Switchfoot Offers a Fun and Memorable Ride
Posted May 13, 2010
By JJFrancesco_NRT, Staff Reviewer
Switchfoot has always been one of those bands that I've liked, but not loved. They had many good songs, and even a good album in "The Beautiful Letdown." But I've never felt their music reaching the level of "must hear" before, that is, until they released "Hello Hurricane."
I must admit, I was initially not as impressed when I heard lead single "Mess of Me," but it's grown on me and I like it a lot now. But it's actually other songs on the album that have really hooked me and made me re-evaluate my view of Switchfoot.
"Free" is an intense and catchy rocker and one of the first songs from the new collection that hooked me. Crossover rockers "Needle and Haystack Life" and the title track also wheeled me in with their catchy hooks and soaring choruses.
Ballads like "Your Love Is A Song" and "Always" also have become favorites, and apparently I am not alone as both have been featured on television shows, and the latter got a commercial placement. Both have also been released as singles to complement the rock singles. So these are definitely great new additions to Switchfoot's catalogue.
"Red Eyes" is another highlight, closing the album in a memorable way.
While the other songs are not quite as memorable, I liked almost all of them from the made-to-be-pop-hit vibe of "Enough to Let Me Go" to the gentle and relaxing feel of "Yet."
"The Sound" also has become a hit from the album, scoring a commercial placement and the title of the band's second rock single from the album. It's another good anthem from Switchfoot.
"Bullet Soul" is the only song I really did not like from the bunch. Maybe it's because I am not fond of screaming or that it sounds so weird to hear so many coming from Switchfoot. Or maybe the rough song just doesn't work as well with the rest of the songs(even if it isn't the only track on the album to feature some screaming). I am sure many will adore it, but it's subpar for me.
Ultimately, Switchfoot has really impressed me with this outing, and I hope they continue to do so in the future. I may not have considered them great before, but I think "Hello Hurricane" has definitely elevated them to that level in my book. View All Music And Book Reviews By JJFrancesco_NRT | View JJFrancesco_NRT's Profile
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