It’s one thing to get accused of plagiarism by a small Brooklyn band or campy guitarist, but it’s got to hurt to be called out by legendary singer/songwriter Cat Stevens. Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” must have one of the most ripped off melodies in recent memory, as Stevens now claims the Grammy-winning tune is his.
Here’s quote from Stevens (via The Sun): “There’s been this argument about Coldplay stealing this melody from Joe Satriani, but, if you listen to it, it’s mine! It’s the Foreigner Suite, it is!”
Personally, I think it sounds a lot like French singer Alizee’s 2003 hit “Jen Ai Marre,” but who knows where she may have found it. Either way, all these songwriters claiming to have written the tune will probably hurt Satriani’s lawsuit against Coldplay. I mean, it’s amazing how well that melody has worked for so many different kinds of singers and musicians. It doesn’t look good on Lady Gaga though.