Wildness
by Snow Patrol
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: May 25, 2018
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
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  1. AllMusic
    May 24, 2018
    80
    Throughout Wildness, Lightbody pushes his message with evocative lyrical imagery and the consoling empathy of someone who has fought the battle and emerged triumphant. The result is one of the most comforting and relatable inclusions in the band's catalog.
  2. Q Magazine
    May 23, 2018
    80
    A sparkling record whose polished exterior barely masks the turmoil at its heart. [Jul 2018, p.116]
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  3. Paste Magazine
    May 31, 2018
    79
    [There] are minor blemishes on what otherwise is a strong comeback album for Snow Patrol that proves Lightbody’s still got it. Now, though, his hooks are weathered a bit by life and loss and struggle.
  5. Drowned In Sound
    May 24, 2018
    70
    Overall, Wildness is a really great comeback record. There are a few dud tracks in there, especially in the first half of the album, but these are more than compensated for by the excellence of the remainder of the record.
  6. musicOMH.com
    May 25, 2018
    60
    If you love Snow Patrol, Wildness will please. But while it has moments that can be thoroughly enjoyed in increments, if you’re expecting developments--especially given the seven-year gap between released--then you’re out of luck.
  7. Mojo
    May 23, 2018
    60
    An off-the-mark stab at Nebraska-era Bruce Springsteen vocals casting a grim shadow over what was a slow burning lament. Thankfully, Wildness's remaining portfolio is stuffed with hooky but soul-bruised cuts. [Jul 2018, p.96]
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  8. Pitchfork
    Jun 4, 2018
    48
    More than Lightbody’s lack of cogency, the imperious tone burdens Wildness.
  9. The Independent (UK)
    May 23, 2018
    40
    Wildness is an attempt to return to form, but it’s an unsuccessful one.
  10. Under The Radar
    May 23, 2018
    35
    The album as a whole is frustratingly disappointing for a band with so much talent and past successes.

Awards & Rankings

73
#73 Most Shared Album of 2018

User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 31 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 31
  3. Negative: 1 out of 31
  1. Brendonh93
    May 31, 2018
    8
    Although I feel the album is a lot more slow and emotional that of previous projects I find it a very refreshing project and enjoyed listeningAlthough I feel the album is a lot more slow and emotional that of previous projects I find it a very refreshing project and enjoyed listening to it the entire way through.

    Though I would not say it is my favorite of the albums it is still a rock solid staple.    … Full Review »
  2. vancemay77
    Apr 22, 2022
    8
    A great return to form album from a solid band. "Life on Earth" ranks up there as one of the best Snow Patrol songs of all time. There are aA great return to form album from a solid band. "Life on Earth" ranks up there as one of the best Snow Patrol songs of all time. There are a few skip tracks, but there are also some incredibly beautiful moments.

    Stand out Tracks:
    Life on Earth, Heal Me, What if This is all the love you ever get, Soon    … Full Review »
  3. Mellowry
    Aug 17, 2021
    8
    I was in Berlin in 2019, Snow Patrol performed "Life On Earth", which was and still is my favorite song on this album along with "Soon". GaryI was in Berlin in 2019, Snow Patrol performed "Life On Earth", which was and still is my favorite song on this album along with "Soon". Gary Lightbody announced the performance of that song to the audience, with the words: "You know, this song took us seven years to make, and i know what you're thinking... You think it'll better be f*cking good." and everyone in the audience laughed. That performance of the song again made me realize, how good this song actually is and that they made the best out of the time between 'Fallen Empires' and 2018 to make this album. I can agree, it isn't their best. I think a 'Final Straw' or an 'Eyes Open' is still slightly better. Songs like "Life and Death" really got quite boring to me over the time and the lyrics maybe aren't always at the maximum of perfection of course. Nevertheless, this album sure has some good songs, instrumentally and lyrically, going into a new more "overthinking" type of music, which is really calming and interesting. I also heard that Lightbody had some things going on in this gap between Fallen Empires and Wildness, so i hope for him that he is doing better now, i feel like this album quite expressed what he felt inbetween that timespan due to the issues he had.… Full Review »
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