Album of the Day

Just as Brit-pop had run its course, a new band emerged to pick up the U.K. music torch: Coldplay. Following a handful of independent EPs, the quartet signed to Parlophone and their full-length debut, PARACHUTES, was released 25 years ago today. A wistful and atmospheric brand of alternative rock led by frontman Chris Martin's high, aching vocals, the album spun off four singles: “Shiver,” “Trouble,” “Don't Panic,” and the hit that introduced the group to American audiences, “Yellow." The collection would eventually go double-platinum in the States and earned critical plaudits as well, including a Best Alternative Music Album Grammy and a Brit Award for Best British Album. Long after PARACHUTES landed, Coldplay remains one of the world's top bands, and their success sounds inevitable on this fine set.