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All You Ever Wanted
3 Out Of 5 Stars

Snow Patrol gave us one blast of rock and roll on their last album, when they placed "Take Back This City" on their previous album, "A Hundred Million Suns." If that was meant to be a hint to a coming change in direction, "Fallen Empires" kicks that notion in the bud. However, they seem to have discovered synthesizer rhythms for this album, which adds some new textures to their brand of emotionally mopey music. Songs like "Called Out" are updated versions of "Chasing Cars," with a bigger bottom and, with an assist from vocalist Lisile, some deeply felt nostalgia on "The Garden Rules" and "Lifening."

However, "Fallen Empires" gives fans much of what Snow Patrol has been good at for about a decade now; stately ballads and thoughtful singing from Gary Lightbody. Moments like the gospel-choir chorus of "This Isn't Everything You Are" are genuinely affecting, yet at the same time, he can make a simple statement like "Ireland in the World Cup, either North or South, this is all I ever wanted from life" on "Lifening." Snow Patrol, and by extension, "Fallen Empires," are at its best when Lightbody and company stick to these sentiments. I think "A Hundred Million Suns" was the better album, but "Fallen Empires" is good stuff for those who think Coldplay is rocking too much lately.





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A Hundred Million SunsFire and Snow
4 Out of 5 Stars

Snow Patrol is now the leader of mope bands, and "A Hundred Million Suns" cements that position. They bring the melancholy on songs like "Crack The Shutters" and the grand finale "The Lightening Strike." They even pull out their toughest rocker to date, in "Take Back This City." It's a confident album, emotional without being overbearing.

Lead singer Gary Lightbody seems to be insistent that he stay anonymous, with his bandmates having equal footing. The stomp/clap of "The Golden Floor" or the propulsion of "Take Back The City" are as dependant on the band than his fronting capabilities. That doesn't mean he can't be extremely convincing, as his pleading vocal on "Take These Photos From My Hands" or the gentle call of the folksy "Lifeboats" show.

"A Hundred Million Suns" may not yet reach the heights of U2 or (at their best) Coldplay, but with the ever increasing rewards Snow Patrol offers with successive albums, they are still maturing as a band. This album keeps their momentum and turns up the heat.



Up to Now No Line On The HorizonViva La Vida

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