Who's behind the notes? Discover Coldplay: The Complete Biography of the British Rock Band
"Clocks" is a song by the British rock band Coldplay, released as the third single from their highly successful album "A Rush of Blood to the Head" in 2002. Here are some interesting facts about the song:
Songwriting Process: The song was written by all four members of Coldplay—Chris Martin, Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, and Will Champion. Chris Martin came up with the piano riff and the lyrics while experimenting with different chord progressions.
Piano Riff Inspiration: The distinctive piano riff that opens the song was inspired by the band's desire to create a clock-like ticking sound. The riff became iconic and is instantly recognizable.
Recording Location: The album, including "Clocks," was recorded at studios in Liverpool, London, and Stockholm. The band worked with producer Ken Nelson, who also collaborated with them on their debut album, "Parachutes."
Critical Acclaim: "Clocks" received critical acclaim and is often regarded as one of Coldplay's signature songs. It won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 2004, and the band performed the song at the awards ceremony.
Commercial Success: The song was a commercial success, reaching high chart positions worldwide. It became one of Coldplay's most successful singles and contributed to the global success of the "A Rush of Blood to the Head" album.
Sample Use: The piano riff from "Clocks" has been used in various forms of media, including movies, TV shows, and commercials. Its distinctive sound has made it a popular choice for creating a sense of drama or urgency.
Music Video: The music video for "Clocks" features a continuous tracking shot of Martin walking through various scenes. It was directed by Dominic Leung and inspired by the French film "La Jetée."
Impact on Popular Culture: "Clocks" has become one of Coldplay's most iconic songs and is often featured in lists of the greatest rock songs or alternative rock songs of the 2000s.
"Clocks" remains a timeless and influential track in Coldplay's discography, known for its memorable piano riff and Chris Martin's emotive vocals.