Though our reviewer was all set to be surprised by Snow Patrol's latest album, Fallen Empires, she reports that sound-wise, there's not much new there-but that's OK. Canadian singer Kathleen Edwards is in the right place at the right time with her smoky vocals on Voyageur. Itching for a cross-country trip, but don't like driving in winter weather? Easily accomplished with Electronic Arts' Run, its latest addition to the Need to Speed franchise.
Fallen Empires, Snow Patrol (Universal Records)
While this Glasgow-based band has had much success in Europe, it's still relatively unknown in the States. On its sixth album, the group has warned its followers to be open-minded about its new direction, but that may not have been necessary. Snow Patrol delivers a solid album that continues to demonstrate what it does best. There are no big bells or whistles here or anything that makes you say, "Wow!" It's just a mix of music that fans will enjoy listening to. There's a darker and more electronic sound in "I'll Never Let Go" and "The Symphony." And on "The Weight of Love," the band incorporates a gospel sound by teaming up with a Los Angeles choir. A techno flare appears in "The Symphony," "A Hundred Million Suns," and "The Final Straw," but fades on the second half of the album, which features a more disco spirit. Although front man Gary Lightbody's vocals shine through, Fallen Empires does little to prove that Snow Patrol has reinvented itself.— Frecelyn D., grade 11, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School
Voyageur, Kathleen Edwards (Zoe/Rounder)
Voyageur is Edwards's fourth album and the influence of co-producer and boyfriend, Justin Vernon (Bon Iver front man), is clearly demonstrated. Edwards isn't someone you can easily pin a label on. That's because her sound isn't exactly indie/alternative, traditional, or even folksy. But her beautiful voice is hard to ignore as she continues to establish her unique and gusty style, accompanied by a great acoustic sound. Voyageur starts off on a light romantic note but quickly delves into the pain of breakups, love lost, lust, and the emotional turmoil that accompanies doomed relationships. Tracks to check out are "A Soft Place to Land," "House Full of Empty Rooms," "Mint," "Going to Hell," and "For the Record," which features Norah Jones on vocals. Worth taking a look at.—Rachel L., grade 12, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School
Need for Speed: The Run (Electronic Arts)
Fasten your seatbelts. This action-packed game, which features powerful V8 muscle cars, takes players on a heart-pounding cross-country race. You play the arrogant Jack Rourke, who's been given the opportunity to race his way to freedom from the San Francisco mob. But he must make it in one piece, covering about 3,000 miles to New York. The Run succeeds because it doesn't get hung up on the narrative-instead, it focuses on well-structured races. The venues vary almost as much as the cars do, which provide fast-paced action and adventure. The various race types (battle race, checkpoint race, etc.) keep things from getting dull or repetitive. Unfortunately, the game doesn't take full advantage of its visual environment, though, at times, you'll find yourself bouncing along a winding, snowy pass dodging patches of slick black ice or avalanches as they explode around you. Had the designers taken advantage of these elements, playing The Run would be a more awesome experience. Rating T for Teen, Platform: PlayStation 3, Wii, Xbox 360, PC and 3DS.—Ryan A., grade 8, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School
This article originally appeared in School Library Journal's enewsletter SLJTeen. Subscribe here.
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