Final Straw
by
Final Straw Image
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 50 Ratings

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0 out of 10
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  • Summary: The Scottish band led by Gary Lightbody (also leader of the Reindeer Section) returns with a third LP.

Top Track

Run
I'll sing it one last time for you Then we really have to go You've been the only thing that's right In all I've done And I can barely look at... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. E! Online
    100
    They've updated fuzzy '90s-era alternative rock while tinkering with becoming Northern Ireland's answer to Coldplay.
  2. Amazon.com
    90
    Intelligent, interesting, honest, diverse and ever so slightly screwed up--what more could you want from a rock 'n' roll record? [Amazon UK review]
  3. ShakingThrough.net
    86
    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.
  4. The A.V. Club
    80
    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.
  5. Junkmedia
    70
    They have all of the grandeur of the best REM ballads, but Snow Patrol leader Gary Lightbody sings with indie rock's characteristic understatement.
  6. Pitchfork
    67
    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.
  7. Rolling Stone
    40
    Final Straw's grand, intricately layered production covers up for how underdeveloped most of its songs are.

See all 21 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 28
  3. Negative: 2 out of 28
  1. AngelaH
    Jun 11, 2006
    10
    fantastic!
  2. DavidA
    Jan 29, 2005
    10
    Who needs still Coldplay and Radiohead when you have them!
  4. Chrystal
    Jun 15, 2005
    10
    Great album. Can they get any better? Final straw has to be one of the best albums ever. Every song is perfect in its own way. All I have to Great album. Can they get any better? Final straw has to be one of the best albums ever. Every song is perfect in its own way. All I have to say is that these are very talented singers.… Expand
  5. JJJ
    Sep 14, 2004
    9
    This is a gorgeous CD, I just can't stop listening to it. I don't understand the coldplay comparisons though!
  6. StefanH
    Jun 13, 2006
    9
    Well, what a wonderful discovery this was. After being pretty much disappointed by Coldplay
  7. ScottY
    Jul 9, 2005
    9
    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 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.… Expand
  8. AdamX
    Apr 18, 2004
    1
    Poor. It seems Snow Patrol have decided to copy cliched melodies and predictable song structures to appeal to a wider audience... this Poor. It seems Snow Patrol have decided to copy cliched melodies and predictable song structures to appeal to a wider audience... this isn't anything I haven't heard before and been bored of already... eventhough Gary Lightbody's voice remains amazing, i'd much rather stick with their previous albums where they, at least, had some original material… Expand

See all 28 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

66
#66 Most Discussed Album of 2004
69
#69 Most Shared Album of 2004

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