We chose these songs because they allow us the opportunity to sing anthems of hope right alongside you even in this time of being apart. Take a spin with the Covers EP and join us in singing along with:
Frank Ocean, Vampire Weekend, Harry Styles, Jon Bellion, The Verve, & The Chainsmokers.
Hope is the anthem,
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Covers EP Review| Posted June 22, 2020 What You Need To Know Jon Foreman, the lead singer of Switchfoot, began going online nightly to perform acoustic versions of his songs when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the U.S. Afterward, the country began closing studios and concert venues. At that point, Jon expanded his options. He performed either his own music or Switchfoot songs. Or, he covered other artists' songs. Other band members would join in on the fun (virtually, of course). They had so much fun covering other artists' music that they recorded an EP of studio covers.
On Facebook, the members of Switchfoot said, "We chose these songs because they allow us the opportunity to sing anthems of hope right alongside you even in this time of being apart. Take a spin with the Covers EP and join us in singing along with Frank Ocean, Vampire Weekend, Harry Styles, Jon Bellion, The Verve, and The Chainsmokers."
What It Sounds Like These songs definitely sound like Switchfoot–even though they're covers of other artists and styles. The band stays true to the originals, keeping the majority of the rhythms, styles, and progression of the songs while adding signature Switchfoot elements. The passion that the band has for the messages of these songs is evident. These covers sound like mid-tempo songs Switchfoot has recorded in the past. "The World You Want," Selling The News," Your Love Is A Song," and "More Than Fine" are a few examples.
Spiritual Highlights These songs, recorded by mainstream artists, have important life lessons and other positive messages. "Swim Good" is a vulnerable song about the struggles of life, but coming through as a stronger person, much like what is taught in the Book of James. Switchfoot, natives of San Diego, can definitely vibe with this song thematically, as they share, "As surfers, this feeling is what keeps us coming back to the water. This song is also a timeless reminder that we are all a part of a story bigger than ourselves. This day and age, these words are more poignant than ever."
"Harmony Hall" has a political edge to it, which fits well into the personal lives of each band member--even if not usually the band itself. Their version of the instrumental piece in the song is beautiful. It's a great cover with evident Switchfoot vibes.
"Stupid Deep" is perhaps the most Switchfoot-influenced cover. Jon Foreman's incredible vocal range reaches the same highs and lows that original artist Jon Bellion's impressive vocal range also achieves. "With the world around seemingly spinning out of control, this is a song about realizing contentment and peace is found within. At times, we're all susceptible to frantically chasing love, acceptance, contentment, you name it. Something to make us feel okay, to mend the 'stupid deep' holes in our hearts." The great life lessons we can learn from these special songs ought not to be missed.
Best Song The cover of Vampire Weekend's "Harmony Hall" fits so well with Switchfoot. For a band who strives for justice and peace, the theme and message of the song could easily be a B-side from their hit album, Where The Light Shines Through. And, no one would guess otherwise. The band's creative skills shine exceptionally well on this song. Jon Foreman would argue for "Stupid Deep" as his favorite, but I would not argue too strongly against that either though.
For Fans Of: Switchfoot, Judah and the Lion, The 1975, any of the covered artists
Bottom Line I cannot think of many artists who are already so passionate about the messages of their cover songs as much as Switchfoot has been. Jon says it well, "There is a commonality in melody, and rhythm, and lyric, and truth that speaks to me even from someone who might look different than myself. This is the beauty of music: it can take us around the world, even when we're quarantined at home." These specially-chosen songs are properly and honorably covered by Switchfoot and it lets them showcase their ever-growing and impressive creative musical prowess.
Switchfoot Covers Project| Posted June 22, 2020
This side project from Switchfoot was recorded during the COVID-19 quarantine period. The band covers six diverse songs, about which Jon Foreman has stated: “There is a commonality in melody, and rhythm, and lyric, and truth that speaks to me even from someone who might look different than myself. This is the beauty of music: it can take us around the world, even when we’re quarantined at home.”
I was not familiar with any of these songs, nor had I heard any music from the artists that are covered here. I approached each song on its lyrical merits and Switchfoot’s performance, which was up to their high standards. Here are a few brief comments about each of the songs: Swim Good – This is a cover of a 2011 song by Frank Ocean. This dark song about a suicide was written by Waynne Nugent, Kevin Risto, Charlie Gambetta and Frank Ocean. It was produced by Tim Foreman and Jon Foreman. The song features bass, keys, guitar and is driven by some exceptional drums from Chad Butler.
Key lyric: I'm about to drive in the ocean I'ma try to swim from something bigger than me
Kick off my shoes and swim good, and swim good
Take off this suit and swim good, and swim good, good Harmony Hall – This is a cover of a 2019 song by Vampire Weekend. The song was written by Ezra Koenig. The song features acoustic and electric guitar, hand claps, backing vocals, and drums. The song, which has themes of power, resistance, and anti-Semitism, is musically more upbeat than the lyrics are.
Key lyric: And the stone walls of Harmony Hall bear witness Anybody with a worried mind would never forgive the sight
Of wicked snakes inside a place you thought was dignified
I don't wanna live like this, but I don't wanna die Stupid Deep – This is a cover of a 2018 song by Jon Bellion. The song was written by Travis Mendes, Raul Cubina, Mark Williams, Jon Bellion and Christianne Jensen. It was produced by the Freeman Brothers. The song features guitar, backing vocals, drums and bass. The song speaks to the hole in our hearts, our attempts to fill it, and our continual failure to do so.
Key lyric: What if who I hoped to be was always me? And the love I fought to feel was always free?
What if all the things I've done
Were just attempts at earning love? Yeah
'Cause the hole inside my heart is stupid deep, oh, stupid deep Lucky Man – This is a cover of a 1997 song by the Verve. It was written by Richard Ashcroft. The song begins with acoustic guitar and then builds with drums, electric guitar, bass and backing vocals. The song, which was inspired by Ashcroft’s relationship with his wife, is one that U2’s Bono has said that he wished he would have written.
Key lyric: Happiness More or less
It's just a change in me
Something in my liberty Lights Up – This is a cover of a 2019 song by Harry Styles. It was written by Kid Harpoon, Tyler Johnson and Harry Styles. The song has a dance beat, featuring guitar, keys, backing vocals, and drums. The song, about freedom, self-reflection and self-discovery, is musically more upbeat than the lyrics are.
Key lyric: Shine, step into the light Shine, so bright sometimes
Shine, I'm not ever going back Sick Boy – This is a cover of a 2018 song by the Chainsmokers. It was written by Tony Ann, Emily Warren, Alex Pall and Andrew Taggart. The song features acoustic guitar, backing vocals, drums, guitar and bass. The dark song addresses what if feels like to be alive right now, the struggle of self-identity in a crazy world, and about dealing with anxiety.
Key lyric: Welcome to the narcissism Where we're united under our indifference
My overall assessment is that Switchfoot continues to surprise, not rest on their laurels, be creative, and remain relevant. Jon Foreman’s expressive vocals lead this incredible high energy band. Unfortunately, the songs here didn’t move me like Switchfoot songs would. Although I enjoyed the performances, this is not a project that I will be going back to often.
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