Shiver

"Shiver" was one of the first songs Chris Martin wrote for Coldplay. He described it as a "stalking song" similar to The Police's "Every Breath You Take," with the lyrics based around a man's unhealthy obsession with a woman. When the song came out, Martin told the press it was inspired by "Torn" singer Natalie Imbruglia, although he later said this was only meant humorously, adding that "Shiver" was actually about one of his real-life ex-girlfriends.

The song is heavily influenced by Jeff Buckley. Martin was a massive fan of the American singer-songwriter, with the Coldplay frontman calling "Shiver" a blatant rip-off. He added during an interview with BBC Radio 1's Chris Moyles in 2008: "Not quite as good, that's what I think. We were 21, and he was very much a hero, and as with those things, it tends to filter through." Buckley died at the age of 30 after drowning in the Mississippi River in 1997. While he only released one album, the critically acclaimed Grace, his music has been cited as an influence by Adele, Radiohead, Lana Del Rey, and many other artists.

Chris Martin recorded a number of vocal takes for "Shiver," but the one that was chosen was used in its entirety to capture the urgent, organic tone. Speaking to Sound on Sound, the song's producer, Ken Nelson, explained: "This was one where Chris' vocals were done in one take. He recorded more than one take, but the one we picked was one take, warts and all."