Towards the end of October, Irish alternative and indie rock group Snow Patrol released their latest album, A Hundred Million Suns. This latest album follows the band’s style of catchy beats and fearless instrumental work, but has a new edge to it. Snow Patrol has found a way to combine tried-and-true sounds with lyrics that range from light and celebratory to angst-ridden and poignant.

I truly can’t say it enough, but this is a spectacular album. From the fast-paced (and popularly played on the radio) “Take Back the City” to the slower and more laid-back, yet equally amazing “Lifeboats,” Snow Patrol has covered all of their bases. From acoustic guitar, to synthesizers, to lyrics that simultaneously express an intense joy of life and deep sadness and emotion, each song off of the album is a masterpiece in and of itself. And yet, they continue to surprise listeners.

One song that follows their style less rigidly is “The Golden Floor,” which is a combination of their same soulful and heartbreaking lyrics with an almost tribal beat and acoustic guitar. It’s an auditory experience that is unique, strange, and yet still pleasurable. Following this piece on the album is a more familiar soundtrack in the form of “Please Just Take These Photos From My Hands.” This track is like an old friend in that it contains the same energy and pace that can be found in their previous albums. Yet still this piece is subtly different from their previous work.

As soon as I purchased this album, I couldn’t stop listening to it. It’s unbelievable. What’s great about the album is that it’s really an album for everyone. It’s not too obscure in sound and provides lyrics and tones that are invigorating and soothing. I highly recommend this album. If you don’t at least like it upon first listening, then give it a week or two. It will definitely grow on you.