Eyes Open [Bonus Tracks]

Rating

Album: Eyes Open [Bonus Tracks]
#	Song Title		Time
1)	You're All I Have	More Info...	0:04
2)	Hands Open	More Info...	0:03
3)	Chasing Cars	More Info...	0:04
4)	Shut Your Eyes	More Info...	0:03
5)	Beginning to Get to Me	More Info...	0:04
6)	You Could Be Happy	More Info...	0:03
7)	Make This Go On Forever	More Info...	0:05
8)	Set the Fire to the Third Bar	More Info...	0:03
9)	Headlights On Dark Roads	More Info...	0:03
10)	Open Your Eyes	More Info...	0:05
11)	The Finish Line	More Info...	0:03

Album: Eyes Open [Bonus Tracks]
#	Song Title		Time
1)	You're All I Have	More Info...	0:04
2)	Hands Open	More Info...	0:03
3)	Chasing Cars	More Info...	0:04
4)	Shut Your Eyes	More Info...	0:03
5)	Beginning to Get to Me	More Info...	0:04
6)	You Could Be Happy	More Info...	0:03
7)	Make This Go On Forever	More Info...	0:05
8)	Set the Fire to the Third Bar	More Info...	0:03
9)	Headlights On Dark Roads	More Info...	0:03
10)	Open Your Eyes	More Info...	0:05
11)	The Finish Line	More Info...	0:03

Performer Notes

Following up its 2004 breakthrough album, FINAL STRAW, the Ireland-bred/Scotland-based rock band Snow Patrol opted for an even more accessible sound on EYES OPEN. Frontman Gary Lightbody has always shown a penchant for crafting pop-savvy tunes, but this 11-track set takes his songwriting to new heights, as best revealed on the energetic anthems "You're All I Have" and "Hands Open." While these songs display grandeur on the scale of U2 and Coldplay, Lightbody also knows how to ease into a tender ballad, most notably the chiming "You Could Be Happy," which features delicate Bjork-like backing. Though much of the record is upbeat, Lightbody's melancholy sensibility still comes into play on the brooding "Shut Your Eyes" and "Set Fire to the Third Bar," a haunting duet with Martha Wainwright. Longtime fans may miss Snow Patrol's indie-pop quirkiness (a la "Get Balsamic Vinegar...Quick You Fool" from SONGS FOR POLARBEARS), but in its place is a mature and assured approach that is sure to appeal to a wide audience.

Professional Reviews

Rolling Stone (p.98) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "EYES OPEN is even more decadently cushy, setting chiming guitars, strings and electronics under Gary Lightbody's aching croons."

Q (p.125) - Ranked #18 in Q Magazine's "100 Greatest Albums of 2006" -- "[H]ere's where the Northern Irish five-piece left their indie roots behind and started to look like world contenders."

Mojo (Publisher) (p.108) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "Snow Patrol have delivered an album big on lighter-waving anthems and arms-around-your-best-mate camaraderie."