"A Hundred Million Suns" is the fifth studio album by the Northern Irish-Scottish rock band Snow Patrol. Released on October 24, 2008, the album was recorded throughout 2008 in Hansa Tonstudio in Berlin and Grouse Lodge Studios in Ireland. The album marks a shift towards more expansive and ambitious musical arrangements compared to the band's previous work.
The recording of "A Hundred Million Suns" involved Jacknife Lee as the producer, who had also worked on the band's successful preceding album, "Eyes Open." This album continued to showcase the band's signature style, blending heartfelt lyrics with lush, anthemic soundscapes.
The first single from the album, "Take Back the City," was released prior to the album launch and garnered significant radio play, contributing to the album's commercial success. Another standout track, "The Planets Bend Between Us," exemplified the band's knack for creating emotionally powerful ballads.
Lyrically, the album explores themes of love, life, and existential wonder, often with an optimistic and introspective tone. The closing track, "The Lightning Strike," is an epic three-part song lasting over 16 minutes, highlighting the band's creative ambition on this record.
The album was met with generally favorable reviews from critics, who praised its musical evolution and mature songwriting. Following its release, "A Hundred Million Suns" performed well internationally, further solidifying Snow Patrol's status as a prominent band in the alternative rock scene.
