American culture is overflowing with ex-convicts rapping about society’s evils, so it doesn’t come as much of a surprise that music carrying any kind of legitimate meaning is becoming far less familiar. But there are still bands determined to create something expressive and real. Coldplay is one of these bands, and their highly anticipated fourth album, “Viva La Vida,” proves this in the most concrete way possible.

Seldom is an album released at any time that truly defines the beauty entrenched in music. “Viva La Vida” goes beyond this. The result is a sound that is understandably thoughtful and complete.

“Viva La Vida” opens with “Life In Technicolor,” a song that showcases a totally different sound than the characteristic, piano-driven melodies that Coldplay fans have grown to love. A digitalized, animated beat is complemented by a Middle Eastern instrumental blend that shows up in other parts of the record, as well.

The album then slips into the powerful, gratifying vocals of Chris Martin in “Cemeteries of London.” Haunting instrumentals are driven by lyrical references to ghosts and the afterlife.

The songs that follow: “Lost!,” “42,” “Lovers In Japan” and “Yes,” are what make “Viva La Vida” a truly compelling album. The titles are short and simple in archetypal Coldplay style, but the unexpected instrumentals and dynamic chord progressions in each track will leave listeners surprised. Innovative musical arrangements deliver a fresh and addicting sound. “Lost!” integrates a doleful, heavy organ with a calculated amount of electric guitar to add movement beneath Martin’s vocals. “42″ evidences the Middle Eastern blend heard in the opening track, while “Lovers In Japan” transitions from driving percussion to a soothing, velvety piano, a reminder of what the band was built on. But it’s the song “Yes” that really acts as a representation of the band’s musical growth and new sound. The instrumental arrangement, produced from a montage of strings, guitars and lively percussion, creates a unique sound, which is only enhanced by Martin’s voice.

The second half of the album includes title track “Viva La Vida” and “Violet Hill,” which were both released as singles before the album dropped last week. “Strawberry Swing” and “Death and All His Friends” bring the album to a soft conclusion.

Coldplay is a generation-defining band, and the release of “Viva La Vida” a generation-defining album. Epic is an understatement. The wait is over.