THIS is the difficult' second album from Snow Patrol after the runaway success of Final Straw in 2004. That album contained so many anthems and recognisable hits, it was always going to be difficult to better it.

Have they done it? Probably not. Have they disgraced themselves, sold out? Probably not.

To be honest, if you liked Final Straw, you'll like Eyes Open.

There is little new on offer, although this is not a bad thing as the comforting sound of Eyes Open is like getting reacquainted with an old best friend.

Songs which jump out at first-listen are the opening You're All I Have, which echoes Spitting Games, and Chasing Cars which is a little like How To Be Dead.

Singer/songwriter Gary Lightbody calls Chasing Cars "the most pure and open love song I've ever written."

Whereas How To Be Dead was to me the the most pure and open drug song I've ever heard.

It's Beginning To Get To Me is typical Snow Patrol, as is Headlights On Dark Roads.

There are three bonus tracks, although the aptly titled "" is a little too abstract (virtual silence) to get my nod of approval.

What I do like is the lyrics in the sleeve. Too many bands these days omit them and often you've no idea what they're saying.

Maybe it's a step towards the intimacy Lightbody believes the new album achieves have they done it? Probably.