artists from pop singer Rihanna (Princess of China) and EDM-pop duo The Chainsmokers (Something Like This) to K-Pop boy band BTS (My Universe).
Coldplay’s influence extends beyond music. Their commitment to social causes, environmental sustainability, and inclusive messaging has made them cultural icons. Their concerts are not just performances – they are communal experiences, often infused with messages of unity and hope.
Coldplay has consistently used their global platform to support humanitarian and social causes. They’ve supported multiple charities, including Amnesty International and Oxfam. Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour set a new standard for sustainability in the music industry. They pledged to cut tour emissions by over 50% compared to their previous tour by implementing measures like planting a tree for every sold ticket, powering concerts with renewable energy and using compostable LED wristbands.
Coldplay’s commitment to inclusivity extends to their live shows. They offer options such as local sign language and sensory bags and refuge stations for neurodiverse attendees. Their music also reflects inclusive values. Songs like “People of the Pride” address issues of inequality and champion the right to self-expression regardless of race, gender, or sexuality.
Coldplay is more than a successful rock group. They are the emotional soundtrack to countless lives. Their ability to articulate the inexpressible, to unite people through shared feeling, and to evolve without losing their essence makes them the voice of a generation.
In a world that often feels chaotic and disconnected, Coldplay’s music is a reminder of the beauty in vulnerability, the power of connection, and the hope that even in darkness, there is always light.
Everyone has a band or artist that they turn to when they are feeling strong emotions – from joy to sadness, numbness to overwhelm. For me, that band is Imagine Dragons. Imagine Dragons have a song for every mood. Every issue that they sing about is real and relatable.
Drawing from their own experiences, in particular those of lead singer Dan Reynolds, songs cover subjects such as overcoming your doubters (Thunder), growing up in an increasingly online world (Digital), working through rough patches in relationships (West Coast, Bad Liar), personal growth (It’s Time), mental health struggles (Monster), vulnerability (Bleeding Out), feeling angry at the world (Natural) and rebuilding family bonds (I Bet My Life).
Even those who aren’t Imagine Dragons fans may recognise more songs than they realise, from the worlds of film and television (I’m So Sorry in Legend, Zero in Wreck It Ralph, Sucker for Pain in Suicide Squad, Enemy from Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Arcane: League of Legends) and gaming (Children of the Sky (a Starfield song) and Monster from Infinity Blade III).
What assists in making Imagine Dragons so accessible to so many is that, even though they address serious issues, it is done in a very inclusive way. There are no profanities in their lyrics, meaning that their music is suitable for families and can be a stepping stone to bigger conversations. It also doesn’t exclude listeners from particularly strict or religious backgrounds.
But what makes their songs so powerful – at least for me – is Dan Reynolds. His voice perfectly conveys the emotion of each song, whether that be heartache, anger, despair, empowerment. When listening to him sing, you genuinely believe that he is feeling every emotion, and that is a very powerful thing.
Indeed, Reynolds has lived through the issues that he sings about. For example, one of the band’s biggest hits, Believer, is about his own battles with anxiety, depression and physical health issues.
Reynolds was visibly overwhelmed when he performed at the Hollywood Bowl with the LA Film Orchestra, repeatedly thanking them and the conductor. He also used his platform (which extended beyond the 67,000 fans who attended the 4-night residency, as the last night was recorded and played in cinemas around the world) to share how music had helped him overcome his own mental health struggles. In doing so, he told viewers that they were not alone, and encouraged them to share their feelings with others: “Don’t keep it to yourself. Don’t hold it in. Talk to somebody, talk to your family, talk to a friend. If it’s available to you, go to therapy... Therapy does not make you broken. It doesn’t make you weak. It makes you wise. We’re here to learn from each other, to grow together.”
The lyrics are profound – ‘I’m an apostrophe, I’m just a symbol to remind you that there’s more to see’ (Whatever it Takes), contemporary – ‘we are the face of the future. We don’t want to change, we just want to change everything’ (Digital) and inclusive – the repeated use of ‘we’ and ‘you’ really draws the listener in, as if you are having a meaningful conversation with an erudite friend.
On and off stage, Dan Reynolds and his bandmates are a force for good and for positive change. Reynolds is a proud LGBTQI+ ally and advocate for mental health. This is evident in the music of Imagine Dragons, and is testament to why Reynolds would be well deserving of the title ‘voice of a generation’.
If you have not heard of Imagine Dragons, or have dismissed them, give them a(nother) chance. Their music may speak to you in ways you had not previously expected.
Written by Dipa Kamdar
Dipa Kamdar is a mum of three, pharmacist and university lecturer with a passion for writing, having written several articles on public health and medicines for The Conversation. Dipa enjoys travelling, film, music and Italian food.
Written by Michelle Peet
Michelle Peet is a criminal defence solicitor in Kent, but her side hustle is writing. She founded Cuddly Cactus Books and published her first picture book Molly and Moo in 2023. Her work has been published in Wedding Ideas, Love Your Wedding and The Everyday Magazine, and she received an honourable mention in the Rosemary Goodacre Memorial Short Story Competition.
Aside from her family, three of Michelle's favourite things are pizza, Las Vegas, and Christmastime.
Opinion
