If you must buy one Snow Patrol's pre-Final Straw albums, then get Songs for Polar Bears. Keep in mind, though, that while it is much better than When Its All Over We Still Have to Clear Up, it doesn't match the greatness of Final Straw or Eyes Open. However, in Songs for Polar Bears you will hear a good mix of acoustic ballads and heavy rock numbers. The album showed that Snow Patrol had alot of potential and in time would become a very good band, one that mellowed considerably. This is either a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your taste in music.

In Songs for Polar Bears, you will hear the heaviest rock songs Snow Patrol has ever recorded. When I first played it, I couldn't believe what I was hearing. If you liked Final Straw and Eyes Open, but felt they were too soft, then you just might like Songs for Polar Bears. If you love Snow Patrol for their ballads, don't expect Gary Lightbody to be so gentle in this album. You will definitely hear another side of Snow Patrol in Songs for Polars for Polars. A prime example is "Get Balsamic Vinegar...Quick You Fool" in which Lightbody sings the following:

I'm closer to the truth
she hates being on her own
but f--k her I'm leaving tonight

why should I live this way
when I could be with someone else

I don't want to hurt her feelings
But she's a crazy f--ked up b--ch

A long way from "Run" or "Chasing Cars" isn't it? But not all of the songs are angry. There are ballads, like "Mahogany" and "Fifteen Minutes Old," but most of them are short and acoustic. Other highlights include "Downhill from Here," "Starfighter Pilot," "Make Up," "Velocity Girl," and "One Hundred Things You Should Have Done in Bed." While you're waiting for the next Snow Patrol album, buy Songs for Polar Bears. It has recently been extended to 23 tracks, making it a double album. I recommend this one, but avoid When It's All Over We Still Have to Clear Up.

This cd is excellent. it has a variety of songs so impossible to get sick of it. pity they only released it in the uk, because i had to pay heaps to get it (im a nzer). it was worth it though. if only they'd get more support and they'd be big, so watch this space!!!

Soon this album will be reviewed by all their new fans because, well, it's never too late. The reason why it took Snow Patrol to get popular was because they started off on a small label (Jeepster) and didn't have the exposure they do now. They signed with a huge label and have finally taken off the way it should have been from the start.

They use keyboards, guitars, bass and drums like a garage band with a million great ideas in their head. The only reason it sounds like garage is because that's probably the only money they could afford. Still, the songs are catchy with a great backbeat. You can hear the fun, dreamlike desire they have. Starfighter Pilot comes at you quick with an easy melody and is fun to sing along with.
One Hundred Things You Should Have Done in Bed shows a bit of bitterness and serious tone wrapped up in another poppy gem.
The list goes on and the number of songs is definitely an added bonus.

I remember when I reviewed this album while in college (cheers to you two who reviewed it here) - nobody got it then but it could have been because it was too poppy. This album, while much choppier, is a lot like their new stuff (i.e. Chasing Cars) with a formulated radio-ready feel. The difference is that with the old stuff, you'll find your head bobbing from start to finish. The new has matured and is better suited to get your prom date out on the floor and slow dance to. Still great, and never too late to be introduced to.

Because the manufacturer put so many songs on this cd, the last song will not play in some cd players. I returned the first copy of this cd I bought, because I thought it was a dud. Second copy had the same problem. Put it into a different cd player and it worked.

great early cd for this group.
they have gotten better.
still you should own this one too.