A Hundred Million Suns
by Snow Patrol
  • Record Label: Geffen
  • Release Date: Oct 28, 2008
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 22
  3. Negative: 1 out of 22
  1. AllMusic
    80
    The album wholly warrants Snow Patrol's fame, presenting a band that aspires to pop/rock grandeur without developing the accompanying ego. As a result, this is the group's best work yet.
  2. Billboard
    80
    Snow Patrol handily manages the challenge of following up breakthrough album "Eyes Open" on A Hundred Million Suns.
  3. Dot Music
    70
    Three-part 16-minute closer 'The Lightening Strike,' at the other end of the scale, also sees them finally growing into their stadium skin, evoking Oasis, REM, Muse and, indeed, Coldplay amongst other subtleties and convincing you for once that they genuinely harbour ambition.
  5. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    A Hundred Million Suns is rife with the kind of midtempo rock ballads that dreamy rom-com climaxes are made of.
  6. Hot Press
    70
    Irish Rockers still going for the emotional jugular on impressive fifth album.
  7. Los Angeles Times
    75
    the opening tracks, 'If There’s a Rocket Tie Me to It' and 'Crack the Shutters,' seem deliberately placed as reassuring entry points for those fans who connected in a big way with the heart-on-sleeve emotionalism of 2006’s hit 'Chasing Cars.'
  8. Paste Magazine
    80
    Singer Gary Lightbody has a moody streak and a beautifully expressive voice, which sounds exquisite on the band’s newest record, A Hundred Million Suns.
  9. PopMatters
    90
    It’s a confident, balanced work of mass art with only extremely minor flaws.
  10. Spin
    70
    It's not a radical departure--there's no 'Kid A' in their future--but rather an engaging sidestep for a band that does triumphantly normal better than almost anyone.
  11. The A.V. Club
    100
    A Hundred Million Suns might just be Snow Patrol's biggest, most genuine effort yet.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 37 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 37
  3. Negative: 4 out of 37
  1. Ricko
    Jun 25, 2015
    7
    It's got several great moments, particularly during the first third of the album. It's also got a lot of dull moments. I think it’s a recordIt's got several great moments, particularly during the first third of the album. It's also got a lot of dull moments. I think it’s a record where the band have definitely stayed within their comfort zone and there are very few risks taken throughout. They've hit the big time and made their money - and like many bands who find themselves in such a situation, you have to wonder is the creative spark or the hunger there anymore. They really need to bring out their "Achtung Baby" record soon or they will be the next in an already long line of bands who coast into middle age in a sea of beige (Stereophonics, KOL). That is if they are not there already. They need a producer who will push them. I'm not saying this is a bad record at all, just that I think Snow Patrol have alot more in them than this. But then maybe they don't.… Full Review »
  2. Zaccds
    Jun 17, 2011
    8
    Snow Patrol really hits their stride and sound here and deliver a more focused and mature sound/lyrics. Showing off their rock/pop/andSnow Patrol really hits their stride and sound here and deliver a more focused and mature sound/lyrics. Showing off their rock/pop/and slow jam ability they have mixed in bits of their old sound and new for great results. With songs about love and heart ache accompany with personal lyrics and catchy music it's hard not to get into this album. Whether your a fan of them before or new your bound to find more than a few tracks or the whole album to your liking.… Full Review »
  3. JackL.
    Oct 29, 2008
    8
    A definite change for snow patrol, but a good one nonetheless.
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