Initial work on the album began in November 2006 at The Bakery, their studio in North London, although being interrupted by the Latin American leg of the Twisted Logic Tour from February to March 2007.

Д®arly in December 2006, Billboard reported that the band's fourth album was set for release in late 2007 Coldplay subsequently denied it through their official website. However, Healy clarified that Coldplay was indeed вЂњenjoying a much-deserved breakвЂќ, and that there was no timetable for the follow-up to the band's third studio album, X&Y. Dispelling such reports, Ambrosia Healy, spokesperson to Capitol Records, sent an e-mail message to MTV saying that there was no self-imposed hiatus. The group's parenthood, coupled with the fact that Coldplay had no touring or recording schedule at the time, had fans wondering if the band's new album would not be released until 2011. In October 2006, two weeks after Guy had his first daughter, Nico, reports circulated that the band would take a five-year hiatus, after lead singer Chris Martin had reportedly discussed with friends after performing on stage with Jay-Z the band's decision of not working on new material unless it was organically.

Additionally, bassist Guy Berryman said that the group was feeling inspired to experiment more with their new set of songs, hinting that they might detour into electronic music or a sound somewhat edgier than their usual one at the time. In late February 2006, drummer Will Champion stated that Coldplay already had вЂњloads of songs readyвЂќ to be worked on for the new album, explaining that they would need a lot of work as the band were planning to record them as live as possible.

Coldplay viva la vida meaning