Following up its 2004 breakthrough album, FINAL STRAW, the Ireland-bred/Scotland-based rock band Snow Patrol opted for an even more accessible sound on EYES OPEN. Frontman Gary Lightbody has always shown a penchant for crafting pop-savvy tunes, but this 11-track set takes his songwriting to new heights, as best revealed on the energetic anthems ""You're All I Have"" and ""Hands Open."" While these songs display grandeur on the scale of U2 and Coldplay, Lightbody also knows how to ease into a tender ballad, most notably the chiming ""You Could Be Happy,"" which features delicate Bjork-like backing. Though much of the record is upbeat, Lightbody's melancholy sensibility still comes into play on the brooding ""Shut Your Eyes"" and ""Set Fire to the Third Bar,"" a haunting duet with Martha Wainwright. Longtime fans may miss Snow Patrol's indie-pop quirkiness, but in its place is a mature and assured approach that is sure to appeal to a wide audience. Read Less