I must make a correction. When I called this album "Silently Brilliant," I must correct that statement by calling this album "Silently Mediocre." Sorry, but I listened to the album again, and it just isn't that good. It's not even good as a whole, some songs are good, yes. But the album screams boring and mediocrity.

For highlights, "Chocolate" is of course a very sweet song, "Run" hits high marks when it's in chorus mode, and "Spitting Games" makes for a good upbeat rock song. Other than that, the album is filled with forgettable, boring and otherwise mediocre songs that never really capture your attention, or lead anywhere. Gordon Lightbody is good as always, but the quality of the songs don't match his talent. And in cases such as "Somewhere A Clock Is Ticking," the song title is better than the actual song.

Overall, I've heard it before, and I've heard it better. Although there are a few good songs, the project is underwhelming, and frankly a disappointment. You'd think otherwise by reading other reviews of the album, but don't be fooled. Bad start on the big stage for Snow Patrol, aka Polar Bear.

Real Score: 2.5

That is how I describe a band that I stumble upon (thank you Grey's Anatomy) and fall in love with. Snow Patrol hit my radar while I was starting to lose faith in the music industry in finding new, exciting and unique bands. I can't tell you the last time I'd found a new band to be excited about (this was in 2006)...Snow Patrol renewed my faith in music and unique, modern, worthy bands.

I bought Eyes Wide Open first and loved it so much that a month later I bought Final Straw. While this CD is not as good as Eyes Open, it's still a pretty damn good CD! I think in this CD they may have sort of been honing their skills and finding their nitch, style. But with a talented lead singer and musicians, and great songs...you can't go wrong. I think in part what makes Snow Patrol songs so likeable, are the lyrics and that many of the songs are relatable. Some of my favorites are: How to be Dead, Chocolate, Wow, Spitting Games and Grazed Knees.

If you like alternative rock, alternative or indie, I'd highly recommend Snow Patrol. You might want to start with Eyes Open though if you don't already have it. Thank god for new, youthful, unique bands, this is like a breath of fresh air!!

The 3rd album for Snow Patrol, 2004's "Final Straw," was the album that first got this amazing Irish group noticed. Gary Lightbody & crew serve up a healthy dose of melodic, breathtaking rock, decorated by impressive production work too, such as various tape effects, etc. Standouts include the sing-song quality of "How To Be Dead," the gorgeous, anthemic "Run", the sinister rock of "Ways & Means," and the wistful but effective finale, "Same." Lightbody's breathy voice is amazing, and his lyrics are sharp. He & his bandmates play this material to perfection, too. Just one curio: nine of the album's twelve songs don't mention the song titles in the lyrics. "Grazed Knees" is a great song, but why is it called "Grazed Knees"? Why is "Gleaming Auction" called "Gleaming Auction"? Why is "Tiny Little Fractures" called "Tiny Little Fractures"? Somebody get Gary Lightbody on the phone! But other than that, this is a truly great album. "Final Straw" shows that Snow Patrol are truly a musical force to be reckoned with.

It beats me why people compare this band to Travis, Coldplay and Keane. They are about as far from the classic pop sound of those bands - esp. Travis and Keane - as you could get. Instead, Snow Patrol have a driving, bass-heavy barre-chord driven sound with simple song structures. It brings out the beat, where Travis's songs bring out the strumming guitar and delicate chord changes. I guess the similarity lies with the emotional nakedness of Snow Patrol, which is what really makes them - and this cd - special. They are nowhere near as melodic as Keane, and, in fact, some songs verge on a kind of tedious blandness. But there is an obvious intelligence to the lyrics and an open anger that reminds me more of early Pub Rock or New Wave - Elvis Costello type stuff. I wouldn't mind a few more effective hooks (like the guitar riff in "Gleaming Auction"). This is driving rock - not the fairly light Britpop we've been listening to.

NEVER HEARD OF THIS BAND, FELL IN LOVE WITH ONE SONG, BOUGHT THE DISC AND LOVED IT ALL

GREAT NEW SOUNDS