Description
Snow Patrol – Wildness – Vinyl Record
Wildness is the seventh studio album by the Northern Irish-Scottish rock band Snow Patrol, released on May 25, 2018. This album marked Snow Patrol’s return after a seven-year hiatus following 2011’s Fallen Empires, and it reflects a period of personal and creative transformation for frontman Gary Lightbody. Known for their introspective lyrics and atmospheric soundscapes, Snow Patrol took a more intimate approach with Wildness, delving into themes of mental health, self-discovery, healing, and connection. The album combines their signature anthemic sound with a raw, reflective quality, making it one of the band’s most personal works.
During Snow Patrol’s seven-year break, Lightbody struggled with depression, writer’s block, and addiction, and these experiences heavily influenced the songwriting on Wildness. Lightbody described the album as a search for clarity in life’s most complex emotions. The title, Wildness, refers to the primal, untamed forces within ourselves and the natural world, as well as the process of reconnecting with those forces to find a sense of grounding and purpose.
Musically, Wildness retains Snow Patrol’s characteristic sound—sweeping melodies, lush instrumentation, and Lightbody’s evocative vocals. However, it also incorporates a more stripped-back approach, with acoustic guitars, gentle piano, and subtle electronics that create a sense of intimacy and warmth. The album feels both expansive and introspective, balancing the grand, cinematic sound Snow Patrol is known for with a closer, confessional tone.
Key Tracks
Life on Earth – Opening the album, “Life on Earth” is a hauntingly beautiful track that explores the fragility and wonder of existence. With its slow build, atmospheric production, and reflective lyrics, the song sets a contemplative tone for the album.
Don’t Give In – This song was the album’s lead single and an anthem of resilience. Written during Lightbody’s struggles with depression, “Don’t Give In” is a message of encouragement and determination. The powerful chorus and uplifting lyrics make it one of the album’s standout tracks.
Heal Me – A song about the healing process and finding inner peace, “Heal Me” combines emotional lyrics with a driving rhythm and layered instrumentation. It reflects Lightbody’s journey through recovery, giving the track a deeply personal, cathartic feel.
Empress – One of the album’s more upbeat songs, “Empress” is energetic and hopeful, with a catchy rhythm and anthemic quality. The lyrics speak to the power of human connection and the support of loved ones during difficult times.
What If This Is All the Love You Ever Get? – A tender, piano-driven ballad, this track explores themes of vulnerability, love, and acceptance. Lightbody’s raw vocals and heartfelt lyrics make it one of the album’s most poignant moments, highlighting the fear of losing love and the courage to embrace it.
A Youth Written in Fire – This song is a reflection on Lightbody’s youth and the path that led him to where he is now. It captures a sense of nostalgia and self-awareness, with poetic lyrics and a sound that feels both wistful and grounded.
Soon – A deeply personal song about Lightbody’s father, who was battling dementia, “Soon” is a heartbreaking yet hopeful track that speaks to the bond between father and son. Its gentle, reflective tone captures the album’s theme of love and understanding in the face of life’s challenges.
Wild Horses – A song about acceptance and self-discovery, “Wild Horses” uses the metaphor of untamed nature to explore the wild, uncontrollable aspects of life. The track’s serene sound and reflective lyrics encapsulate the album’s central themes.
Wildness is a deeply introspective album, grappling with themes of mental health, family relationships, self-acceptance, and human resilience. Lightbody’s lyrics are candid and vulnerable, offering insights into his struggles and personal growth over the past several years. The album’s exploration of nature and the wildness within us reflects a journey to reconnect with what is pure and essential in ourselves and our lives.
The production on Wildness, helmed by longtime collaborator Jacknife Lee, is polished but restrained, allowing the emotion and intimacy of each song to shine. The arrangements often build from sparse, quiet beginnings to lush, layered climaxes, capturing the raw yet expansive sound that has become a signature of Snow Patrol’s music.
Wildness was met with positive reviews, with critics praising its emotional depth and Lightbody’s powerful storytelling. Fans also appreciated the album’s introspective tone and the band’s willingness to explore complex, often challenging themes. Tracks like “Don’t Give In” and “Soon” resonated particularly with listeners, who connected with the album’s messages of hope, healing, and resilience.
Though not as commercially successful as some of their earlier albums, Wildness has found a devoted following and is regarded as a mature, reflective work that captures Snow Patrol at a different stage in their career. It’s a departure from the grander, radio-friendly anthems of Eyes Open and Final Straw, offering instead a nuanced exploration of life’s inner struggles and quiet triumphs.
Wildness stands as a testament to Snow Patrol’s evolution, reflecting both the band’s growth and Gary Lightbody’s personal journey. It’s an album that resonates on a deep, emotional level, offering comfort and connection to those facing similar struggles. For fans of Snow Patrol and those who appreciate music that delves into mental health, resilience, and self-discovery, Wildness is a powerful, inspiring work that showcases the healing power of music.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Life On Earth
Don’t Give In
Heal Me
Empress
A Dark Switch
What If This Is All The Love You Ever Get?
A Youth Written In Fire
Soon
Wild Horses
Life And Death
