Issue date: 11/21/08 Section: Features

Media Credit: Courtesy Photo [Click to enlarge]

Whether or not Snow Patrol would be able to produce a follow up album anywhere close to that of its 2006 release, "Eyes Open," was a huge question for most fans.

While there isn't a clear instant hit on this album ("Chasing Cars" from "Eyes Open" did better in the Billboard Hot 100 than any other single by a British group in '06) most of the songs show a clear representation of Snow Patrol's last projects.

Tracks like "If There's a Rocket Tie Me to It" sound similar to Snow Patrol's previous patterns of repetitive lyrics and music. However, for most fans who enjoy the band's previous albums, this is the kind of pop/rock they are looking for.

The second song on the album "Crack the Shutters" will please those who connected with tracks from their album "Eyes Open."

The album mostly houses songs of this nature, slow ballads that would make any teenager curl into a ball and cry about past loves. Yet, the band took some risks with quicker paced songs ("Take Back the City") and songs using synthesizers, walking tempos, and high-pitched harmonies ("Lifeboats").

Most would argue that in order to progress as an artist, taking chances is what Snow Patrol should be doing. However, they have earned their fame from the popularity of pop/rock, slow ballads and they may just want to stick to that.

Lead singer Gary Lightbody does a better job than almost any songwriter when it comes to summing up the defenselessness and comedy of young love. "Set Down Your Glass" he demonstrates this well as he sings about loss of control when met with human connections.

The major downfall of the album may just be the 16-minute closing song "The Lightning Strike". While some of the lyrics of risk and freedom are powerful the song is entirely too long and repetitive. Other than this, Snow Patrol has, once again, created an album that pop/rock fans everywhere can listen to and cry themselves to sleep.

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