They’re one of the hottest bands to come from Ireland since U2 or the Cranberries, and the members of Snow Patrol have definitely put their best collective foot forward on their latest release A Hundred Million Suns.

The first noticeable aspect of the album on the whole is the sheer variety woven from throughout its 58-minute running time. Unlike the majority of alternative/power pop outfits making music these days, these lads know how to change up their style just enough to keep the listener interested while still maintaining the trappings of their unique sound.

Given the enormous success of “Chasing Cars” from 2006’s Eyes Open, Snow Patrol had their work cut out for them in terms of finding another radio-ready hit song with which to declare their return to the pop-sensible audience. And they answered the call with their lead single “Crack the Shutters,” a driving, mid-tempo ditty with a chorus that is sure to have listeners humming for hours after the initial listen.

“Take Back the City” ups the ante with a four-on-the-floor rhythm structure that wears its Cars influence on its proverbial sleeve. Needless to say, Ric Ocasek would be proud of the comparison.

And on “The Planets Bend Between Us,” Gary Lightbody and co. borrow a bit from fellow-UKers Pink Floyd with a bevy of ethereal nuances and atmospheric ambiance. Let’s just say it’s a killer stargazing song.

Thanks to a wide array of sonic landscapes, and anthem-style melodies, A Hundred Million Suns is packed with the potential necessary to become a commercial, as well as artistic, success.

Listen to "Take Back the City" here: