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"You're All I Have" - The chorus, while not especially strong, has the ability to get stuck in your head. The verses are well-written and poetic. This song was made to be played on the radio. A strong, safe start to the album.

"Hands Open" - After the upbeat 1st track, Hands Open starts off with a heavy guitar beat. The third verse is extremely well-written. The fourth verse abruptly loses the strong guitar beat, which is a cool effect.

"Chasing Cars" - The ultimate song for television. Everyone in the world has heard this song, but it is still a tremendous ballad. This song provokes the most imagery of the songs up to this point.

"Shut Your Eyes" - This song utilizes clapping as a primary instrument. Like "Chasing Cars," it allows the listener to use his imagination and picture a setting. The song has a relaxed feel to it. About 2/3 of the way through, there is a call-and-response with what sounds to be a church choir.

"It's Beginning to Get to Me" - This is the deepest, most emotional song of the CD, outside of "You Could Be Happy." The key to this song is the lyrics, along with all of its metaphors and symbolism. The last two verses show off Gary Lightbody's vocals, as he breaks into falsetto.

"You Could Be Happy" - Depressing. Sad. Powerful. Who knew that a song that started off sounding like a lullaby with the bells could quickly turn into the most gloomy song on the album. A short song that leaves you not sure if you want more or just want to cry.

"Make This Go On Forever" - At 5:49, this is the longest song on the CD. It is a slow ballad that never really speeds up. The piano in the background with the same vocal melody can get repetitive. Also, the chorus sounds like an opera. The lyrics are strong, like most the other songs, but the song can be hard to get through if you're not in the right mood. The last two minutes of the song are the best part.

"Set Fire to the Third Bar" - Chilling. They pulled off the male/female duet successfully.

"Headlights on Dark Roads" - After losing energy in the middle of the album, Snow Patrol kicks it up a notch for this track. The opening line, "For once I want to be the car crash," pulls the listener right into the song.

"Open Your Eyes" - You pretty much have to sing along with this one, or it isn't worth listening to.

"The Finish Line" - The appropriately named song brings this impressive, yet slightly flawed, album to a close. It is another ballad that effectively leads the listener out of the album's fantasy land.

Overall: B+ The lyrics to this album are spectacular, but the instrumental work does not impress.

Learn more about this author, Timothy Moreland.
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