[.ca] Eyes Open

Eyes Open:
I figured what the heck. I'll spend fifteen bucks and take a risk on this cd, see how it turns out. I never thought I could like Snow Patrol. I listened to the cd once and every single track captivated me. People compare them to Coldplay and Stabilo. No, I'm sorry. They may have a similar sound but try ten times better. Every single song is worth of a radio single. Just trust me. I wasn't a fan before. But now I am.

Snow Patrol's best yet.:
Unlike the previous reviewer, I bought this album on the strength of the band's 2004 album "Final Straw". Containing some great songs like Spitting Games, Run, and Chocolate, the album was decent - not overly spectacular. So naturally I pegged their 2006 release "Eyes Open" as more of the same: a disc with a few good songs and the obligatory filler, but enough gems for me to buy it. So I get home, open the CD and listen to it. Wow. Was I wrong! I was blown away by the album. Maybe because I didn't go into it with high expectations, but the record is solid from beginning to end. Most people will only know this band from the single "Chasing Cars" (which in itself is a great, simple song. Only three chords!), but if you like this song, then do yourself a service and pick up the album. Prepare to fall in love with other tracks like "It's Beginning To Get To Me" and "Set The Fire To The Third Bar", which are both amazing (the latter song is a duet with Martha Wainwright - another great artist). Frontman/creative force/singer Gary Lightbody posseses the rare quality of making you believe every word of what he's singing, and these two songs in particular are excellent examples of this. Excellent album from a group who's classic is probably just around the corner.

Open wide:
Snow Patrol made a transatlantic splash with their third album, "Final Straw," and their bittersweet, longing rock'n'roll. And the Scotpop band doesn't rock the boat on their fourth album, "Eyes Open." These guys go further into mope-rock land that is usually associated with Coldplay, and tinker around with music-box pop and spook-folk. The result is haunting, expansive and very enjoyable. It starts off on a strong note -- driving guitars, "woo-hooo-hooo!" backing vocals, and a tough rock rhythm. "You're All I Have" probably slated to be a radio single, with a catchier and more upbeat sound. The first few songs are followed with other solid, clean-edged rockers like "In My Arms" and the taut intensity of "Headlights on Dark Roads." Snow Patrol is good at that music, but some of the songs aren't as complex as they could be. They're bouncy and have a raw appeal, and they even homage indiefolk god Sufjan Stevens in one of their catchy numbers. The only problem is that the bouncy numbers tend to be a bit repetitive musically, although they are still great listening. But they really shine in the quiet songs. "Shut Your Eyes" is a sparkling, magical little song, followed by quiet, chilly songs that range from acoustic rock to bittersweet music-box pop. The creative peak is probably "Set Fire To The Third Bar," a delicate duet with Martha Wainwright. Yeah, everyone says that Snow Patrol sounds like Coldplay. Well, ignore them. For one thing, Snow Patrol has been putting out music for substantially longer. For another, their blend of crunchy rock and bittersweet balladry is a more satisfying, solid mix of music. Frontman Gary Lightbody sounds even better here than he was in "Final Straw," where there was a bit of hesitation in his voice. Here, he sounds confident, smooth and richly melancholic. And unlike many singers, he sounds like he's actually felt the way the songs describe: "More than anything I want to see you go/Take a glorious bite out of the whole world..." And the guys have improved even more with their music -- the crunchy riffs, polished swirls of acoustic prettiness, aching strings and even a xylophone solo in "You Could Be Happy." They also experiment with some epic stretches and blended styles, hinting that their future efforts may be even better than this. In "Eyes Open," Snow Patrol has hit a new creative level, with their expansive Scotpop and solid rock'n'roll. A solid, sometimes entrancing album.

Eyes Open is an amazing album!!:
Snow Patrol has released one of the best albums in years. Chasing Cars is an amazing song. It's beautiful. Shut Your Eyes is brilliant and You're All I have is another amazing from the album. It rocks!! Eyes Open is one of the best albums of 2006. A masterpiece.

• You're All I Have
• Hands Open
• Chasing Cars
• Shut Your Eyes
• It's Beginning to Get to Me
• You Could Be Happy
• Make This Go on Forever
• Set the Fire to the Third Bar - Snow Patrol, Martha Wainwright
• Headlights on Dark Roads
• Open Your Eyes
• Finish Line