The Singles 1999–2006 is the second box set compilation by British rock band Coldplay. Released on 26 March 2007 by Parlophone in the United Kingdom and Capitol in the United States, it features The Blue Room (1999) and all of their singles up to X&Y (2005) on 7" vinyl. Each one of them was accompanied by its respective B-sides and a sleeve that used the original artwork. Despite only being a promotional single in select countries, "What If" was included in the presses.
Background
Following the launching of Coldplay's third album, X&Y (2005), Billboard reported the band were working with producer Brian Eno for its successor and aiming for a late 2007 release. On 31 January 2007, they announced The Singles 1999–2006 would be released later that year in the United Kingdom. A spokesperson for Capitol mentioned that it would also be available in the United States, but did not confirmed the date. The band stated no CDs were going to be issued for the compilation as well.
Reception
While writing for NME, Mark Beaumont rated the box set with 6/10 stars, praising the musical progression Coldplay have made over the years, but criticizing the B-sides selection consisted of "dreary acoustic rock slurry" songs. He also stated it was "like releasing every deleted scene from Last of the Summer Wine in a special edition bathtub on wheels". Jake Kennedy, from Record Collector, gave 4/5 stars and commented "there are a few treats here for the hardcore fans" and "simply massive tracks that have soundtracked weddings, funerals and stag nights" around the country in the last seven years. adding the box set made a "pattern" between tracks evident, "but if you're doing something right, why stop?". The compilation debuted at number five in the Danish Albums chart. However, it failed to gain traction in other markets, with its first appearance in the UK Albums Chart (at number 196) only being registered in 2016.
Track listing
All songs written by Coldplay (Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion and Chris Martin) except for track 14, which was written by Leslie Bricusse and John Barry and track 28 co-written by Karl Bartos, Ralf Hütter and Emil Schult.
References
External links
- The Singles 1999–2006 at Discogs (list of releases)
