What makes Crack the Shutters by Snow Patrol notable?

The album debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, showcasing the band's continued commercial success. Its lead single, also titled 'Crack the Shutters,' received positive reviews and helped to further establish Snow Patrol's signature sound characterized by emotive songwriting and expansive instrumentation. Released on December 12, 2008, Crack the Shutters is Snow Patrol's fifth studio album, following their commercially successful record Eyes Open. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their position in the alternative rock scene after garnering mainstream attention and critical acclaim for their previous work.

How many songs are on Crack the Shutters?

Crack the Shutters has 2 tracks, running approximately 6 minutes.

Crack the Shutters

Snow Patrol · 2008

6 min · 2 tracks · alternative rock

Lush melodies and introspective lyrics intertwine, creating a soundscape that balances yearning with anthemic uplift.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Crack the Shutters — This track encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of vulnerability and connection, blending soaring choruses with introspective verses that highlight emotional depth.
→
Cubicles — With its driving rhythm and reflective lyrics, 'Cubicles' illustrates the tension between mundane life and deeper aspirations, embodying a pivotal moment in the album's narrative arc.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The single showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks the depth for lasting impact.

What we noticed

The title track features a gradual build-up, starting with soft instrumentation and layering in strings and percussion as it progresses.
The second track, 'Cubicles', contrasts with a more upbeat tempo and a driving rhythm, creating a distinct shift in energy.
Both tracks utilize repetitive melodic hooks that emphasize emotional delivery, particularly in the vocal lines.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album solidified Snow Patrol's commercial success after their hit Eyes Open.
Themes: office cubicle monotony· yearning connection
Career context: Released on December 12, 2008, Crack the Shutters is Snow Patrol's fifth studio album, following their commercially successful record Eyes Open. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their position in the alternative rock scene after garnering mainstream attention and critical acclaim for their previous work.
Stylistic neighbors: Coldplay· Keane· The Fray

New to Snow Patrol? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Crack the Shutters

The song builds to a moment where it shifts from addressing an abstract longing to a direct appeal for intimacy and presence.

This shift in address marks a significant emotional pivot, moving from general yearning to personal vulnerability, enhancing the song's overall impact.