At bargain basement prices, I decided to work my way back from Switchfoot's 3 recent LP works to their earlier titles and was very pleasantly surprised. --> The CD titles 'Learning to Breathe' and 'New way to be Human' were 95% very good to excellent. Most people do not realize their cross-over power as of yet (e.g., witness their powerful theme song to "Narnia:Prince Caspian"). Fact is, and it's' been written about elsewheres, truly great bands with new unique sounds can take 2-5 years to catch on, and so can their record sales and reputation, despite a dedicated core following; and I truly believe that is what's going to happen w/ Switchfoot!
They've really got something on the ball, or in their case- the surfboard! They have a synergistic energy with a new never-before-seen-nor-heard combo of instrumentational sounds, truly talented & authentic musicians (rare these days), powerfully creative yet poetic home-run lyrics, and uniquely strong vocals -- therefore, arguably, making them the U-2, or new Audio Adrenaline (or take your pick) if you will, of Christian Rock. So, if they keep up the flow of cover to cover super albums that include the striking lyrics, hard hitting new musical sounds, continue to probe their range (not just duplicate it), and perhaps broaden just a tad those pleasing vocals of their lead; then, all they need do is stick together, write strong original songs that keep spinning off into singles in the Christian Rock arena, get a few more cross-over hits, /ballads if not anthems, and maybe even a movie them song (wouldn't hurt, now that they've broken that ice)... then, just keep touring on & off (as the spirit moves them): then, I sincerely believe, they could indeed become the next Third Day. And my prayer would be that they do some real good with those kind of resources, and become Ambassadors --like Bono-- and do the Lord's work on the world scene, but down in the details. {Because Switchfoot's lyrics and music have been a real inspiration to me thruough my illnesses, spine surgeries, and recovery & physical rehab this past 2 years. Keep up the good work boys. I've dusted off my keyboards once again because of groups like you and a whole host of other new Christian Rock groups out there now, and have been asked to join a local CR group... Thanx--it's all your fault! I meant that in a good way!}
Anyhoo, that's how much I think of them and can't seem to get enough of them. If you like to rock out, you'll fall for them too; and be sure to keep them next to you Thousand Foot Krutch, P.O.D., and your RED CD's. Those jam good n' hard. Plus, next time you listen to them, "I dare you to move" to their lyrics page (web or Cd insert) -if you haven't already- and see how truly brilliant they are. Next for me is on to 'The Early Years' when I find a great price... 'cuz I got a huge CD Collection w/ hundres of Christian Rock & Pop CD's from BMG/S&S, CBD, & this site, but never never pay more than $5 a CD.
Rock on w/ a positive message; these tunes are doing just that at it's BEST, no lie, no joke! Live long and prosper. Best part for real people who appreciate music and who don't want cottom candy for Jesus, this type of Christian Rock is NOT AT ALL smarmy sugary-saccharin sickeningly sweet nor heavy handed w/ their message, and you have to listen up a bit to even kinda tell it's positive, optimistic music with a heavenly eternal spin... So, you can play it anywhere for anyone without getting into trouble, embarrassment, nor barfing anyone out. Pretty clever, poetic, talented musicians... and not too shabby for a bunch of west coast surfer boys! --Yours in good rock ON the rock, WT *** P.S. AND whatever you do, sample (and get) Switchfoot's most recent 3 CD's; they are absolute must have's; you'll copy/burn them & play them over & over & over---I guarantee it. |
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