I can safely say that "Wasting Light" is their most consistent album since TINLTL, But the would go as far as to call it their best.
Foos have been known for such hits like "Time Like These" and "Everlong", but you won't be able to pick out a heavyweight hit from this album, cause there are none. "Wasting Light" is a fun record, but that's it. I haven't listened to anything memorable from this album. None of these songs really get to me like their previous efforst("February Stars", "M.I.A.", "Exhausted"). And the lyrics aren't all that great. This record is packed with these lyrical motifs that have been used many many times(you and what army? _ _go away come again another day, once upon a time). Aside from that, this album is a very fun listen. Packed with a bunch of catchy tunes that will have you abusing your air guitar and/or drums. Production is probably their best since TCATS. Just real heavy and thick like a hard rock fan would like. What i also noticed is the drums. Out of all the instruments on this album, drums stick out the most. I'm only gonna cover half the songs on this album, the others, though still good, aren't worth it.
Bridge Burning: Beginning kind of reminds me of the opener "In Your Honor" when Dave screams at the top of his lungs towards the end, makes me believe he really has iron lungs. When Dave said this album was influenced by Abba, this song immediately came to mind. Only because of the pre-chorus and chorus. Great opener, great song.
strong 3.5/5
Rope: Great single. Could have been one of the best in their discography if they came up with their own drum pattern and riffs during the chorus. The fact that they took the drum pattern from Rush really bugs me. Chorus also sounds like typical Foos, which doesn't do it justice. Not bad, just average. But the verse is as catchy as any Foos song, with even catchier riffs that pull you in. In my opinion, it would of been better if the song ended after the guitar solo.
moderate 3.5/5
White Limo: I haven't heard this side of the Foos on an album since their self-titled. This song kicks ass everywhere. Guitar, drums, and especially the distorted vocals. People have said that this song sounds like QOTSA "Milionaire", and it does, but they forgot about "Wattershed" from Foos self-titled. I think of "White Limo" as "Wattershed" on steroids.
4/5
Back and Forth: Easily the catchiest tune on this record. Has a very Nirvana-esque in the pre-chorus. But i'm not a big fan of this song. It sounds too engineered. Just a typical tune you can sing along to, that's all it's good for.
weak 3/5
I Should of Known: This, in my opinion, is the best song on this record. If anything on "Wasting Light" can get to me, it's this one. The accordion and string arrangements are beautiful, but what really stood out was the bass solo. Really caught me off guard, especially with a song like this. Krist Novoselic plays bass on this song.
strong 4.5/5
While you can't really find anything deep on this album aside from a couple acceptions, it's still worth a listen. I wouldn't only recommend this to a Foo fan, but just a general rock fan. It's one of those albums you wanna listen to just to enjoy the catchy hooks and production. However, if you're a big lyricist fan, i'd only suggest a select few. WL is just another solid effort from the Foos, nothing to praise about, but nothing to rant about either.
Tracks i didn't mention that i'd recommend:
Walk
Miss the Missery
Dear Rosemary
