Celebrating "Native Tongue"
Posted January 20, 2020
By BPence,
Switchfoot kicked off 2019 with Native Tongue, their first album since 2016’s Where The Light Shines Through. They followed that up with a six song EP Live From The NATIVE TONGUE Tour in May, and recently released a new five song EP Native Tongue (Reimagine/Remix) on the one-year anniversary of the release of Native Tongue.
The EP includes two new remixes, as well as a collaboration with violinist Lindsey Stirling on "Voices," and "West Coast Editions" of “Wonderful Feeling” and "All I Need," the latter of which was previously only available as a webstore album preorder exclusive. Additional contributors include Brent Kutzle (One Republic), Will Chapman (Colony House), John Painter on horns (Fleming and John) and Mason Self.
I’m generally not a big fan of remix projects. And, although Switchfoot is one of my favorite bands, you have to wonder if another project of songs from Native Tongue, might be a bit of overkill (we now have four versions of the song “Native Tongue” for example).
Here are a few brief comments about each song on the new EP:
Wonderful Feeling (West Coast Edition) - This song was written by Tim Foreman and Jon Foreman. The upbeat song opens with keys and features some good drums, backing vocals and horns. Jon sings how it’s funny how you fight what you need the most. Though he has spent a lot of time chasing his shadow, he has a wonderful feeling and hopes set high. His prayer is to let God’s light be his.
All I Need (West Coast Edition) - This song was written by Tim Foreman and Jon Foreman and was also included in the live EP. The love song features keys, drums, and backing vocals. The chorus is memorable as he sings that all he needs is the air he breathes, the time they share and the ground beneath his feet. He wants to know if she believes in him.
Voices - This song was written by Brent Kutzle, Jon Foreman, Ryan Tedder, Tim Foreman and Tyler Spry, and features Lindsey Stirling on violin. The song, which was also included on the live EP, was inspired by a homeless man at the beach. In the chorus, Jon sings of having an army of voices in his head. Each moment is crowded with choices, which speak to him and drown out the voices.
Let It Happen (Will “FRANKLIN” Chapman Remix) - This song was written by Jon Foreman, and was also included on the live EP. This remix gives the song a significantly different sound – distorted vocals and electronic dance beat percussion. This life seems hollow, he doesn’t know the meaning and his body is aching. He doesn’t know what is going to happen tomorrow but he trusts God with his future.
Native Tongue (Mason Self Remix) - This song was written by Tim Foreman, Jon Foreman and Brent Kutzle. This upbeat remix features distorted vocals, keys, guitar and percussion. Love is the language, our native tongue. He wonders where we went wrong, we forgot our song. He wants the world to sing in our native tongue and use our lungs for love. Two versions of this song were included on the live EP.
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