'The Beautiful Letdown' Is Far From
Posted July 31, 2007
By Epilogue,
If the opening riff of 'Meant to Live' doesn't get your blood going, than you need a check up.
After much success in the Christian market, Switchfoot was recognized by Columbia Records as being a great band and so, hurriedly took them in, which broadened Switchfoot's scope to a secular audience...and gave them the tools they needed to craft their finest record yet.
As the hyper catchy chorus of 'Meant to Live' comes around, its clear that Switchfoot has turned a new page. No previous song from them has been as intense, as original, and as cool as this. And they're not done. 'This Is Your Life' with its heavy effects ladened guitar intro comes next, leading up to the anthem cry of the album: 'Don't waste this life; it was meant for more.' 'Dare You to Move' sounding much better this time around, echoes the sentiment.
The maturity Switchfoot has attained is miraculous. Their lyrics are impeccable, their music first rate, and their message as strong as ever. The acoustic '24' is Jon's cry to God about his depravity ('There's twenty four reasons/to admit that I'm wrong/with all my excuses/ still twenty-four strong'), but ascends into a joyous celebration where Jon assuredly and happily declares 'I am the second man now.' The song 'Redemption' drives home the same point.
Another amazing thing about this album is that every song is a keeper. From the catchy chorus of 'More than Fine', the aggressiveness of 'Ammunition', the fun-loving 'Gone' and 'Adding to the Noise' and the beautiful piano song 'On Fire', every song is just so powerful and varied. Ranging from distorted rock riffs, soft acoutics, rocky acoustics, pianos, 80's riffs, digital effects, sliding octaves...whatever floats your boat, you'll find floating here. The song 'The Beautiful Letdown' comes in quietly, but leaves you convicted to rethink your life, your priorities, and the Church - and it's simply a cool song.
There is no doubt Switchfoot deserves all the praise it has received for this album. Signifying Switchfoot's goal, sound, and message, 'The Beautiful Letdown' is anything but.
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