Ok now to actually review the album. I kind of got carried away and called this album something it isn't. And while it is one of, my opinion, the best pop albums, it may not be a masterpiece. In my second album review I am going to take the same style I used for the Gordon Goodwin CD Swingin' For The Fences and use it for The Beautiful Letdown. This album blends the qualities of modern rock, pop, and punk, and put together a whole new style of music not confined to any of those genres alone. This album was the band's breakthrough into mainstream pop-culture, however, they are by no means just another pop band. The composition of each song, especially from Jon Foreman's lyrics give each song depth beyond the teen angst pop of our current music generation.
Switchfoot is
Jon Foreman - vocals, guitar
Tim Foreman - bass, vocals
Jerome Fontamillas - guitar, keyboards, vocals
Chad Butler - drums
Pros
-The lyrics are very deep
-Instrumental/music fits each song well
-The band can play emotional ballads
Cons
-44 minutes of an album seems short
-Christian may turn some people off to the band
-The hook of the album and the tone of the album don't measure up at first glance (more on this on the track reviews)
-Some may not be able to apply the lyrics from the "God" branded songs
-Tracks can get repetitive
The Tracks
Meant To Live-Catchy guitar riff starts off the bands first single off the album and one of the many great songs of the album. If a listener hears this track, they may expect a straightforwars guitar rock album. And many may see this track as an oddity among the others however the tone of the lyrics tie it into the album. Foreman talks of how we have wasted our lives and we indeed are meant to live for so much more (in this case a God). The power of Jon's vocals coupled with the bands playing give this song a great feel and tone. This is a great track but it doesn't seem to fit with the rest of the album, being a heavier rock song. 4/5
This Is Your Life-A more accurate picture of the kinds of songs this album contains musically, the track has a very electronic intro. Until after the first verse does the band join the song. The lyrics again shine through. This time talking to someone about the life they have and how satisfied they are with it. The bands playing is very well in the chorus especially listen to the bassline in the chorus, he uses a combination of slides that sound amazing. The playing by the band on this song help make up for the electronic intro. 4/5
More Than Fine-A mellow song with an upbeat tempo. Led by the beat behind it, the song drives on behind Jon's once again excellent and insightful lyrics. Once the band comes in on the chorus the song really begins to take off. It feels very uplifting and energetic. The lyrics to the song talk about feeling more than average, and not just focused on getting through. Another great achievement on the album. This song has a lot of similarities with This Is Your Life however, making it sound like the band has repeated the same formula for a successful song. 3/5
Ammunition-This track starts with an entertaining fill, then brings in a sweeet bassline, followed by the guitars, eventually opening up into the songs main riff. The lyrics are again well written. This time around Jon talks to us about being the cause of our problems and to learn to not blame them on others. He states "We're the issue" in the pre-chorus. The song is very entertaining and will likely become a favorite after multiple listens. This song is a better song, offering a change of pace from tracks two and three. 5/5
Dare You To Move-The second single and the albums first real slow song. Though not the true ballad of the album, it is more of a power ballad than anything. The song has great guitr playing, and the riff on the second verse is very well played. The band provides Jon with the right amount of sound, enough to warrant listening to some of the intricacies between the instrumentals while still keeping the focus on Jon's vocals. The mini guitar solo in the middle is a welcome change to the song. Again the band creates a great song worthy of beng on this album. 5/5
Redemption-This song contains one of my favorite basslines. It is very simple but i love the way it is played and the way it sounds. Tim is the focus of the song. In a odd turn, the guitar doesn't double the vocalist, rather Tim's bass doubles Jon's vocals. (Good old brotherly love insert laugh track here). Jon of course as usual gives a great performance of well written lyrics. The band ,especially Tim, add a great element to this kicking song. Again the band uses that same formula this time it sounds like they are mimicking "Ammunition." 3/5
The Beautiful Letdown-The album's title track is in my opinion the low point of the album. And considering I still listen to and enjoy the song this is a great album. The lack of guitar in the songs opening is actually great letting the focus be on Chad's solid groove and Tim's bassline, which again is worth listening to. Jon does a great job with performing on this song, the vocals are outstanding. However the song sounds like they took "Dare You To Move" and that stlye did a simple rinse and repeat and out came this. 3/5
Gone-This song is very entertaining. It has a great guitar hook and the sound effects are perfectly suited to the song. Jon does a great job with the singing on this track. This is one track that you will be singing all day once you hear it and know the words. The multiple references to real people and the way we live our lives with technology are fresh and make sense. Jon's guitar fills during the bridge section sound great and show off the skills he has on that instrument. We also get to herar him go to the top of his vocal range, which sounds great. In the last verse listen again to Tim's bass playing. He makes simple lines sound great. This song is a definite 5/5.
On Fire-The true ballad of the album. Opening with a synthesized drum part, piano and strings, Jon sings an amazing song overtop. Jerome plays piano amazingly and finally gets the credit he deserved all album (almost all the sound effects as well as the keyboards were him). When Jon, Tim, and Chad join the band, the sound fleshes out into a beautiful composition. The lyrics talk about awe and amazement at something greater than us (referring to God). This song is my favorite on the album, and is reason enough to own this album. Whenever you turn on a pop/hits station and hear a ballad, you will always remember this song and think, "This is how a ballad should be done." 5/5
Adding To The Noise-Another catchy hook with a fun punk rock sounding song. The band plays this song jest as well as the other songs, and the sound like they have been playing a pop punk album all along. And for those haters of pop punk rest assured this song will not get on your nerves since the lyrics are not teen angst, and the music is played with style and skill. Jon again gives a great performace of the vocals, and the band supports him and makes him sound that much better. Again however, the plague of this album, this song sounds like "Ammunition" the remix. 3/5
Twenty-Four- Another ballad, this song is just as good as On Fire but in different ways. Jon gives arguably his best vocal performance on the album during this song. The ballad builds to a full band section and the amount of emotion Jon puts into his words gives the band that same feel. This song is a great way to end an amazing album. 5/5
After my biased I love this album review, i have went through and given a more objective look. The album is plagued by having a great track early, then later the band simply reuses this format. While it is an enjoyable listen, the band has the potential to make a much better album and hopefully the next release by them will be living up to this potential
Album Overall 3
/5
