Switchfoot’s latest a nice addition to band’s catalog

By Cat Higgins
Charleston Catholic High School

San Diego-based rockers Switchfoot have been gaining notice ever since their 2003 release “The Beautiful Letdown” produced the hit singles “Meant to Live” and “Dare You to Move.” They followed that up with 2005’s “Nothing Is Sound,” and then in December 2006, they released their sixth album, “Oh! Gravity.”

The turnaround time was quick compared to how long the band usually takes between albums, and this left many of the Switchfoot faithful a bit nervous for the release. The band, however, felt confident in its work.

“We took a chance on this record, not to sound selfish, but to make something for ourselves. What other people think can’t change our minds about these songs, and that’s a good feeling,” singer Jon Foreman said on the band’s website (www.switchfoot.com).

And Switchfoot did, indeed, take a chance on “Oh! Gravity.” It is by far the most musically-diverse album the band has ever released.

In “Yesterdays,” the band has a British pop sound reminiscent of an early Coldplay, and in “Head Over Heels,” which Foreman wrote about his wife, you’ll hear just a hint of country. “Circles” has splashes of a unique Middle-Eastern style of music.

There are many highpoints on the album, including the standout song “Awakening,” about living for more than what the world tells us to and not walking through life like we’re half asleep. With lyrics like “I want to wake up kicking and screaming. I want to live like I know what I’m leaving. I want to know that my heart’s still beating,” this song is sure to make you feel that there’s more to life than MySpace and cell phones.

The upbeat and catchy “4:12” carries a similar message, stating how living for everything materialistic is “nonsensical.” This song’s beat could very well have you tapping your feet along with the music.

“Let Your Love Be Strong” is a nice, soft, innocent tune that sounds almost as if it is a lullaby. Fans of the band may compare the song to “Let That Be Enough” from its 1999 release “New Way to Be Human.”

One of the more disappointing songs on the album is “Amateur Lovers,” which sounds promising in the beginning but is ruined by unnecessary screaming, which should have been saved for live performances. Not only is it out of place on the record, it’s not very characteristic of the band at all.

Foreman’s lyrics are usually reason enough to buy a Switchfoot album. They’re always clever and catchy but with a message attached. The message on “Oh! Gravity.” is a warning against getting caught up in material things. While this has always been a topic that the band feels passionately about, some listeners might feel as if they stress it a little too much on this record.

Overall, however, “Oh! Gravity.” is another wonderful addition to the growing list of Switchfoot albums. The band has proved once again that it’s got unmistakable talent and that it knows how to use it. Whether you’re a loyal Switchfoot fan or just getting into the band, this latest album is worth your time.