Released 9th February 2015

I was incredibly excited when it was annouced that Kodaline were releasing their second album, their first, "In A Perfect World" (2013)  is utterly amazing and my all time favourite album so naturally I was expecting an equally as good, if not better follow up.

What a disappointment. They seem to have left behind their raw instrumental based sound for bigger, electronic guitars and synths. The lyrics of Steve Garrigan has developed a style similar to that of Chris Martin of Coldplay.

The success of their first album meant that they could have super producer Jacknife Lee working with them, who has worked with U2, Snow patrol etc, and I personally believe that has ruined their sound.

Although their song "War" seems to go back to basics, (I have heard it before though and loved it) the whole album seems to be them trying too hard, "Caught in the Middle" sounds as if its a completely different band, "The One" is cheesy and unfortunately reminiscent of One Direction, and the choir of "Unclear" seems both cliche and out of place.

Here's hoping that the next album will go back to basics and focus once again on pure talent.

This may seem a weird topic for me to talk about, but at the same time it is one I should be well versed in. I have grown up in a family who are involved in politics, so I've always known what is going on. But too often I have come across people who don't vote, or don't have an opinion on the work of our government, purely because they do not have enough knowledge to make that judgement.

• Stop worrying too much. 
• Things happen for a reason and some things just don't work out there's nothing you can do about it. 
• Heartbreak is not the end of your life, you'll meet someone better than you could ever have imagined. 
• Don't try so hard, you'll get there. 
• Save some of your money, you'll need it later. 
• Leave your skin alone. 
• You get kicked out of school but it doesn't matter. Education isn't as important as everyone says it is. 
• Your relationship with your parents will get better, they're disappointed in you but they will get over it.
• Look after your hair, it doesn't need to be bleached and dyed ridiculous amounts. 
• Success isn't the same for everyone. 
• Family is important, look after your brother and sisters, they need you.
• Don't be so scared to speak your mind. 
• Alcohol isn't always a great idea, in fact, you're better off without it. 
• Open your mind to other options. 
• Friends will come and go, always be open to meet new people. 
• Don't be so scared of new people, soon enough you are going to meet the best person in the whole world, and your relationship won't start for ages because you keep your guard up. 
• Not everyone will like you. 
• You won't like everyone either but it's okay, don't worry - people show their true colours eventually.
• Don't spend so much time in bed - go outside, live life to the fullest. 
• Make your aim in life to be happy, stick to it. 

"Family is everything"