Culture

Coldplay Plagiarism? Cat Stevens, Satriani Claim Song Rip-Off

by Jarrett Martineau | May 5, 2009 at 10:08 am

1427 views | 14 Recommendations | 4 comments

Coldplay are in more trouble over the song "Viva La Vida".

The song, which was also the title of their most recent Brian Eno-produced album, has peaked the interest of more than one musician who claims the song sounds "just a bit too familiar" to their own recordings.

Yusuf Islam, the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens, is claiming "Viva La Vida" sounds more than a little bit like his 1973 song "The Foreigner Suite"

Islam is the second artist to claim authorship of the melody and chord progression of Coldplay's "Vida" — and is considering filing suit against the band.

That would make him the second artist to do so.

Guitarist Joe Satriani is currently suing Coldplay over claims that "Vida" rips off his 2004 song "If I Could Fly".

This sounds like it could be another case of Coldplaygiarism.

Of course, Coldplay are no strangers to stealing other people's melodies. The main riff of their mega-hit "Talk" is a note for note copy of Kraftwerk's "Computer Love".

What do you think? Are Coldplay clever copycats or legitimately creative songwriters?

Add Yusuf Islam — formerly known as Cat Stevens — to the list of artists who think Coldplay's "Viva la Vida" sounds just a bit too familiar. The 60-year-old singer said his son recently made him aware that the title track from the English band's multiplatinum 2008 album sounds remarkably similar to his 1973 song "Foreigner Suite."

"My son brought it to my attention and said, 'Doesn't that sound like 'Foreigner Suite"?' " Islam told Reuters on Monday. "The song definitely sounds like it ['Suite'] ... It has such logical chords and the melody has to be what it is."

Coldplay are already being sued by guitarist Joe Satriani, who has accused the band of copyright infringement in a suit that claims "Viva la Vida" borrows heavily from his song "If I Could Fly"; Coldplay have denied the claims.

6 See all footage | View Slideshow

Share: email story | add to any | | facebook | stumbleupon

recommend This comment thread is now closed

phillip martin photography

at 15:07 on May 5th, 2009

Taken on the 15-3-09 at the Acer Arena, Sydney, Australia. Coldplay preform their last show in Australia.

phillip martin photography has contributed a photo to this story.

James Killen (not verified)

at 18:30 on May 6th, 2009

This recent claim could work in Coldplay's favour. After all, if Cat Steven's claim has any merit, then it can also be argued that Satriani stole his song from Stevens in the first place.

Alternatively, there are just so many viable 4 chord progressions in a diatonic setting and melody can often be strongly suggested by the underlying harmony. Perhaps this is the reason all three artists (add Günther's String Bikini Song and you have at least 4) have come up with similar ditties.