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Sadly, This New Day goes the way later albums tend to - see the most recent offerings from Oasis and Travis for examples - with the band maintaining the ability to turn out some great singles, whilst simultaneously losing the ability to produce original and lasting album tracks.

First, the good points - Nature's Law and Target are amongst the best songs Embrace have ever done, and would sit comfortably alongside Fireworks and Come Back to What You Know on a greatest hits record. The fact that Target's intro is hugely understated, and in some way spoils the track's ability to become a hit, is perhaps down the production, but the chorus is spectacular, and Danny McNamara sounds superb.

Exploding Machines, which was brilliant when I saw them on the pre-album tour, is still excellent. It doesn't have the melody hook that you would need for a single, but it's a great set-opener, and should stay there. The volume and variation in the music, coupled with the fact that it doesn't sound like Embrace usually do, should keep it amongst the live set for a while.

After that, though, the album is very thin on the ground. Sainted could well have been a track that didn't make the cut for Out of Nothing, lacking anything to interest you in the lyrics or melody. No Use Crying is ok, but lacks any real punch or originality, and I Can't Come Down is good on a first listen, but poor when compared to the brilliant piano ballads - Fireworks, Gravity and The Good Will Out to name just three - that Embrace have produced before.

Although I would recommend this to any Embrace fan who doesn't own it, I would say that in my opinion, this is probably Embrace's weakest album, saved from being truly disappointing only by those two wonderful singles.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Those who bought Out of nothing,will be happy with this.It's not quite as good but is still a very solid album,U2/coldplay would be the influences in here I would say.Its hauting,uplifting and roaring in places.Very hands in the air,if your pretending to be Danny in the privacy of your own home..if you catch my drift.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Fantastic! So great I bought 2 copies (1 for the car) & have just downloaded it onto my ipod.
As good as their first album & fantastic live! Every good home needs one of these in its cd collection, uplifting, haunting & unbeatable! Can't wait for the next one, shame it will be the last.

Rating: 5 out of 5

I recommend this CD, it's been great to listen to. For me, the first six tracks are the best, but even so, it's a very accomplished piece of work all round. Some lyrics are a bit lame, but they aren't the only ones with that problem. The sound is quite bright, with a fair bit of compression operative I think: a more natural balance would be better. Nevertheless, it's well worth a listen.

Looking forward to this year's live gigs...

Rating: 4 out of 5

This is probably the best album ever made. Embrace, for me, are the best band ever to have walked this Earth. Nature's Law is probably the best song i've heard in my life. Target, also is a class tune that grows on you like algae in a dirty pond. This album is truly brilliant, a lot better than Coldplay's X and Y, which made me want to commit suicide. Buy this and you will be a happier sod

Rating: 5 out of 5