Arabesque (Coldplay song)


"Arabesque" is a song by British rock band Coldplay from their eighth studio album Everyday Life. It was released on 24 October 2019, along with the single "Orphans", and appears on the first side of the album Sunrise. It features vocals by Belgian singer Stromae and horn sections by Femi Kuti and his band. The song was written by all band members, Karnivool guitarist Drew Goddard, Femi Kuti and Stromae, while production was handled by The Dream Team. It is the first studio release by the band to feature profanity.

Background and promotion

On 24 October 2019, it was announced that the song would be released as a double single with "Orphans" as the lead singles off Everyday Life. In anticipation of the new era, the band set up a countdown leading up to the release a few hours in advance. Arabesque was performed live on BBC Radio 1 as part of the Annie Mac Show on 27 November 2019.

Critical reception

The song has received positive reviews from music critics. Dan Stubbs of NME stated that the song "finds Coldplay in less familiar territory than 'Orphans', in that it has French vocals and a sax freakout that shifts the song into a modern jazz piece that couldn’t be more in tune with the nu-jazz zeitgeist if it tried." Writing for Under the Radar, Christopher Roberts named "Arabesque" the best song of the week, stating that "'Arabesque' is one of the coolest, most interesting songs the band has released in years". Christian Eede of The Quietus wrote that "Coldplay are digging up their roots and toying with the base-level fabric of their sound with an attacking, seductive piece that storms trumpet-first.", and named "Arabesque" one of the best tracks of October 2019.

Personnel

Credits adapted from the "Orphans / Arabesque" liner notes.
Coldplay
Additional musicians
Production

Release history