The Crate
Coldplay
Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends
Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends is Coldplay’s fourth studio album, released June 12, 2008. It was largely produced by Brian Eno with Markus Dravs, Jon Hopkins, and Rik Simpson, and its cover features Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People. Recording stretched from November 2006 to April 2008 in multiple studios, including The Bakery in London. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viva_la_Vida_or_Death_and_All_His_Friends))
2) Recording History
Sessions took place from November 2006 to April 2008 at The Bakery (London), Magic Shop (New York City), The Nunnery (Barcelona), and an in situ church setting in Barcelona. Producers credited include Brian Eno, Markus Dravs, Jon Hopkins, and Rik Simpson. The album marks Coldplay’s first project outside Ken Nelson’s direct input, embracing more varied textures and arrangements; Eno urged each track to sound different. Strings by Davide Rossi appear on several tracks, including Viva la Vida, and the band worked with Rossi throughout the sessions. A deluxe edition followed on November 25, 2008, including Prospekt’s March. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viva_la_Vida_or_Death_and_All_His_Friends))
3) Chart Performance & Recognition
Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends topped charts worldwide, including the US Billboard 200 and the UK Official Albums Chart, with the album reaching #1 in 36 countries. First-week shipments exceeded 3 million copies globally, and cumulative sales surpassed 10 million by 2011. The album earned the 2009 Grammy Award for Best Rock Album; the song Viva La Vida won Song of the Year at the same ceremony. AllMusic highlighted Eno’s production as a catalyst for Coldplay’s stylistic shift. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viva_la_Vida_or_Death_and_All_His_Friends))
4) Cultural Impact & Legacy
The album is widely regarded as a landmark in Coldplay’s catalog and a high-profile example of art-rock-infused pop, noted for its orchestral textures and ambitious scope. Its lead track and title song has inspired numerous covers and remixes; notable covers include Weezer’s rendition and other re-interpretations listed on WhoSampled. The cover art’s use of Liberty Leading the People remains a recognizable visual tie-in to its revolutionary themes. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viva_la_Vida_or_Death_and_All_His_Friends))
Complete.