Albums to watch

Fallen Empires

Snow Patrol

Fallen Empires

This band of Irish indie types made their sixth album while travelling around California, with help from Michael Stipe, among others

ADM rating[?]

6.1

Label
Fiction
UK Release date
14/11/2011
US Release date
22/11/2011
  1. 8.0 |   The Irish Times

    There’s enough here to convince that they’re still stretching themselves
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  2. 8.0 |   Q

    It's not quite the shapeshifting world-beater Snow Patrol needed, but at its best, Fallen Empires chases Chasing Cars away. Print edition only

  3. 8.0 |   The Scotsman

    Fallen Empires has that Celtic stomp powered by acoustic strings that can out-muscle any heavy metal chords
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  4. 8.0 |   Scotland on Sunday

    Snow Patrol know what their fans and the producers of light angst American dramas want, and half of this record seems destined for the credits of Grey’s Anatomy. Or maybe the new Batman movie
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  5. 8.0 |   State

    While it’s good to see them step out of their comfort zone at times, it’s also refreshing to hear that they haven’t disregarded the reason for their popularity in the first place
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  6. 7.5 |   A.V. Club

    It’s not where you want to spend all of your listening time, but it’s comforting at worst and occasionally fantastic
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  7. 7.0 |   BBC

    A sixth album that leans on U2 for inspiration, but ultimately finds its own footing
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  8. 6.0 |   The Scotsman

    Strikes the commendable but not terribly exciting balance of a freshly tweaked sound intended to move the band forward without alienating the fanbase
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  9. 6.0 |   Entertainment.ie

    Fallen Empires is a little too sprawling for its own good and while its sheer catchiness will satisfy long-time fans, it's not the album that Snow Patrol will be identified by when all is said and done
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  10. 6.0 |   Evening Standard

    Too safe and predictable: a Celtic Coldplay with little new to add
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  11. 6.0 |   The Guardian

    Although the variation in styles doesn't make for the most cohesive album, the default mood is still downbeat but anthemic – songs for couples to cling tightly to one another while raising mobiles in the air
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  12. 6.0 |   The Independent

    Their most spirited effort yet, and the changes have been deftly effected in a way which shouldn't alienate their core fanbase too much
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  13. 6.0 |   AU Review

    The sound of a band in transition, though there are hints that, when they finally emerge from the cocoon, we just might have something to cherish
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  14. 6.0 |   Rave Magazine

    A slick and highly-produced affair, dramatic guitar rock underpinned by burbling synths and crisp, precise beats, showing the influence of indie titans like Arcade Fire and LCD Soundsystem
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  15. 5.0 |   Drowned In Sound

    To a certain degree Fallen Empires maintains a sense of continuity with A Hundred Millions Suns in as much as Snow Patrol still sound unsure of themselves
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  16. 5.0 |   Rolling Stone

    They've added a few dance beats to their beige guitar anthems. It's a strange move but done tastefully
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  17. 5.0 |   Consequence Of Sound

    It’s the same-old same-old, and whether you love Snow Patrol or hate ‘em, Fallen Empires will do little to change your mind
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  18. 4.8 |   Pitchfork

    You get the sense they're shooting for something epic, something that would sound just as big as the pop bangers on radio, but the results are goofy
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  19. 4.0 |   Clash

    Sticks too rigidly to the formula
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  20. 4.0 |   Uncut

    Once again playing safe with their crowd-pleasing formula. Print edition only

  21. 4.0 |   Mojo

    An album that sounds confused and disjointed. Print edition only


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Snow Patrol: Fallen Empires

  • Download full album for just £8.49
  • 1. I'll Never Let Go £0.99
  • 2. Called Out In The Dark £0.99
  • 3. The Weight Of Love £0.99
  • 4. This Isn't Everything You Are £0.99
  • 5. The Garden Rules £0.99
  • 6. Fallen Empires £0.00
  • 7. Berlin £0.99
  • 8. Lifening £0.99
  • 9. New York £0.99
  • 10. In The End £0.99
  • 11. Those Distant Bells £0.99
  • 12. The Symphony £0.99
  • 13. The President £0.99
  • 14. Broken Bottles Form A Star (Prelude) £0.99
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