Who's behind the notes? Discover Coldplay: The Complete Biography of the British Rock Band
"Coldplay's 'Speed of Sound'" is a popular song by the British rock band Coldplay, released in 2005 as the lead single from their third studio album, "X&Y." Here are some interesting facts about the song:
Inspiration from Kate Bush: The opening piano riff of "Speed of Sound" was inspired by the song "Running Up That Hill" by British singer-songwriter Kate Bush. Chris Martin, Coldplay's lead vocalist, has cited Bush as a major influence on the band's music.
Chart Success: "Speed of Sound" was a commercial success, reaching the top of the UK Singles Chart and peaking at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. It also performed well in several other countries, solidifying Coldplay's global popularity.
First Grammy: The song earned Coldplay their first Grammy Award. In 2006, "Speed of Sound" won the Grammy for Record of the Year, one of the most prestigious awards in the music industry.
Music Video Location: The music video for "Speed of Sound" was shot in the streets of Tokyo, Japan. The video features band members walking backwards through a crowded city, which was achieved by playing the footage in reverse.
Lyric Theme: The song's lyrics touch on themes of nostalgia, the passage of time, and the desire to escape and find something better. Chris Martin's reflective and introspective lyrics resonate with many listeners.
Piano-Driven Sound: "Speed of Sound" prominently features the piano, which was a departure from some of Coldplay's earlier guitar-driven work. The song's piano melody and Chris Martin's emotive vocals contribute to its memorable sound.
Debuted at Glastonbury: Coldplay debuted "Speed of Sound" during their headlining performance at the Glastonbury Festival in 2005. The song's live performance was well-received and generated anticipation for the upcoming album.
Album Title Inspiration: The album "X&Y," from which "Speed of Sound" is taken, got its name from Martin's fascination with mathematics and the idea that "X" and "Y" represented variables that could stand for anything. This theme of exploration and searching for meaning is reflected in the song's lyrics.
Tribute to Johnny Cash: The song's music video features a brief homage to legendary musician Johnny Cash. As the band walks backward through the city, a sign for a store called "Johnny Cash Used Tires" can be seen.
Cultural Impact: "Speed of Sound" has been covered and referenced in various forms of media and has been a staple of Coldplay's live performances. It remains one of the band's most recognizable and enduring songs.
"Speed of Sound" played a significant role in Coldplay's continued success and helped establish them as one of the leading rock bands of the 2000s and beyond.