The Top 100 Songs of 2011 -- #28: "Paradise" -- Coldplay

Did anyone expect Coldplay to follow up the success of "Viva La Vida" with anything worthwhile or nearly as spectacular? I'm not sure I did. How much more progression could the same band that began with sappy (unrequited) love song "Yellow" achieve?

Apparently, quite a bit. Mylo Xyloto was another step forward for the British rockers, with an expanded electronic influence and a more noticeable pop sensibility than ever before. It was even experimental at times, as evidenced by lead single "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall."

"Paradise" is the point at which the new Coldplay meets the old. A piano-driven ballad laden with Chris Martin's falsetto, it is also one of the band's poppiest records, and shows off the subtle electronic influence Mylo Xyloto possesses.

Synths seemingly destined for the stars. Falsetto 'whoa-oh' group vocals on the chorus. A Bono-like vocal performance from Martin. Hell, it's no wonder "Paradise" ended up so popular, as well as so damn good.