Coldplay has always been heartfelt, and this tender spirit is even more evident as lead singer Chris Martin and his bandmates embrace middle age.

Their latest release, “Moon Music,” which drops on Friday, is rich, dreamy, and otherworldly—perfect descriptors for Coldplay’s signature sound.

This album is not just about ambiance; it also radiates warmth and affection. Across nearly every song, Martin, 47, showers listeners with romantic sentiments (he’s been in a relationship with Dakota Johnson since 2017). When he isn’t weaving a delicate piano tune, he reflects on life in a simple yet powerful manner.

On the title track, he opens with introspective lyrics: “Maybe I’m just crazy/ I should be a brick in the wall/ Sit and watch the TV, blaming everyone else for it all/ But I’m trying to trust in the heavens above/ And I’m trying to trust in a world full of love.”

Along with bandmates Jonny Buckland (guitar), Will Champion (drums), and Guy Berryman (bass), Martin reflects on life through soaring choruses in tracks like “Feels Like I’m Falling in Love,” and through captivating string arrangements and rhythmic beats in “We Pray,” featuring British rapper Little Simz.

Coldplay Explores a Musical Wonderland

At times, the album flirts with becoming something suited for planetarium shows, particularly in the six-minute, primarily instrumental piece, “Alien Hits/Alien Radio.” However, it ultimately captivates with shifting tempos and ethereal soundscapes, including a profound excerpt from Maya Angelou discussing being a rainbow in someone’s cloud, making this distinct musical journey worthwhile.

The backbone of “Moon Music” is strengthened by the brilliance of mega-producer Max Martin, renowned for his pop songwriting excellence with stars like Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, and The Weeknd. Martin also produced Coldplay’s previous album, “Music of the Spheres.”

In this project, he collaborates with the band across genres, including EDM in tracks like “Aeterna” and sparkling pop in “Good Feelings,” which features a style reminiscent of The 1975’s synth-fueled funk.

Two Standout Tracks from ‘Moon Music’

Several standout songs on the album reflect the band’s classic style.

“IAAM” dives deep into emotions, building to one of Coldplay’s signature thrilling climaxes with crashing cymbals and a captivating guitar melody.

Martin tenderly apologizes in lyrics: “I’m really sorry for some things I said along the way/ I really love you; I just didn’t like myself that day.”

Then, there’s the heartfelt ballad “All My Love.” This song, which Martin surprised fans by performing anonymously in a Las Vegas bar, could rival Ed Sheeran’s tracks as the go-to wedding song.

Set against a beautiful piano backdrop, Martin’s falsetto shines as he sings, “You’ve got all my love/ Whether it rains or pours, I’m all yours.”

As the second verse unfolds, strings and acoustic guitar add depth to his lyrics, “And till I die/ Let me hold you if you cry/ Be my one, two, three forever.”

Though Martin may not be the most talkative, he effectively communicates profound emotions.

So, is “Moon Music” a groundbreaking album? Not necessarily. However, there’s nothing wrong with a consistent quality, and Coldplay remains a dependable source of delightful music.