I’ve Never Been A Big Counting Crows Fan, But Chris Martin’s Documentary Interview Changed My Perspective

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I recently watched a documentary about Counting Crows, one of several music films I saw last year. I didn’t expect it to change my opinion of the band, but it did! Counting Crows: Have You Seen Me Lately, now available on HBO Max, is a really good look at their history. I used to think they were overrated, but I realized I’d been unfairly critical. A key moment for me was hearing an interview with Chris Martin from Coldplay, who has also faced a lot of criticism from music critics.

I Admit, I Can Be A Music Snob Sometimes

I used to be a music critic, and I always tried to avoid being pretentious in my reviews. However, I couldn’t help but be critical of bands that became popular during my teenage years and college days in the 90s, especially the ones I didn’t enjoy. Counting Crows was one of those bands – I disliked them then, and that feeling stuck with me for a long time. I wasn’t alone in that opinion, either.

A large part of the documentary focuses on how rock critics reacted to the band in the 1990s – they were largely disliked, despite having a dedicated fanbase. Throughout the film, Chris Martin of Coldplay is interviewed, and as a big fan of his band, I found his perspective particularly insightful. Coldplay, much like Counting Crows, often faces criticism from those who consider themselves experts, but consistently connects with its audience. One comment Martin made really resonated with me.

One Quote Really Stuck Out

Near the end of the book Have You Seen Me Lately, Martin and others discuss why Counting Crows have lasted while many other critically acclaimed bands from the 90s faded away. Martin believes the band’s continued success, particularly due to the authenticity of lead singer and songwriter Adam Duritz, is the key. He explains that staying true to themselves has allowed Counting Crows to maintain a dedicated fanbase.

The most important thing is to sing what feels true to you, and don’t stress about how others will react. People’s opinions will change, and even those who dislike your music at first might come to love it. To me, the best music by Counting Crows is honest and doesn’t try to please everyone.

I used to quickly dismiss the music of Duritz and his band, but hearing Chris Martin – who often receives similar criticism – talk about it made me reconsider. Honestly, I should have opened my mind years ago, but it’s better late than never! I’ve often defended Coldplay against criticism, pointing out that they’re a great band that people unfairly overlook, and I realized I was doing the exact same thing to Counting Crows.

Counting Crows might not be for me personally, but that doesn’t reflect on the band or its singer, Adam Duritz. I get why their fans love them, and that’s what really matters. I just hope another documentary comes out in 2026 that makes me rethink my opinion of an artist I previously underestimated.

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2026-01-05 00:08