"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.[2] The song features vocals by Belgian singer Stromae, horn sections by Nigerian musician Femi Kuti,[3] and oud contributions from Palestinian group Le Trio Joubran.[4]
The song was written by all Coldplay members, Karnivool guitarist Drew Goddard, Kuti and Stromae,[5] while production was handled by the Dream Team.[6] It is the second release by the band to feature profanity, with the lyric "same fucking blood" appearing in the final verses of the song. This marks the first instance of Chris Martin swearing, whereas the first release to feature profanity was the remix of "Lost!" featuring Jay-Z.
Background and promotion
On 24 October 2019, the band announced the dual release of the songs "Arabesque" and "Orphans" as the first singles from their album Everyday Life, with both tracks being released on the same day.[7] In anticipation of the new era, the band set up a countdown leading up to the release a few hours in advance.[8] "Arabesque" was performed live on BBC Radio 1's Annie Mac Show on 27 November 2019.
Critical reception
"Arabesque" received widespread critical acclaim. Dan Stubbs of NME noted that the song "finds Coldplay in less familiar territory than 'Orphans', featuring French vocals and a saxophone freakout that shifts the song into a modern jazz piece perfectly in tune with the nu-jazz zeitgeist.[9] Writing for Under the Radar, Christopher Roberts named "Arabesque" the best song of the week, stating that it is "one of the most interesting songs the band has released in years".[10]
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", naming the song among the best of October 2019.[11]3voor12,[12]Herald Sun,[13] and Muzikalia have all added "Arabesque" to their lists of best releases of the year as well.[14]
