In this age of rap-rock and hip-hop, it’s hard to find a band that stays true to rock ‘n’ roll roots. Coldplay is one of those bands. On its excellent new album, “A Rush of Blood to the Head,” it carries on the tradition of modern rock ‘n’ roll ballads and melodies.

-If you’re a fan of the first single, “In My Place,” then chances are you’ll enjoy the rest of the record. While most of the songs are slow ballads, some songs like “Daylight” and “A Whisper” are loud, hard-hitting rock songs complete with piano and all.

Since the release of its last album, “Parachutes,” many have compared Coldplay to another unique British band, Radiohead. I think there’s a lot of truth to that, as it does sound quite similar on certain tunes.

One thing that sets Coldplay apart, however, is the vocals of frontman Chris Martin. His singing glides through the tracks of “Blood” like a kite through a gentle breeze.

Lyrically, the songs are spread out. While “The Scientist” speaks of scientific theories and progress, “God Put A Smile Upon Your Face” is just about being happy and enjoying life. Martin sings about things that are important and close to him: “God give me style and give me grace/ God put a smile upon my face.”

This record is heavily piano-oriented. The song “Clocks” starts with a rolling piano melody and hits hard with drums and bass. Martin has proven himself to be not only a noteworthy singer, but an excellent piano and acoustic guitar player. At the same time, Jonny Buckland has proven himself to be dangerous on the electric guitar.

The album is emotional, fast and loud, slow and soft and everything that pop music isn’t.

“A Rush of Blood To the Head” is straight from the heart, not from the wallet.