“Everyone who got asked to sing on our album has an important part in our lives,” he explains. “This is The Wall Street Journal, so I don't want to get too hippie, but what I'm trying to learn in my life is the value of every human.”

"The 'choir' started with my two kids coming in after school and recording,” he says. “We recorded Blue Ivy Carter in New York when her mom Beyoncé was in the studio.”

“It comes from learning about Greek tragedy, where the chorus chimes in at times," he continues. “To me, when we use that sound, it's to affirm what I'm saying. 'We agree with you, Chris. Keep singing.'”

The 38-year-old explains in the interview that 13th century poet Rumi's Guest House poem “changed his life” and inspired the wide-ranging collaborations.

Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin's girlfriend sing on Coldplay's new album