Eyes Open is Snow Patrol’s fourth full-length open and it topped the UK music charts in 2006. The first energetic track “You’re All I Have” sets the tone and is one of the best of the entire album, along with the hit “Chasing Cars” and “Beginning To Get To Me.” The sister of Rufus Wainwright, Martha, lends her voice to the amazing duet “Set Fire to the Third Bar.” “Make This go on Forever” is a passionate tune that contrasts “You Could Be Happy” which is almost like a lullaby. This album really allows the lead singer Gary Lightbody to shine, along with amazing choruses and catchy guitar hooks. The band’s songs are written from the heart and filled with self-reflection without becoming too sappy. The 11 songs of Eyes Open make this album a true masterpiece that is sure to delight Snow Patrol fans.

Track List

Snow Patrol first appeared in the 1990s, led by singer and guitarist, Gary Lightbody and mixing British and American alternative rock. Their first two albums were recorded on the Jeepster label made famous by Belle & Sebastian. Final Straw is the trio’s first major-label debut after signing with A&M Records. This third album expands the former indie-rock guitar tracks to include more emphasis on strings and keyboards. The band is showcased by the charming lyrics and vocals of Lightbody which is best featured on tracks such as “Run” which builds slowly and the wistful “How to Be Dead.” Many of the songs are melancholic, but there are the exceptions like “Chocolate” and “Spitting Games” where the band really rocks. Final Straw guarantees Snow Patrol a place with other Brit pop successes such as Travis and Coldplay.

Track List

Snow Patrol definitely grows in terms of vision and artistry on their second album When It’s All Over We Still Have to Clear Up released in 2001. The band still focuses on dour subjects such as heartbreak, one-night stands, regrets and bad dreams with songs like the dirge “If I’d found The Right Words To Say.” The hushed voice of singer Gary Lightbody is the perfect accompaniment for such moody, melancholy tracks. However, songs such as “One Night is Not Enough,” “Last Ever Lone Gunman” and “Never Gonna Fall in Love Again” feature guitars and a passion sorely lacking in many other recent bands. This album definitely reveals a new maturity for the talented trio.

Track List

Snow Patrol’s debut album Songs for Polar Bears was released in 1999, and it showcases the Scottish band’s indie alternative pop-rock. Hailing from Edinburgh, the trio begins with “Downhill From Here” followed by the very exuberant “Starfighter Pilot” with its new-wave style. The melancholy “The Last Show Ringing In My Ears” slows down the pace, but the catchy hip-hop beats of “Absolute Gravity” pick it back up again. Some of the catchiest tracks include “Favorite Friend” and “Velocity Girl” and the album includes quirky titles such as “When You’re Right You’re Right (Darth Vader Bringing In His Washing Mix)” and “Get Balsamic Vinegar…Quick You Fool.” Song for Polar Bears is an entertaining mix of heavy rock tracks and three-chord acoustic ballads.

Track List