Final Straw
by Snow Patrol
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic 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. Entertainment Weekly
    100
    Much of the credit for this catchy set of Britpop goes to the intelligent use of samples. [2 Apr 2004, p.66]
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  3. 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]
  5. Delusions of Adequacy
    90
    This is certainly my favorite British release of the year.
  6. 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.
  7. Stylus Magazine
    85
    The fact that the music, vocals and melodies are stunning is just icing on the cake - a cake that is crumbling before your eyes.
  8. Uncut
    80
    A remarkable return. [Oct 2003, p.130]
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  9. Filter
    80
    Drones with the grit of a band that means it this time. [#9, p.103]
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  10. Blender
    80
    Shimmers with a newfound sophistication. [Apr 2004, p.136]
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  11. Q Magazine
    80
    A great leap forward. [Oct 2003, p.113]
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  12. 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.
  13. Neumu.net
    70
    Their newfound versatility detracts somewhat from their own identity.
  14. 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.
  15. AllMusic
    70
    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.
  16. 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.
  17. Almost Cool
    63
    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.

Awards & Rankings

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

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 50 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 47 out of 50
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 50
  3. Negative: 3 out of 50
  1. Mellowry
    Aug 17, 2021
    9
    A brilliant album, very calming. Songs like "Run" have a really rocky-lovely athmosphere, songs like "How To Be Dead" and "Chocolate" create aA brilliant album, very calming. Songs like "Run" have a really rocky-lovely athmosphere, songs like "How To Be Dead" and "Chocolate" create a kind of apocalypse style of music, but which is also very calming.… Full Review »
  2. Ricko
    May 24, 2012
    8
    After 2 averagely good Indie albums it was do or die time for the Northern Irish outfit when they were releasing their 3rd record Final Straw.After 2 averagely good Indie albums it was do or die time for the Northern Irish outfit when they were releasing their 3rd record Final Straw. This is the record that introduced the vast majority of people to Snow Patrol and along with Eyes Open I think it's their best work. Unlike their more recent work, it's not just the singles that are sharp on Final Straw. It has some mega hits on it but some of the albums tracks are just as engaging. The tunes are rocking and up tempo, the lyrics refrain from sopiness and the production is just right - not too raw and not over cooked. Chocolate, How to Be Dead and Spitting Games still all sound great today. Overplay has kind of ruined Run for me. When it's all over... was a huge progression from Songs for Polar Bears. Final Straw is an equally huge progression from it's predecessor. Eyes Open was a successfull attempt to consolidate the success of Final Straw but since then the bands albums have been disappointing overall, especially when you listen to this… Full Review »
  3. AaronG
    Oct 1, 2006
    9
    Very good, some awesome songs, but all in all very listenable.
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