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"Sparks" is a song by the British rock band Coldplay. They wrote and co-produced it with producer Ken Nelson for their debut album, Parachutes (2000).[1] Dubbed a "calming" piece, the song experienced a chart resurgence in the 2020s.[2]
| "Sparks" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Coldplay | |
| from the album Parachutes | |
| Released | 10 July 2000 |
| Recorded | 1999–2000 |
| Genre | |
| Length | 3:47 |
| Label | Parlophone |
| Songwriter(s) | |
| Producer(s) | |
According to producer Ken Nelson, "Sparks" was recorded at the same time as "We Never Change".[1] He described it as "basically a live take", with Jonny Buckland adding his guitar parts afterwards.[1] The lyrics of the song tell the story of a person asking for a second chance after letting down their partner ("And I know I was wrong" / "But I won't let you down").[3] Mary Siroky from Consequence noted that "the waltz tempo ensures a feeling of intimacy and romantic longing persists".[4]
"Sparks" has been ranked among Coldplay's best works by Billboard,[5] and Consequence.[4] The former also included the song on their "40 Best Deep Cuts of 2000" list, pointing out that it contains "many of the touchstones that would become synonymous with the British rock band in the ensuing decades", from the hopeless romanticism of the lyrics to the use of interjections.[6] The song experienced a resurgence on the music charts in the 2020s, after going viral on TikTok.[7]
The band have consistently performed "Sparks" throughout the Parachutes (2000–01),[8] and Music of the Spheres (2022–25) tours.[9]
American R&B singer Brandy integrated the opening lyrics of the song in "I Tried", from her album Afrodisiac (2004).[10] Kristina Train covered "Sparks" for I Give It a Year, a British romantic comedy released in 2013.[11] Ten years later, Jordana shared a cover of the track as well.[12]
Credits adapted from Tidal.[13]
- Band members
- Guy Berryman – bass, songwriter
- Jonny Buckland – guitar, piano, backing vocals, songwriter
- Will Champion – drums, percussion, backing vocals, songwriter
- Chris Martin – lead vocals, acoustic guitar, keyboards, songwriter
- Additional personnel
- Ken Nelson – producer, engineer
- Andrea Wright – assistant engineer
- Jon Coles – assistant engineer
- Paul Read – assistant engineer
- Simon Barnicott – assistant engineer
- George Marino – mastering engineer
- Michael H. Brauer – mixing engineer
- Mark Phythian – programmer
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[19] | 2× Platinum | 140,000‡ |
| Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[20] | Gold | 45,000‡ |
| Italy (FIMI)[21] | Gold | 50,000‡ |
| New Zealand (RMNZ)[22] | 2× Platinum | 60,000‡ |
| Portugal (AFP)[23] | Platinum | 40,000‡ |
| Spain (PROMUSICAE)[24] | Gold | 30,000‡ |
| United Kingdom (BPI)[25] | Platinum | 600,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
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