All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

E! Online

They've updated fuzzy '90s-era alternative rock while tinkering with becoming Northern Ireland's answer to Coldplay.

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100

Entertainment Weekly

Much of the credit for this catchy set of Britpop goes to the intelligent use of samples. [2 Apr 2004, p.66]

Delusions of Adequacy

This is certainly my favorite British release of the year.

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Amazon.com

Intelligent, interesting, honest, diverse and ever so slightly screwed up--what more could you want from a rock 'n' roll record? [Amazon UK review]

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ShakingThrough.net

Snow Patrol's most direct and aggressive album yet, a clear and decisive bid for the kind of wide mainstream appeal enjoyed by the Coldplays of the world.

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Stylus Magazine

The fact that the music, vocals and melodies are stunning is just icing on the cake - a cake that is crumbling before your eyes.

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Uncut

A remarkable return. [Oct 2003, p.130]

Filter

Drones with the grit of a band that means it this time. [#9, p.103]

Q Magazine

A great leap forward. [Oct 2003, p.113]

Blender

Shimmers with a newfound sophistication. [Apr 2004, p.136]

The Onion (A.V. Club)

Final Straw's most straightforward moments carry the bulk of its emotional weight, proving that when delivered with sincerity, even what seems obvious can prove remarkable.

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All Music Guide

Final Straw is another strong slab of emotion and invigorating energy from a solid band that mixes its influences into an always heady sonic libation.

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Neumu.net

Their newfound versatility detracts somewhat from their own identity.

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Junkmedia

They have all of the grandeur of the best REM ballads, but Snow Patrol leader Gary Lightbody sings with indie rock's characteristic understatement.

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Pitchfork

The pristine quality of Snow Patrol's music and Garret Lee's production, however, belies the rawness of Lightbody's words, and too often, the songs suffer from the contrast.

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Almost Cool

If you're a fan of their older work, you'll probably find yourself a bit turned-off here, but if you're a fan of well-played rock music with an ocassional burst to make it stick out from the masses doing the same, Final Straw might be something to check out.

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The Guardian

Fizzing along spitefully, Final Straw is a fine start to Snow Patrol's second chapter.

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Alternative Press

This heart-cleansing vulnerability renders much of Final Straw's latter half monotonous. [May 2004, p.96]

PopMatters

Snow Patrol sound terribly awkward when they play loud and fast.

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Mojo

The best songs... sound as if singer Gary Lightbody spends a lot of time sitting in the dark pretending to be Lou Barlow. [Sep 2003, p.108]

Rolling Stone

Final Straw's grand, intricately layered production covers up for how underdeveloped most of its songs are.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this album is 8.6 (out of 10) based on 36 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Aaron G gave it a9:
Very good, some awesome songs, but all in all very listenable.

Stefan H gave it a9:
Well, what a wonderful discovery this was. After being pretty much disappointed by Coldplay’s last effort X&Y after the brilliant A Rush of Blood to the Head my neck was out once again searching the ROCK/ALTERNATIVE woods for the next best substitute while I wait patiently for the 2006 end of year release of the new Radiohead album. Having never heard of Snow Patrol, I discovered them on iTunes when they began plugging their latest effort "Eyes Open" which upon hearing I immediately bought and it has yet to leave my cd player. It was time to trawl the back catalogues of this amazing band that I had (and including many of my pals) never heard of. "Final Straw" is marginally better than "Eyes Open”, but both are fantastic albums. I can see its going to be a difficult task for the next alternative/rock album to dislodge both these discs from ruling the cd waves in my lounge.

Angela H gave it a10:
fantastic!

Phil D gave it a9:
Snow Patrol have managed to maintain their originality, whilst successfully engaging the "mainstream" pop/rock crowd. A fantastic album, with all the right words and all the right sounds. It's what anyone with a beating heart would love to hear.

nic nic gave it a10:
Greatest. CD. Ever. Not kidding. This is the only CD I can remeber purchasing were all of the track are not only good, but phenomenal! A must have for any fan of Indie Rock.

Elizabeth P gave it a9:
This is definitely an acquired taste. But once you give this album a second or third listen then you fall in love with it. Terrific and a much better band than Coldplay.

Scott Y gave it a9:
Wow! Where has this band been all my life. This is a really solid effort, with a fantastic middle, especially the song Chocolate. I'm going to dig up their other albums based on this one.

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