Honoring A Classic
Pop
By GraceChaves_NRT | Released On September 15, 2023 | Published September 20, 2026 | Last Edited By: GraceChaves_NRT
![The Beautiful Letdown (Our Version) [Deluxe Edition] Album Review by Switchfoot](https://nrtmediacdn.sfo3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/app_dev/albums/June2026/cover_30662.jpg)
What You Need To Know
Switchfoot is an alternative rock band from San Diego, California. The band is composed of lead singer Jon Foreman, his brother Tim, Chad Butler, Jerome Fontamillas, and Boaz Roberts. Their history dates back to 1997, when they released their debut album, Legend of Chin. Since then, the group has released hit after hit with songs like "Live It Well" and "Love Alone is Worth the Fight." But perhaps the group is most well known for their songs "Meant to Live," "This Is Your Life," and "Dare You to Move," featured on their 2003 record, The Beautiful Letdown.
As a celebration of their landmark record, Switchfoot has released The Beautiful Letdown (Our Version), which features rerecorded versions of the songs from their hit album. By bringing new life to the original tracks while maintaining their authenticity, the band has created an updated version that is sure to please fans. To make the release even more special, Switchfoot has enlisted the help of some friends for The Beautiful Letdown (Our Version) [Deluxe Edition].
Featuring renowned artists such as Jon Bellion, Owl City, Jonas Brothers, and Relient K, each song on The Beautiful Letdown received a unique makeover.
What it Sounds Like
With each artist bringing their own sound to their respective songs, there's no specific genre The Beautiful Letdown (Our Version) [Deluxe Edition] falls under. There are aspects of pop on Owl City's version of "Gone," indie singer/songwriter on Monica Martin's version of "More Than Fine," and, of course, rock and roll on Relient K's version of "Ammunition."
Switchfoot somehow brought together all the genres and artists I love into one place for The Beautiful Letdown (Our Version) [Deluxe Edition], and I'm obsessed with it. But even with the various musical styles, every song has Switchfoot's stamp. This album honors the milestone 20th anniversary of The Beautiful Letdown, and I couldn't be more pleased with how this record turned out.
Spiritual Highlights
What I like about Switchfoot is how they incorporate their faith into almost every song they write. While not every track paints a picture of Jesus in black and white, the gospel is in the poetic flow of their lyrics. One of the best examples of this is in "On Fire." While it's unclear who the song was for, it reminds me so much of my relationship with God.
"You're on fire when he's near you," popstress Ingrid Andress sings in her beautiful version of the song. "You're on fire/When he speaks/You're on fire/Burning at these mysteries."
As an aspiring poet, Switchfoot beautifully draws you into the story they're trying to tell through their music. The way they include elements of their faith in their music is inspiring, and those elements are especially apparent in this album.
Best Song
Is it possible to pick a favorite from this album? Owl City's version of "Gone" made me smile and brought me to my childhood. Dayglow's "Adding To The Noise" brought all those feel-good West Coast vibes. Sleeping At Last brought their iconic sound to "Monday Comes Around." But the biggest highlight is "Dare You to Move," featuring OneRepublic lead singer Ryan Tedder.
"Dare You to Move" is the only song on the album to feature Jon Foreman's vocals. (As a big Switchfoot fan, this is a personal favorite.). His voice and Ryan's blend perfectly. I cannot think of a better way Switchfoot could have honored this song. It respects the original well while bringing a new voice to the track.
"I dare you to move/I dare you to move/I dare you to lift yourself up off the floor/I dare you to move/ I dare you to move/Like today never happened/Today never happened before."
For Fans Of
NEEDTOBREATHE, Owl City, Relient K, Gable Price & Friends
Final Word
I grew up listening to The Beautiful Letdown. To see these songs be given new life and introduced to a new audience warms my heart. It's easy for a band to produce an album--especially early on in their career--and forget about it. But Switchfoot knows how much these songs mean to their fans, so they've given it much honor and respect.
It's a new era for Switchfoot, and I couldn't be more excited. In addition to the new album, Switchfoot is currently on The Beautiful Letdown 20th Anniversary Tour to celebrate this milestone occasion. For tickets and more information, click here.
Listen to The Beautiful Letdown (Our Version) [Deluxe Edition] on Apple Music and Spotify.
Switchfoot is an alternative rock band from San Diego, California. The band is composed of lead singer Jon Foreman, his brother Tim, Chad Butler, Jerome Fontamillas, and Boaz Roberts. Their history dates back to 1997, when they released their debut album, Legend of Chin. Since then, the group has released hit after hit with songs like "Live It Well" and "Love Alone is Worth the Fight." But perhaps the group is most well known for their songs "Meant to Live," "This Is Your Life," and "Dare You to Move," featured on their 2003 record, The Beautiful Letdown.
As a celebration of their landmark record, Switchfoot has released The Beautiful Letdown (Our Version), which features rerecorded versions of the songs from their hit album. By bringing new life to the original tracks while maintaining their authenticity, the band has created an updated version that is sure to please fans. To make the release even more special, Switchfoot has enlisted the help of some friends for The Beautiful Letdown (Our Version) [Deluxe Edition].
Featuring renowned artists such as Jon Bellion, Owl City, Jonas Brothers, and Relient K, each song on The Beautiful Letdown received a unique makeover.
What it Sounds Like
With each artist bringing their own sound to their respective songs, there's no specific genre The Beautiful Letdown (Our Version) [Deluxe Edition] falls under. There are aspects of pop on Owl City's version of "Gone," indie singer/songwriter on Monica Martin's version of "More Than Fine," and, of course, rock and roll on Relient K's version of "Ammunition."
Switchfoot somehow brought together all the genres and artists I love into one place for The Beautiful Letdown (Our Version) [Deluxe Edition], and I'm obsessed with it. But even with the various musical styles, every song has Switchfoot's stamp. This album honors the milestone 20th anniversary of The Beautiful Letdown, and I couldn't be more pleased with how this record turned out.
Spiritual Highlights
What I like about Switchfoot is how they incorporate their faith into almost every song they write. While not every track paints a picture of Jesus in black and white, the gospel is in the poetic flow of their lyrics. One of the best examples of this is in "On Fire." While it's unclear who the song was for, it reminds me so much of my relationship with God.
"You're on fire when he's near you," popstress Ingrid Andress sings in her beautiful version of the song. "You're on fire/When he speaks/You're on fire/Burning at these mysteries."
As an aspiring poet, Switchfoot beautifully draws you into the story they're trying to tell through their music. The way they include elements of their faith in their music is inspiring, and those elements are especially apparent in this album.
Best Song
Is it possible to pick a favorite from this album? Owl City's version of "Gone" made me smile and brought me to my childhood. Dayglow's "Adding To The Noise" brought all those feel-good West Coast vibes. Sleeping At Last brought their iconic sound to "Monday Comes Around." But the biggest highlight is "Dare You to Move," featuring OneRepublic lead singer Ryan Tedder.
"Dare You to Move" is the only song on the album to feature Jon Foreman's vocals. (As a big Switchfoot fan, this is a personal favorite.). His voice and Ryan's blend perfectly. I cannot think of a better way Switchfoot could have honored this song. It respects the original well while bringing a new voice to the track.
"I dare you to move/I dare you to move/I dare you to lift yourself up off the floor/I dare you to move/ I dare you to move/Like today never happened/Today never happened before."
For Fans Of
NEEDTOBREATHE, Owl City, Relient K, Gable Price & Friends
Final Word
I grew up listening to The Beautiful Letdown. To see these songs be given new life and introduced to a new audience warms my heart. It's easy for a band to produce an album--especially early on in their career--and forget about it. But Switchfoot knows how much these songs mean to their fans, so they've given it much honor and respect.
It's a new era for Switchfoot, and I couldn't be more excited. In addition to the new album, Switchfoot is currently on The Beautiful Letdown 20th Anniversary Tour to celebrate this milestone occasion. For tickets and more information, click here.
Listen to The Beautiful Letdown (Our Version) [Deluxe Edition] on Apple Music and Spotify.