When hit theaters in 2007, had already pursued international fame for more than 15 years with . Although popular in Ireland, the singer's music wasn't nearly as omnipresent in other countries until the movie's release, which catapulted tunes like into the spotlight. The soundtrack was also a big hit, turning 's side project with simpatico songwriter into a full-fledged, award-winning, globetrotting band. While playing international venues and attending industry award shows, the two attracted additional attention for their real-life relationship, which effectively replaced 's semi-tearful conclusion with a storybook ending. Released two years after the film's release, however, finds and going their separate ways, choosing to end their relationship while remaining in the same band. has used heartbreak for fuel in the past, and he keeps the blaze going throughout these 12 tracks. If the soundtrack was a bit spotty -- its track list culled from a haphazard array of old songs, covers, collaborative material, and the musicians' own tunes -- then shows what can do with a singular theme and a solid backing band, both of which contribute to the album's cohesion. 's influence is still apparent, particularly in the '70s-styled soul of but the singer/songwriter ambience that permeated 's music doesn't carry as much weight here. Instead, devotes more concern to exploring the lush, full boundaries of 's sound, which now includes tasteful doses of strings, electric guitar, and overdubbed harmonies. The results are quite often gorgeous, with songs like building up to expansive, cathartic climaxes over the course of several minutes. Also striking are the performances by , who turns her fragile voice -- an instrument that always seemed detrimentally self-conscious on previous albums -- into something alluring on It's testament to the band's vision that they remain focused despite such improvements; no amount of cinematic orchestration can change the fact that these songs are, after all, inward-looking tunes about heartbreak and personal struggle, and their lyrics resonate regardless of their wrapping paper. As a result, is a joy from start to finish, and few bands manage to mix intimacy and sweeping songcraft with such finesse. ~ Andrew Leahey