Three reviews in one day!? UNREAL! WHAT’S NEXT, FOUR!?
Quite possibly.
This is my first Switchfoot review, though I have had prior experience with Switchfoot.
Right off the bat, the CD starts with the title track, which is also the first single from the CD. There has been a lot of criticism by general public and even some fans, regarding their new sound. Switchfoot is noticeably more…pop-rocky (ie. Amateur Lovers), and throughout the CD the “Christian message” it subtle (but present) in the lyrics. In fact, I’d have to agree with another review which states that Oh Gravity borrows some themes, topics and song riffs from their previous songs.
For example, in American Dream, they list off a few materialistic items that people strive to live for. Remind you of any song? There’s also a riff which reminded me about Meant to Live. Most of the songs in Oh! Gravity are pretty much straight-forward, and many of regular life principles are employed. Of course, living in a capitalistic North American society makes us adapt the mindset that we must always strive for more things.
There are a few songs that you might not like in the beginning, as did I. Perhaps one of these songs would be Dirty Second Hands or 4:12. After watching it played on a Wal-Mart [USA] stream though, I don’t dislike it as much. Some songs…also might not be as memorable at the beginning, but after hearing the first few chords you remember it right away, such as Head Over Heels. And then…there are the songs you immediately like, like Oh! Gravity, American Dream, Awakening, Circles, Faust, Midas and Myself, and Let Your Love Be Strong.
Don’t get me wrong though, the entire CD should have you addicted and listening to it non-stop – I did. I’m just saying there are a songs that I obviously prefer than others. These choices would be based on how the song sounds…since each song basically has a small Godly message anyway. American Dream? Materialism won’t get you anywhere. Faust, Midas and Myself? “A heart that’s made of gold isn’t that much of a heart after all.” 4:12? Materialism… Let Your Love Be Strong? Almighty power of God’s undying love.
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Vocals: This is Jon we’re talking about. I’ve had a chance to hear some of the songs performed live…and he’s gradually getting much, much better. However, this is the studio release we’re talking about…so of course it’ll be good. Not like Paul Wong…his vocals are just horrible most of the time.
Instrumentals: I don’t think there would really be a band that can’t do well in instrumentals? Oh, other than that horrible cover of Smells Like Teen Spirit by that school band on Youtube. Ugh. If you get a chance, go to Yahoo Pepsi Smash and watch Switchfoot’s rendition of Beyonce’s Crazy in Love. Funny stuff. Pertaining to this CD…I really appreciate hearing the variety of instruments (ie. rhythm sections) Switchfoot has.
Lyrics: Feels very secular/mainstream at times (ironic, since Switchfoot is very, VERY mainstream now)…but Jon is still able to convey a few good messages. Might not be a Christian message, but a positive message. Guess you can’t win everything…
Overall: 8.5/10
Some of the songs still bug me when I hear them…cause it just feels so icky. However, give me Faust, Midas and Myself any day.
its a good review.though for me all of the songs were enjoyable. i can listen to them as they are or randomly and it wouldnt make a difference. and yes, it is a new sound and for me, one worth hearing…and much different from the cliche revenge and rageful rockers of today