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A Rush of Blood to the Head

by Coldplay

Released: August 26, 2002

Alternative rock, post-Britpop, arena rock, art rock, post-rock

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Chart Success.

The Album

"A Rush of Blood to the Head" is the second studio album by British rock band Coldplay, released on August 26, 2002, in the UK by Parlophone, and a day later in the US by Capitol Records. The album produced several hit singles, including "In My Place," "The Scientist," and "Clocks," with "God Put a Smile upon Your Face" also released but with less impact. Following the success of Parachutes and its hit single "Yellow," Coldplay began recording A Rush of Blood to the Head.

Inside the Recording

Produced by the band along with Ken Nelson, this album features a greater emphasis on electric guitar and piano compared to their debut, *Parachutes* (2000).

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Essential Tracks

A Rush of Blood to the Head

"A Rush of Blood to the Head" is the second studio album by British rock band Coldplay, released on August 26, 2002, in the UK by Parlophone, and a day later in the US by Capitol Records.

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Coldplay - A Rush of Blood to the Head

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Reception

The album debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and became one of the biggest-selling albums of the 21st century in the UK, achieving 10× Platinum status from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) and selling over 17 million copies worldwide. Critically acclaimed, A Rush of Blood to the Head won three Grammy Awards: Best Alternative Album, Best Rock Performance for "In My Place," and Record of the Year for "Clocks." It was listed on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 200 Definitive Albums, was nominated for Best British Album of the past 30 years by the Brit Awards in 2010, and featured on several editions of Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time." The album is often praised as one of the best of the 21st century.

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The Complete Album Story

"A Rush of Blood to the Head" is the second studio album by British rock band Coldplay, released on August 26, 2002, in the UK by Parlophone, and a day later in the US by Capitol Records. Produced by the band along with Ken Nelson, this album features a greater emphasis on electric guitar and piano compared to their debut, *Parachutes* (2000).

Following the success of Parachutes and its hit single "Yellow," Coldplay began recording A Rush of Blood to the Head. The album debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and became one of the biggest-selling albums of the 21st century in the UK, achieving 10× Platinum status from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) and selling over 17 million copies worldwide.

The album produced several hit singles, including "In My Place," "The Scientist," and "Clocks," with "God Put a Smile upon Your Face" also released but with less impact.

Critically acclaimed, A Rush of Blood to the Head won three Grammy Awards: Best Alternative Album, Best Rock Performance for "In My Place," and Record of the Year for "Clocks." It was listed on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 200 Definitive Albums, was nominated for Best British Album of the past 30 years by the Brit Awards in 2010, and featured on several editions of Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time." The album is often praised as one of the best of the 21st century.