Which Coldplay single became the first UK number-one single of 2012? The answer is “Paradise.”
Released on 12 September 2011, “Paradise” was the second single from Coldplay’s fifth studio album, Mylo Xyloto. It became eligible for the UK chart after the album’s release and eventually climbed to number one on 1 January 2012, making it the first UK chart-topper of that year.
The song had an unusual beginning: Chris Martin originally wrote it in response to a request from ITV’s The X Factor for a winner’s song. Coldplay drummer Will Champion persuaded him that it belonged on the band’s own album instead. Its orchestral opening, expansive chorus and recurring “para-para-paradise” hook helped make it one of the group’s signature songs.
A common mix-up is confusing the song’s release year with its chart achievement. “Paradise” was released in 2011, but its UK number-one run began in early 2012. It was Coldplay’s second UK number-one single, following “Viva la Vida” in 2008.