Hi fans! Once again, Job (of We’re Awakening) and I are here to review Switchfoot’s latest musical offering for you all! We’re doing a joint song by song review, so sit back, get comfortable and enjoy!:
From Jeanna:
Shortly after I received my copy of Vice Verses back in July, Job and I had a lengthy discussion on the new album. During the course of the conversation I said, “Hello Hurricane was like they were saying “We lost who we were. And we just found it again.” But Vice Verses is all “WE KNOW WHO WE ARE FOOL!” (I promise, I don’t normally express myself that way. I don’t have a gansta bone in my body!) Job and I got a good laugh about it, but upon further reflection, and as I sat down to write this review, I realized that statement, as stupid as it sounded, was actually, quite accurate. Hello Hurricane was an emotional work of highs and lows, pain and triumphs. It was real, brave, and honest, but it wasn’t particularly bold.
Vice Verses is bold.
Vice Verses is unapologetic.
Vice Verses is no-holds-barred, we’re-giving-this-everything-we-have-and-more.
This is the closest Switchfoot has ever come to taking the dynamic energy of their live show and placing it on a studio record. There are so many little touches, from Jon’s “Come on boys, let’s play it out!” in Where I Belong, to his “Yeah’s!” and punchy “ad-libs” that just work together to give this album a concert feel. And just like you can’t help but to rock out at their live show, this is Switchfoot’s most danceable record yet.
Vice Verses is METICULOUS in detail. I’ve been playing this music heavily for well over a week and I keep picking up more and more layers, more and more “hidden” gems. I love an album that doesn’t finish after the first listen. Musically, I feel that this is the best thing Switchfoot has ever done.
It’s an absolute honor to have the gift of this album and to have the privilege of reviewing it all for you.
AFTERLIFE
FAVORITE LINE: “I’ll let it burn the way the sunlight burns my skin, the way I feel inside, the way the day begins…”
Hit play. Guitars crunch. Then. Jon Foreman’s distinctive wail, “I’ve tasted fire, I’m ready to come alive…” It’s the first song of the new album, and already everything is screaming, “BUCKLE UP FOR THE RIDE! IT’S GOING TO BE INSANE.” Afterlife is the perfect opening – a tasteful mix of the classic Switchfoot sound and a healthy dose of their new experimentation.
Lyrically, this tune might seem like it’s contradicting the other songs on the album – i.e. Where I Belong, Blinding Light – songs that long for a hope and a home that can only be found on the other side of life. But it’s not – it’s a battle cry, a call to wake up, come alive, fight apathy, fight laziness and to live life to the absolute fullest. A standard Switchfoot message that is given a new musical treatment. Unfortunately, the lyrics seem to weaken and get a bit repetitive on the second verse, but the music is strong enough to make up for it – or at least cover it.
The hook in the chorus, “And I wonder why would I wait till I die to come alive?” is INSANELY good. Just TRY to get it out of your head - but make sure it doesn’t distract you from Romey’s absolutely STELLAR keyboard work. It took 9 listens before I picked up on it… as I said earlier, this album is layered and meticulous.
THE ORIGINAL
FAVORITE LINE: “So you say you’re just a face in the city race, wasted and sick of it all”
Let me just say it right now – this is my least favorite song on the album. I hate being critical, but I just can not get behind the chorus of this song. I have no problems with the music (solid drumming from Chad especially) and I actually really like the verses – there’s some great visuals and wordplay in there. But the chorus is a bit of a problem for me. “Speak your mind up, come on baby free yourself, no one can do it, free yourself, ain’t nothing to it, free yourself, don’t let nobody try and steal your soul, you’re the original” Maybe I just expected something a little less straight forward. It’s not the subject matter that I’m struggling with… I respect the fact that he writes honestly about where he is at, and the issues he’s facing. I guess, I just find the chorus of The Original lacking Jon’s usual poetic creativity. It is a good, pumping, “be who you can be” tune though, and many fans will strongly disagree with me – especially when rocking out to this song live. I’d welcome disagreements – sometimes I feel like someone else’s perspective can help me understand a song better. So if you feel that I’m totally out in left field with this, post below!
On to the positive. I give them props for the Canadian “Ehhhh’s”! LOVE IT. Very nice touch fellows. Also, Tim’s backing vocals throughout the whole song are first-rate. The music is solid and aggressive throughout the whole track, and there’s some fantastic “wait-am-I-at-a-switchfoot-concert?” touches – i.e. Jon’s grunts and the screaming bridge “Come on now! Come on now! Yeah!” with Tim punctuating each cry with “Ohhhh! Ohhhh!” Nicely spaced. Jon’s falsetto makes a welcome appearance, which amps up the energy and makes the song a lot of fun to sing along to. It’s one of the definite rockers on the album.
THE WAR INSIDE
FAVORITE LINE: “Ain’t no killer like pride, no killer like I, no killer like what’s inside”
The War Inside begins with a melodic cacophony of sound, but just when you’re getting into the groovy sound effects (most likely courtesy of Romey and Drew), Jon’s electric, restrained vocals kick in. “Put your hands up open by wide” he sings, his voice tempered with restrained aggression. This song absolutely SMOLDERS. I can’t help but picture a bed of red hot smoldering coals, flickering with a bright flame. This song uses all the elements at it’s disposal – from backing vocals (one of the definite high points, executed brilliantly by Tim) to the music, from lyrical pronunciation to quirky sound effects – all to work together to build a solid wall of support around the words being sung.
Lyrically, “the real problem is ourselves” is a topic that Jon has wrestled with many times before, but he’s never sounded so fed up, so frustrated, so absolutely sick of the problem until now. The monotone, almost emotionless tone with which he sings the verses changes into self-relazation as he sings the chorus, “I am the war inside, I am the battle line, I am the rising tide, I am the war I fight.” A hint of aggression begins to filter through – “I can feel it like a CRACK in my spine” – suggesting that there is some pent up frustration that’s about to come out. The lyrics and music are both carefully reined, only to be set free at just the right moment to underscore the lyrics. All is released as the tension continues to build throughout the song until Jon is lashing out “I AM THE WAR INSIDE!” his voice naked and raw.
This song was mixed brilliantly as it almost feels like Jon’s voice is coming from inside your own head, especially when he sings “Every world is made by make believe” whispering the final two lines. This song crawls into your subconscious and address the fatal flaws that we try so carefully to hide – and then wrestles with these flaws in an all out brawl. One of the most powerful songs on Vice Verses.
RESTLESS
FAVORITE LINE: “Until the sea of glass we meet, at last completed and complete, where tide and tear and pain subside, laughter drinks them dry…”
Sometimes your memories with a certain song begin long before the album is released – and this is one of those songs. I was fortunate enough to be there the very first time Jon ever played this song live, and I’ll never forget the crowd reaction because when he began to play. The whole auditorium went absolutely silent, still. After the show, you kept hearing people say “That new song he played? Yeah. That was GORGEOUS.”
One of Switchfoot’s strongest assets is their ability to write a song that are heart-breakingly honest and yet, completely relatable . “Restless” is one of those songs – the aching, longing for something more, for peace, for God is beautifully expressed here, expressed in such a way that the pain feels like your own. “I run like the ocean to find your shore…” his voice laced with anguish. Jon is not shying away from the pain – a pain that is so intense that “Even my blood finds ways to bleed” – but neither does pain rule the song, as that concept is turned into one of hope. “I’ll be waiting, anticipating, all that I aim for, what I was made for, with every heart beat, all of my blood bleeds, running inside me, looking for you.”
Originally a poem, lyrically “Restless” feels like a Psalm of David to me. I feel like the writing in the verses and bridge is some of the strongest on the record. The words play out, sketching out a journey, where the end is not found, but acknowledged. “Until the sea of glass we meet, at last completed and complete” Jon sings. The song aches, questions and searches, and Jon’s plaintive vocals are equal parts soft and powerful.
Many have wondered if the studio version does justice to the live recordings, and while some of emotion is lost in the studio recording, the beauty of the song transcends just as well on the album as it does live. Beautiful.
BLINDING LIGHT
FAVORITE LINE: “Hey boy, don’t believe them, we’re the nation that eats our youth, hey boy, don’t believe them, none of us are bullet proof”
As soon as the vocal on this catchy tune kick in, you’ll probably be caught off guard – I certainly was. They’ve got an almost… Jamaican? feel to them. Jon’s bouncy, soul flavored singing is backed by a solid core of group backing vocals, giving off the feeling of a bunch of surfer dudes sitting on a beach, gathered around a bongo drum. The feel-good vibes continue as the pop-infused chorus kicks in, with soaring music and uplifting vocals. “Still looking for the blinding light, still looking for the reason why, still looking for the sun to shine…”
The second verse brings back to that Jamaican beach beat and Chad’s strong drumming (laying a perfect foundation for the song to be built on) is really showcased here. It’s subtle, so pay attention to it so that you won’t overlook it’s brilliance.
The song writing is solid, nothing new here, but this song feels so fresh that there doesn’t need to be anything out of the ordinary. There’s some beautiful word play and some clever imagery, all Jon Foreman staples, infused with a huge dose of hope. This song is a break in the relentless self-examination of “Restless” and “The War Inside”, though the lyrics continue the search for more meaning, more life, more purpose.
Lyrically and musically, this might not be the most innovative song that Switchfoot has ever done, but it just feels SO VERY GOOD. It’s got that same everything-is-right-when-I-play-this-song vibe as “Daylight to Break” and “Setting Sun”, but there are just enough new Switchfoot touches – STELLAR backing vocals on the final few chorus (Tim is really knocking those out of the park on this release) and strong drums and bass lines – to set the song apart. I love how each main section of the song has a very different feel: the beach infused verses (a touch of brilliance), the subtle ballad-esque lead in, and then the soaring chorus. It all just feels so right!
SELLING THE NEWS
FAVORITE LINE: “The lines start to blur, I get so confused, I get shiny new models mixed up with the blues, I get binary code mixed up with abuse, the facts are simply one option to choose, when nothing is sacred, there’s nothing to lose”
“Is that… SWITCHFOOT?!” Play this song for anyone who is even slightly familiar with the music of our favorite San Diego musicians, and that will probably be their reaction. Really, Jon’s voice might be the only thing recognizable as the guys explore new avenues and a whole different style of music.
Jon has said that this song is the closet he’s ever come to rapping, and even though he might be “a skinny white boy from San Diego”, it absolutely WORKS on this song. The spoken word lyrics give new power to the scathing commentary on our society’s obsession and unfailing faith in the media (“We’re still on the air, it must be the truth”). Layered over strong drum beats from Chad, the rhythm of this song is undeniable. The aggression and frustration in the song builds steadily until Jon is practically spitting out the words, his voiced laced with exasperation. The upbeat, catchy chorus is a fantastic element that tops and completes the spoken word verses, working to make the song instantly danceable.
I feel like “Selling The News” features some of the best lyrics on the new album, definitely on par or better then the magnificent writing on 2005′s “Nothing Is Sound”. The words are honest and even a bit harsh, challenging and unforgiving. The interesting element of this song is that Jon seems to be including himself in the problem, saying “We’re selling the news” instead of finger-pointing and taking the easy way out. But then, he’s never been one to blame others without first looking at himself. In my opinion, this type of honesty is what makes this song so good – it doesn’t shy away from the truth and it’s not politically correct. I’m really hesitant to say too much about this song because it’s SO good and SO fresh that I don’t want to spoil it for you by over-explaining it. Let me just say this – it’s DEFINITELY the most exciting song on the release – and it’s going to be the most talked about song on Vice Verses.
THRIVE
FAVORITE LINE: “No I’m not alright, I know that I’m not right, a steering wheel don’t mean you can drive, a warm body don’t mean I’m alive, no I’m not alright, I know that I’m not right, feels like I travel but never arrive, I want to thrive not just survive”
My favorite song on the album. Period. It might even be my favorite Switchfoot song of all time because I’ve never NEEDED a song to be written as much as I needed this one. From your comments, I know a lot of you felt the same way. The moment I heard “Thrive”, from a recording at one of Jon’s aftershows, I was literally speechless. We always talk about how much we can relate to Switchfoot songs, so much so that it feels like Jon’s been peeking in our diaries, but it’s never been more true for me than with this song. For me, this song is pretty much word for word, my own thoughts and emotions, and I’m struggling to remain objective in this review – because this song means more than I can ever say.
Since the live version of this song has been so popular with fans, many were worried that the studio version wouldn’t measure up to the acoustic performance, so let me reassure you. As good as the live recording was, the studio cut by far surpasses it. Jon’s vocals are better, the pacing is more even, the sound is more spacious, and the core of the song – the quiet intimacy, the aching soreness – remains beautifully intact. The acoustic guitar has been traded in for an electric guitar sound that is surprisingly sensual and… dare I say it… sexy? I know many a fan is gasping in horror at that description, but trust me on this one. The music, Jon’s quiet vocals, the haunting breathy echos, and the sheer rawness of the subject contribute as well.
There’s a lot of space in this song but the song does not feel stripped by any means. It benefits from the space instead of getting lost in the emptiness. The lyrics of this song play as a confession – a confession to oneself and God – an honest look at where the soul is at before bravely admitting, “No I’m not alright. I know that I’m not right.” Through the confusion and pain, there’s a grasping for hope, for life, as Jon sings “I want to thrive, not just survive.” As the song soars to it’s conclusion, Jon voice tenses with emotion as he sings “I get so down, but I won’t give up” – and the strength of the sentiment is physically tangible. It’s everything that it needed to be.
DARK HORSES
FAVORITE LINE: “We found a way out, the city takes everything it can, but outside the crowds, I can feel my lungs again…”
I admit it. I was one of the “Dark Horses doubters” and I was definitely not quiet in my criticism of this song when we began to hear early versions all those months ago. But with this studio recording, I’ve done a complete 180. Not only are the lyrics better than the earlier versions (notably in the chorus) but the sound is so much more pulsing, infectious and aggressive than I previously thought. In the context of the full album, it may not be the most unique song, but I believe it’s the best choice for a lead single. It’s got just enough bite to attract a new listener and just enough “classic Switchfoot rock” to appeal to a casual fan. It’s a FANTASTIC song to rock out to, and it’s a lot of fun, but it’s also – in classic Switchfoot style – incredibly inspiring.
The guys have said that this song is inspired by the homeless youth of StandUp for Kids, an organization they’ve been supporting the past few years with their Bro-Am event. I had the unique experience and absolute honor of standing side stage at the Bro-am, surrounded by StandUp kids, watching the guys play this song live… rocking out with the very kids who inspired this anthem. It was an amazing experience and I’ve developed a new appreciation for this song ever since.
It’s pulse-pounding, a song of bravery and hope, layered with throbbing drums, crunchy guitars and contagious backing vocals. (Tim’s vocal delivery near the end of the tune, when he echoes the “We know we’ll find a way” is particularly stellar. You know can we just give him some sort of medal now? His backing vocals continue to be some of the best moments on this whole release.) I particularly love the “whispering” at the end, as Jon intones “Keep running with the dark horses, hope makes the blood change courses.” Haunting finish to a crazy rock song.
SOUVENIRS
FAVORITE LINE: “We were so young, we had no fear, we were so young, we had just begun a song we knew, but had never sung, it burned like fire inside our lungs”
Souvenirs is probably one of the least-talked about songs on Switchfoot’s upcoming release, which is somewhat surprising… but I suppose the sweet simplicity of the song is easy to overlook. Hemmed on either side by the all-out rock tunes of “Dark Horses” and “Rise Above It”, “Souvenirs” is a pause, an slow intake of breath. It’s vulnerable, tender, enchanting. These songs are fantastic at painting mental pictures with sound, and “Souvenirs” brings to mind a gentler time, soft lights, sunsets.
Jon’s always been brilliant at writing love songs that look at relationships honestly, addressing the beauty and the pain equally, and this song is no exception. There’s obviously a story here, a melancholy memory, perhaps something deeply personal to Jon. “Here’s to your bright eyes, shining like fireflies, these are my souvenirs, the memory of a lifetime.” The “Here’s to…” repetition of the verses is poetic and wonderfully executed.
The bittersweet heartache is present in both in the vocals and the music. The tune starts off soft and unassuming, until the emotion begins to build and the music rises in a soaring crescendo and Jon belts out “Nothing lasts forever, nothing lasts, you and me together”. The music is slowed when Jon’s falsetto takes the spotlight, singing “Can you hear me? Can you hear me?” The emotion is impossible to ignore. Then the music, like a wave on a shore, comes crashing in. Once again (you knew this was coming) Tim’s backing vocals anchor the “climax” of the song beautifully as he sings “Nothing lasts, nothing lasts forever” until everything breaks off into silence, and Jon sings quietly, “I wouldn’t trade it for anything… my souvenirs.”
RISE ABOVE IT
FAVORITE LINE: “Just because you’re running doesn’t mean that you’re scared, just because it’s law don’t mean that it’s fair, never let another tell your soul what to fear”
If you combined the aggressive feel of “The Sound” and the high-spirited energy of “Bullet Soul” I think you’d have this song. It’s got an infectious beat – especially in the almost punk-infused chorus – which is going to make this tune a lot of fun live. It feels like you need to be bopping around, pumping your fist, singing along at the top of your lungs. The song starts off with a bouncy guitar solo and a few breathy vocals before transitioning into a combative guitar and drum break. I guarantee this song will be featured on some video game in the near future. Chad’s drumming is really key to this song, providing the thrumming beat that really anchors this song and keeps it in place There’s some really awesome sounds and additions (most likely courtesy of Romey and Drew) that have been woven into this song (especially in the bridge) so make sure you listen for those.
Jon’s vocals are particularly raw on this tune as he growls “Rise above it, rise above it, I get so sick of it, it feels so counterfeit, I rise above it!” There’s a number of moments here, like Jon’s scattered “Yeahs!”, that make “Rise Above It” already feel like you’re at a live Switchfoot concert. The lyrics are classic Switchfoot – face adversity, be who you want to be, fight the system, rise above the circumstances, and there’s some clever wordplay. “Just because you’re present, doesn’t mean that you’re here.”
The song has a great feel, but to be honest, this song isn’t anything new from the guys. It’s nothing we haven’t heard them do before – lyrically or even too much musically. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as it’s awesome to hear a song that feels like it could have fit easily onto “Hello Hurricane,” but some folks might wish that they had pushed it more.
VICE VERSES
FAVORITE LINE: “Where is God in the city life? Where is God in the city light? Where is God in the earthquake? Where is God in the genocide? Where are you in my broken heart? Everything seems to fall apart, everything feels rusted over, tell me that You’re there”
With this track, Switchfoot was in the unique position of having a song that everyone already knew and loved, years before the release of the album named after the song. From the very beginning, this song has been roundly considered to be one of the best things Jon has ever written. We’ve seen so many performances of this tune, intimate acoustic performances, performances where Jon was close to tears, performance with other artists. When it came time to record, Switchfoot was in the interesting position of having to top and/or equal their past work – and expectations were high. According to the guys, this was not an easy track to record. “We just started hitting mute on all the different instruments,” Jon has been quoted as saying. Apparently the guys tried it a lot of different ways, but finally reverted back to the roots – a quiet guitar, an aching loneliness, vocals taking the lead.
If you had asked me how I liked the studio recording of the song a month ago, my reaction would of been lukewarm. But now? Now it’s becoming one of my favorite tracks. I suppose I was so used to the live versions that I couldn’t adapt to the studio version right away. It had to grow on me. The core of the song remains the same as the live versions, but there are differences. For example, Jon’s vocals sound so alone, so cut off from the world. When he sings the song live, it becomes a community, albeit intimate, experience, but on the record, he sounds utterly desolate. You kind of picture an empty room, with nothing, no one, but Jon, singing, playing the guitar. There’s also the absolutely BRILLIANT addition of Jon’s lines being echoed back to him in the background, bouncing off the walls, hollow and disoriented, pulsing with eerie melancholiness.
As I said earlier, this is one of the best songs Jon has written – it’s on par, or tops, his writing during the NiS era. The paradox of “You’ve got your babies, I’ve got my hearses” is breathtaking. The story and imagery are perfectly conveyed. The pain is real and the questions are brutally honest. This song is a cry of the heart… a cry that most people will find echoed within their own soul. “It’s just water and I am just soul, with a body of water and bones…”
WHERE I BELONG
FAVORITE LINE: “Stones on the wasteland, dark clouds on the plains again, we were born into the fight. But I’m not sentimental, this skin and bones is a rental, and no one makes it out alive…”
When I first got this CD over a month ago, I posted on Facebook, saying, words to the effect of, “From here on out, “Where I Belong” will always be considered one of Switchfoot’s BEST offerings” – and I stand by that today. The anticipation for this song in particular is at a fever pitch and rightfully so. I admit it, I didn’t get the big deal when we heard the guys soundchecking the tune months ago but you guys must have heard something that I didn’t then… but now? Now, I get it. This song is MAGNIFICENT.
There’s such a FEELING in this song… it’s hard to describe until you hear it but… it’s a feeling of hope… of triumph… of a beautiful rest after a long, long journey. This song sounds like the ending of the world, the ending of a life – the final destination has a last been reached. And it’s beautiful. I feel like this song almost goes hand in hand with Nothing Is Sound’s “The Blues”, because I feel like both songs tell the two sides of life. The journey (The Blues) and the conclusion (Where I Belong). This song is a bittersweet soaring symphony of life. Everything is ending and the pain is gone… something is changing, in the air, in the soul. (“Feeling like a refugee, like I don’t belong to me, the colors flash across the sky”) I keep getting the visual of a individual standing on the shore of a beautiful still sea (“Until the sea of glass we meet, at last complete and complete” from Restless comes to mind) staring across the water at a beautiful golden sunrise. Heaven? That’s what it feels like to me.
We have to talk about the music and vocals here as well. The main stand outs to me are Tim’s Arcade Fire-esque backing vocals. They’re absolutely stunning. There’s a reason why I feel that Tim’s backing vocals are one of the best parts of the whole release, and if you need to hear the main reason why, just listen to this song. Another high point is Drew’s incredible atmospheric guitar work. There’s so much space and movement in the music, so much emotion. Jon’s vocals are hopeful, brave, tender, delicate and strong. I absolutely love it when Jon yells out “But I still can hear the sound of my heart beating out, so let’s go boys PLAY IT OUT!” and all of the guys kick in their instruments in a beautiful melody of sound, echoed by Jon’s soft “Oooooo’s.”
I’m really struggling not to just full out gush here because this song is probably the closest to perfection that Switchfoot has ever come with a tune. I can’t say enough about it. Everything about it SOARS… it’s a song that you feel, deep inside you, so much so that you can practically feeling it echoing in your own soul. The conclusion is stunning, as all of the guys singing in a chorus of “gang vocals”, “I still believe we can live forever, you and I we begin forever now…” echoing the refrain from Afterlife.
The line has been crossed. Eternity has been reached. And in my opinion, no one has ever sang it about it so perfectly.
*The song “Fading West” was included on our pre-release CDs as a “bonus track” and was at one point listed on iTunes a bonus track for the digital deluxe edition. However, the song has since been removed from iTunes and we’re not sure when or how the song will be released. Regardless, we’re going to review it as it was part of our Vice Verses listening experience.
FADING WEST
FAVORITE LINE: “Keep my mind over matter, cause I’ve seen my hopes shatter, they told me lies I thought were true, fading west with you…”
If “Setting Sun” and “Old Borego” had a child, that child would be “Fading West”. I’ve always been a huge fan of the “gang vocals” in “Old Borego”, so I’m stoked to see that the guys have revisited that here. This song feels like it needs to be played on a beach in California, with the sun going down, and everyone dancing on the sand. There’s lots of cool sounds and vocal noises running throughout the song, peppering the background for a distinctive, unique feel. Chad’s drumming is especially solid in this tune, anchoring the otherwise “bouncy” track.
Lyrically, the song seems to be about finally returning home after a long, long time away. Through the homesickness, the excitement of finally returning to “the left coast where I belong,” really gives this song a bright happy feel. As I’ve since learned that this song was featured in a movie (news on that coming later), the lyrical content makes a bit more since, as it’s a different type of song for Switchfoot – much like how Old Borego was essentially about San Diego, Fading West is a real California-loving song. “I’m heading back to the West Coast where I’m from, I’m heading back to the left coast where I belong, California’s calling me back home, I’m fading west with you” the guys sing in the chorus. Having been born and partially raised in California, I really appreciate the nostalgia of “Fading West”, though others might have a difficult time relating to the song… though I think almost everyone can find common ground with the excitement of finally returning home.
This is one of my favorite Switchfoot b-sides and I find it to be one of their strongest. This is going to become one of my favorite “driving down the highway” songs for sure!
———————-
From Job:
When I think of this record, I envision several ideas in my head. On the retrospective side, I view it as a continuation of “Hello Hurricane.” The former record is a building up point; it’s the swimmer climbing up the ladder to the top of the diving board. “Hello Hurricane” was Switchfoot’s greeting to a new era.
“Vice Verses” is the jumping off point. It’s the plunge off the dive board into a whole new territory. In my view, “Hello Hurricane” was a re-establishment of who Switchfoot is, and “Vice Verses” is like a whole other side of the band that we’ve never seen. At the same time, the funny thing is it feels familiar.
“Vice Verses” is polarity, like the band has described it. There’s incandescence and iciness. There’s hopefulness and resignation. There’s determination and surrender.
These songs paint clear pictures in the mental psyche. Not since “Nothing Is Sound” has a Switchfoot record portrayed such a vivid visual mood and feeling. I feel very thankful to have heard these songs already, and can assure you all that you are in for quite the ride.
“Afterlife”
Picture: I see fire and a lot of red.
Perhaps it’s because the first live video we saw of this song had a lot of red in the stage lighting scheme. But I think the sound of the song has a lot to do with that as well. The serrated guitar hook at the beginning of this song lends a lot to this picture, and the urgency in Jon Foreman’s voice completes the scenario with earnest clarity.
“Afterlife” is the sound of an uprising from the ashes of a world burning to the ground. “I’ve tasted fire; I’m ready to come alive.” The motivation to change the world despite the pain and destitution that exists in it is something that is markedly absent in today’s day and age, but here is this song urging us all to rise above the feeling that we all get “a change to change, but [we] feel the same.”
“I’m ready now. I’m not waiting for the afterlife.”
“The Original”
Picture: This song is like a night out on the town before a big conflict or ordeal.
A lot of times, after the realization that one has a huge responsibility on his/her shoulders, he/she would go out and have a few drinks or do something dumb to relieve the pressure. It feels like this song is a journey in and of itself. The first verse is the beginning of the evening.
“Got your hands in your pockets, like you’re ready to pay… Got your eyes out of socket, like you’re a mile away…”
As time goes on, the person’s conscience kicks in:
“So you say you’re just a lost soul; I know you better than that
So you say you’re just lost in the wash; I know you better than that
So you say you’re just a face in city race, wasted and sick of it all”
“Speak your mind up, come on baby free yourself!…
“Don’t let nobody try and steal your soul… you’re the original!”
It’s got a very soulful feel all around, something that doesn’t translate completely wellto the live stage. Chad Butler’s Motown influence really shines through in the studio arrangement of this song, with his masterful usage of tambourines infused with punchy drum rhythms that invoke the good old 60s. Jon Foreman’s vocal delivery is audacious. The “c’mon now, c’mon now,’ c’mon now” breakdown comes straight out of the classic Motown artists’ playbook, as does the falsetto “wooo” right before the final coda. Foreman’s vocal acrobatics will cause longtime fans to fondly recall Switchfoot’s zany rendition of “Crazy In Love.”
It certainly is not the most original (pun wholeheartedly and enthusiastically intended) song Switchfoot has turned out to date (Poparazzi, anyone?), but it is a lot of fun. Those who enjoyed “Bullet Soul” will dig this tune.
“The War Inside”
Picture: Very similar to “Afterlife,” with more grit. A man on a hospital bed, in the throes of an intense seizure. A lot of sallow yellowness comes to mind during the droning verse, and a dull red tint for the chorus.
It’s the classic Switchfoot motif: the inner struggle.
“Fumbling his confidence…”
“Maybe I’m the one to blame.”
“I’ve lost all that I wanted to be.”
“I am my own affliction… I am my own disease.”
“The War Inside” is a continuation of this idea and, like “Mess of Me,” seems like a full on declaration of one’s inner faults.“Aint no killer like pride, no killer like I,” drawls Jon Foreman before spitting out that “I am the war inside… I am the battle line.”
The song is repetitive, but serves to hammer home the idea that before we can move forward, we must acknowledge “every fight comes from the fight within.” Most conflicts with others start from one person’s own personal struggle, whether it’s with pride, hate, anger, or anything else.
And as time wears on, these faults tend to continue to fester, grow, and materialize, a tendency that is reflected in the sonic delivery of this song. As the chorus wears on and on, the distortion continues to build, the lyrics starting fade into static until a final scream of “I am the war inSIDE!” It then fades into near oblivion, as if an atomic bomb has erupted and then, silence.
“Restless”
Picture: Rain pouring down a windowsill; some drops fall fast, and others remain at a standstill.
Switchfoot’s producer for this record, Neal Avron has said that there are a lot of great “breaths” in the music for this record. “Restless” is one of those. Up to this point, the record had been full throttle, full-speed-ahead. “Restless” brings things down a notch, tempering the listener’s mood with a simple, soothing guitar lick and a tranquil beat.
If “The War Inside” was the nuclear war, “Restless” is the healing rain upon a parched and pulverized land.
This track will remind listeners of “On Fire,” but is even more tender and lyrically potent than its predecessor. Jon Foreman’s writing on this song is highly poetic; in fact, it saw early life as a poem Jon wrote before it became an actual song.
It’s a slow-building, slow-burning process, beginning with quiet, introspective verses before the yearning chorus gives way to one the most beautiful bridges ever written by the band.
“I can hear you breathing! I can feel you leading! More than just a feeling! More than just a feeling! I can feel you reaching! Pushing through the ceiling… until the final healing… I’m looking for you.”
This song will grip anyone who is a fan of Jon Foreman’s lyrics. “Until the sea of glass we meet, our lives completed and complete… where tide and tear and pain subside, and laughter drinks ‘em dry, I’ll be waiting…”
It’s a song all about hope in what is not yet final. It’s an affirmation that though we run through our lives restless, searching, and longing, the journey will finally come to an end; we will have our final healing in the One who heals all…
This song speaks for itself, in many ways.
“Blinding Light”
Picture: At the risk of sounding coy and ridiculous, a bright, summer day. at the beach.
“Blinding Light” really is a sunny, summery song. If “Restless” was the quiet evening in which the ocean sings a person to sleep, the “Blinding Light” is the morning after. It’s the “Toy Story” sky, with puffy clouds and a sun that shines so bright you can’t really even tell where it is.
A crunchy guitar lick opens the song, working in close concert with the rhythm section. By the way, Tim Foreman and Chad Butler really outdid themselves on this record. The bass lines are clearer than they ever have been, and really drive the record alongside the always-solid drums.
It’s hard to put this one into a worded description, aside from all that. The chorus is ecstatic, and the feel-good lyrical output on this song is infectious.
“I’m still looking for the blinding light, I’m still looking for the reason why, I’m still looking for the sun to shine, to take me higher and higher!”
It sounds like a pop radio hit; it would settle in nicely next summer alongside the OneRepublic or Goo Goo Dolls types of songs. Atlantic Records, I hope you’re listening.
“Selling the News”
Picture: Jon Foreman at a rock club with a sideways Padres baseball cap on… and maybe a chain hanging from his neck. Rapping.
Arguably the most buzzed-about song from “Vice Verses” is this crazy number. “Selling the News” has been described as the closest Jon will ever come to rapping. For all intensive purposes, let’s just say that he is.
Now I know a lot of people will think something along the lines of, “what business does a white boy from a San Diego alternative rock band have in rapping?” And, at first, this tune does sound a little odd to the ears that are used to Jon’s melodic traipsing.
But this is another lyrical jewel hidden in the Fresh Prince-esque raptasticness. Here is just a taste:
“America listens, the story is told. with an eye on the truth as the story is told, but the ratings ensure the story is sold, we’re selling the news…”
It’s a scathing commentary on the media’s lust for sensational stories, which sacrifice truth for money. But this isn’t simply a spoken-word, slam poetry style diatribe; Jon works very well with the rhythm section once more, delivering his spat on top of a pulsating bass beat that is occasionally accented by Kashmir-esque strings.
If that doesn’t win you over, perhaps the insanely catchy, Eminem/“Not Afraid”-style chorus will.
“Thrive”
Picture: dimly lit room on a Saturday night. perhaps a glass of wine sitting on the table.
For those who have heard the acoustic, live performance of this song, the above picture will probably startle many. The thing is, this song could’ve easily been turned into a soaring, guitar-laden anthem like “Head Over Heels (In This Life),” but the band pushed into more unfamiliar territory.
What emerged is a tune that could quite possibly be one of the most sensual of Switchfoot’s songs. The band ditches the acoustic guitar for an airier electric guitar sound, and goes with a groovy beat that doesn’t overwhelm the tune but gracefully dances between Jon’s tender vocal delivery, the echo elements from Jerome Fontamillas, and of course, the guitars.
Lines sure to resonate with many a lost, young soul include the bridge: “I’m alwaysclose, but I’m never enough… I’m always in line, but I’m never in love… I get so down but I won’t give up…”
The whole idea of the song is an appraisal of life; do we truly live or do we simply grip the steering wheel, press the pedal, and drive into a murky wasteland of mental and spiritual mediocrity? The song is a quiet statement of motivation and a desire to live life to the fullest. “Thrive” is a close relative to “Meant to Live,” though it is a bit older and more reserved than the effervescent song from yesteryears past.
“Dark Horses”
Picture: Though one can be tempted to picture a field full of knights mounted upon dark steeds breathing fire through their nostrils, this song has always conjured up a live show with thousands of people in my mind.
I’ve described this tune before as a lovechild of “Meant to Live” and “The Sound.” It has the plodding, methodical purpose of the former and the intense, crowd-rallying energy of the latter. Seeing as how those two songs are the most successful modern rock tracks of Switchfoot’s career, perhaps “Dark Horses” is destined for great things.
The band has indicated on more than one occasion that the tune is inspired by the StandUp Kids, who they have championed for the past few years at their Bro-Am event in San Diego. It is sure to provide a universal anthem to many others who have experienced trials but used them as a springboard to get to higher places.
Though I can think of more daring choices for the lead single from “Vice Verses,” this one is every bit as worthy of the distinction. It also has potential for widespread appeal, with just enough classic Switchfoot distortion to cater to the KROQ crowd, and enough melody to appease a wider audience. Think of it as Muse’s “Uprising,” with teeth and claws.
It is currently climbing the alternative radio charts, allowing for the tantalizing possibility of being in or around the Top 10 by the time “Vice Verses” releases. Talk about radio buzz!
“Souvenirs”
Picture: Young, innocent lovers out in an open field at dusk quickly fading to night; the sky is so clear that the stars above can be seen quite vividly.
Whimsical, beautiful, breathtaking. This is perhaps the most aching love song penned by Switchfoot since “Yesterdays.” The tune speaks to a love that was bright and young, but was lost somewhere along the way over the passage of many years.
“I close my eyes and go back in time… I can see you smiling, you’re so alive. We were so young, we had no fear, we were so young, we had no idea that life was just happening.”
It makes me wonder what exactly Jon Foreman was singing about, and whether he was relaying a personal experience or trying to paint a story. He delivers it with an honesty that has always existed in his songs, but this one is a bit of a mystery.
The band makes it a point to emphasize the “Nothing lasts forever” line at the end of the song, which further draws support to the idea that perhaps Jon is singing about a past love that didn’t come to full fruition. Or perhaps the lyrics point to the loss of innocence, when the world was all about late nights, fire lights, and souvenirs.
We possibly will never know.
“Rise Above It”
Picture: Industrial power plants or other buildings of industry surrounded by an otherwise tropical-looking island.
I had a difficult time putting a picture to this song, so pardon the grabbing-at-thin-air description for this song. An almost aboriginal synth line intertwined with a bouncy guitar riff open the track, before an industrial, pulsating beat from Chat Butler propels the rest of the band into the track.
Jon Foreman howls on this song, with particular urgency on the bridge where he sings “We will rise like the tide, like dead men coming back to life!” with insatiable fervor.
Lyrically, the song does retread common themes that Switchfoot has covered, i.e. rising above circumstances, feeling hollow, etc. At this point in the record, the song does provide great energy but doesn’t necessarily tread new ground.
“Vice Verses”
Picture: A lone man walking along the shore, gazing at his bare feet making slight indentations into the damp sand. Occasionally, he does look off into the distant horizon and what remains of the sunset, but only for a little while before returning to his feet.
Here is the song that serves as the foundation for this record. Not only is it the title track, but it brings to full focus the polarity of life that Switchfoot is trying to convey. It is as ecclesiastical as Jon Foreman is going to get, and this may as well be a song off one of his introspective solo projects.
I have maintained in the two years since this song was first performed that it remains one of Jon’s greatest lyrical achievements since the days of “Nothing Is Sound.” It is a yearning for meaning in a seemingly contradictory world where “you’ve got your babies, I’ve got my hearses.”
It’s a tune about tension. It’s singing that “there’s a meaning to it all,” while desolately asking, “where is God in the night sky?” It’s an inner struggle between an incipient hope not finalized and despair that is very much apparent in this world. “Vice Verses” may be about the good and the bad, but it is also an acknowledgement that bad may, for now, reign supreme.
“After all, it’s just water and I am just soul… with a body of water and bone… water and bone…”
Because that’s all we are. Soul trapped inside a physical body with physical limitations… It was a certain man who once sang “everything is meaningless, I want more than simple cash can buy.”
Somehow, there’s a meaning and a purpose. Perhaps we won’t find this purpose here on earth, but elsewhere…
“I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind.” – Ecclesiastes 1:14
“Where I Belong”
Picture: The lonesome man in “Vice Verses” walks along a fairly crowded sidewalk. He is no longer downcast, but has his eyes focused ahead. He even ventures a slight smile.
This is, hands down, my favorite song on this record. I knew this song was going to be special after hearing obscure snippets of live video footage from YouTube.
Despite its gross overuse in today’s vernacular, the word “epic” would be an appropriate attribute to ascribe to this masterpiece of a song. It begins with liquid guitar tones, before an opening salvo of claps, kick drums, and floor tom drums kicks the song into gear. After a couple bars, the traditional drum set arrangement comes in with a rock steady beat and an Arcade Fire-esque whoa-whoa accompaniment before Jon Foreman sings, “Feeling like a refugee.”
There is a sense of triumph in his voice, a stark contrast to the near-breaking-point lamentation of “Vice Verses.” It’s the sound of a man that is resigned, but is no longer shackled to this world; he has found peace.
“I take a deep breath and close my eyes… one last time…”
Perhaps this is a man at the end of his life, or a man who is closing the door on his past life and ready to move forward with a new perspective.
“Storms on the wasteland, dark clouds on the plains again, we were born into the fight… No i’m not sentimental, this skin and bones is a rental… and no one makes it out alive…”
Whatever the story may be, the assured confidence that “this body’s not my home, this world is not my own” is echoed in the triumphant last chorus.
“On that final day I die, I wanna hold my head up high.”
I can’t stop raving about this song, folks. It’s simply fantastic, with a melody that will move your soul and instrumentals that keep ascending to new heights (thanks in large part to Drew Shirley’s superb, atmospheric guitar work).
And, continuing a trend started with “Hello Hurricane,” Switchfoot link up their final song to their first song, closing with the coda, “I still believe we can live forever, you and I we begin forever now… ”
It is a fitting conclusion to yet another remarkable album from Switchfoot. I hope you enjoy this record as much as I have.
“Forever now…”
Fading West
Picture: Windows of a station wagon car rolled down, folks unabashedly singing at the top of their lungs, and maybe a surfboard or two mounted to the top of the car.
The only reason this track was cut from the main album is that it doesn’t quite match the earnest vibe of “Vice Verses.” This song is feel-good all the way through, with sunny harmonies and lyrics that make anyone want to call California home.
I’ll bet Jon Foreman was feeling rather nostalgic when he wrote this song, with lyrics longingly singing that “I’m heading back to the west coast where I’m from… California’s calling me back home…”
The track begins with an almost eastern flair, possibly as a means of portraying the distance from home the band has traveled over the years. It sounds ultimately foreign, almost mystical, before launching into a full-on, California-sunshine-Beach-Boys-exuberant chorus. It sounds like it would fit right in with the “Monday Comes Around” types of the Switchfoot world, comfortably slotting in as one of the band’s strongest b-sides, ever.
As of now, we still don’t know whether this song will show up on any special editions (at the time of this writing, it’s not listed on any pre-orders), but I do highly recommend you get a copy of it. Amazing track.
Lyrically, how’s the content of this album? Is there more positive than negative or what are they trying to get across other than polarity?
I think that question will be answered as we continue with the song by song review. I plan to address the lyrical content of each song! I don’t want to give away too much yet
I know. It’s just that sometimes I take the time to find out how much of the album will I like and see what’s safe. Sometimes I haven’t done that. Like, I know this probably won’t happen with Vice Verses, but when Jon used that curse in Somebody’s Baby, I was a little surprised.
Lyrically, the major theme of the album (to me anyway) seems to be heaven. There’s no “curse” words. Also, have you read Jon’s blog address the usage of “hell” in Somebody’s Baby? You might want to! Here’s the link: http://www.myspace.com/jonforeman/blog/360202983
Hmm. He does make a good point. Although I have seen a few sites that consider it a profanity, I love how he isn’t afraid to use it. I trust that Jon would do the right thing. So I’ll just trust his judgement.
Thanks for sharing that Jeanna, yeah I remember when I heard Jon say “I’ve been to hell and back again” in dark horses I was a little surprised, but I loved reading his views on the word “hell” in his blog, so I guess Jon was basically using the word in dark horses as he did in somebody’s baby. I also liked how he said “I take the words I use very seriously”, and I think thats very true, you can really tell that Jon cares about the words he chooses to put into a song, and after all, hell is a real place so I dont really mind when Jon says it in Dark Horses either, especially because this song is for the standup kids and I really do believe that they have been through many tough times, I can’t even imagine what it must be like for all of them. Anyway, thanks again for sharing that link Jeanna!
i think the way he uses the term “hell” in dark horses is different than in the way he uses it in somebody’s baby. In dark horses, i feel he’s just referring to hell as a place or state of existence in life. Whereas in somebody’s baby, “sure as hell” is more of a “profane” expression so to speak.. That’s just what i think.
Did you read his blog on the usage of “hell” in somebody’s baby? I linked it earlier!
Over all im not bothered by his use of “hell” in Dark Horses whatsoever, hes refering to the place, a very real place, which as Beau points out is not what the Devil would want you to think! I can see how his use of the word might seem profane (or at least moreso) as Sam suggests, but i really agree with Jon’s position and I especially like how he says his grandparents listen to his music! Thats just awesome!
Well said Jacob!
In “Somebody’s Baby” Jon wasn’t actually saying “sure as hell.” He was quoting the girl in the song. And that’s probably exactly what a person in her condition would have said. It’s real. It’s life. I would say “get over it” but I hope we never do. This song is genius in the way it touches on the pain of addiction, loneliness, and rejection. I can’t take away from the message in the song by squabbling about a “cuss” word. There are much bigger issues to be bothered with like reaching out to those unfortunate human beings who think no one cares. I appreciate the sensitivity to the use of foul language but I think it would be a shame to lose sight of the bigger picture in the process. Written in love.
Thanks for keeping it real, Pam B.
Friends, it’s good to keep our language thoughtful in the highest sense of the word, but to get tangled in the excessively logistical stuff is to become like the prodigal’s older brother, or dare I say (& I do) the Grand Inquisitor.
Saw this today. Old, but new(s) to me
http://youtu.be/grBByc7t3Fs
Personally, I think of hell as the way the characters in Harry Potter view Voldemort. They all call him “he who must not be named”. Hell is a real place that is unfortunately not talked about enough. If you were the devil what would you try to get people to believe about hell? That it doesn’t exist! Why call the fireman when there is no fire? Billions of people choose to ignore hell, heck, even some of our own christian churches do! Some do it purposefully, others don’t give it enough recognition. Were in a spiritual battle, theres no question about that. We need to realize what hell is and share this with other people, not cower away from it and call it a dirty word. The only real wrong way to use it is to treat it light, and frankly, I feel by not talking about it at all you are treating it lightly.
I know people will disagree, so don’t throw to many verbal rocks!
That’s funny you mention HP cause I remember in the books some people do start saying Voldemort’s name because it holds no power over them anymore and they have to face it head on. Good tie in.
That was a REALLY good thought Beau… I’m glad you pointed that out. You’re right, as followers of Christ, death and hell have no power over us. We shouldn’t be afraid to use the word in context. As you said, we can’t use it lightly either. Our words do carry power. The bible says “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”
Excellent thoughts Beau
Thanks! I was a little worried when I posted this thinking I would get the reaction that little drummer girls described, so I am glad that didn’t happen. And Jeanna, you really added on to that thought well!
I suppose this conversation is over and done by now but I wanted to comment for what it’s worth: I see the phrase “sure as hell” just as it is. it is a statement that affirms hell’s existence. If it is used by some as profanity, that is their issue. Even God’s name can be used as profanity but that does not prohibit us from using His name in true context. If I said, “As sure as the sun comes up, I am going to grow old” or something like that, I am using the certainty of the rising sun to communicate another thing, so I could do the same with “sure as hell”. It actually serves to affirm the existence of hell. Anyway, these are my thoughts.
Nicely said Beau! You made some great points and they are so true! From at least what I’ve seen it seems like people in the church especially have a problem with mentioning hell and it’s always bothered me. Hell is defiantly a real place and people need to know about it!
Just to add another literary reference, I believe in C.S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters at one point the character speaking says that people either choose to ignore the existence of hell/demons or are healthily interested in them and the devil is quite pleased with either
**UNhealthily
One of my favorite quotes ever!!!
Great review, both Jeanna and Job. As expected, you’re getting me more excited for the album, and I can’t wait for the album, and the rest of the reviews!
Thanks! I haven’t finished writing mine yet, so if there’s certain aspects of the new songs you’d like to see address, let me know!
I like the specific comments in this that actually tell us musically about the song. Ex: saying how Romey’s keyboard in the background is amazing.. or whatever it was u said. Those types of remarks let me know a little more how the song will be
especially for those songs we’ve already heard live.
I think the decision to have the two of you do it together was a magnificent one. Without getting too cluttered, the differences really add some sound (tee hee) dimension. Stoked to hear about Thrive like this. Thanks for all your work (both, all).
Thanks so much Z! I worry that we’re getting too wordy sometimes!
Meh, less is almost always more – readability is definitely a good thing to be thoughtful about… but I wouldn’t be too concerned about that in this particular case.
If there isn’t a strong desire in people to read about the album prior to its release, they probably won’t worry about reading anything! And those really looking forward to each new entry will likely be enthralled to hear so much about each song.
…And then there’s always skimming, for those somewhere in between
*applause* I enjoyed this so much! Jeanna and Job, you are both amazing writers – simply from your vivid descriptions, I could FEEL what you HEARD.
To say that I am looking forward to the next 12 days of song reviews is a gross understatement. I think reading what you two have to say about these new songs is the second best thing to actually listening to the album for myself.
Needle, you are simply one of the most encouraging people! *hugs*
Are we getting y’alls review(s) of the course of like 12 days? A song per day?
Also I can’t wait to read it all. Definitely value and respect you and Job’s opinion on the Switchfoot music, and I think y’all are very good at telling us what we want to hear (as opposed to some interviewers and reviewers who can get off-topic and focus on trivial things)
or a song every couple of days! we’re still figuring it out
And thanks J! I really appreciate the feedback
I’m SO Stoked to read the rest! I see them tomorrow at Ignite Chicago. I wish they’d play VV cover to cover but I’m not getting my hopes up:)
Me too man! Haha thatd b sweet. Im so pumped!
Also AMAZING reviews, job and jeanna. You guys are both fantastic “reviewers” and your reviews are the only thing keeping me and my VV excitement alive until september 27! Thanks again you two, you guys are great!
Argh! So close to seeing them with my friend at Ignite! Couldn’t make it, though.
sorry you missed out, it was pretty awesome! they played restless (i think its my fav or at least top 5 switchfoot song…SO amazing live), dark horses and war inside from VV. i’ve seen switchfoot and fiction family live about 8 times, and i think this was possibly the best show i’ve seen.
there was a poster there for the fall schedule of chicagoland concerts. looks like the switchfoot/anberlin tour will be in the area on oct 1 and 2 at two different colleges.
does anyone know with Friends of the Foot, do you get entrance and meet/greet passes for as many shows as you want or only one per tour? i’ve never signed up before despite being a fan since the start. i’ve had the good fortune of meeting the guys on a couple of occasions without FoF.
FOTF is M&G and early entrance (most of the time) for as many shows per tour as you want – there’s no limit
Can you bring a friend/guest as well or would they have to get their own fotf? I doubt I could get a group of friends in with me:)
you and one guest
Your allowed one guest!
I looked at the header and thought, “Yay! She finished!!”. Nope! hahaha So glad we’ve got some lengthy reviews though!
Hi everyone!
Thanks for the kind comments. Like Jeanna, I’m not quite finished with my review yet.
Hey Job! I just wanted to say thank you for your We’re Awakening blog! That and your email updates really helped me get into Switchfoot and learn more about them! I always love getting your updates
Thanks!
I appreciate both of you guys contributing your opinions on the new album. It really helps to build the tension and anticipation. With that said, why no song ratings this time around? Last time you guys rated the songs out of five stars. (Even though none of the songs were less than 3.5/5, if I recall correctly). I am unsure what to think of that change, but I do like your analysis, not to mention only reviewing one song at a time and thereby drawing out the excitement.
Thanks!
Hey Dan! I almost address the lack of song ratings in my review, but cut it out because of space. Basically, I was all set to rate each song until I went back and re-read my HH review – and got all embarrassed at my ratings. “Why did I rate Needle so low? Why did Bullet Soul get a perfect 5? Okay my rating of Always was COMPLETELY way off” – I wanted to save myself some embarrassment this time around
I like not having ratings. The review speaks for itself, and it’s awesome!
wow, some great reviews and work put into “Afterlife”. And I have this EXACT same mental image of red and yellow too, and it seems fitting. I love the line “I’ve tasted fire” Just seems intense to me and I love the opening guitars!
SOOOOO…. I was wondering since part 1 is only about 1 song, are there going to be 12 seperate posts? or will others contain more song criteria?
Cool!!! Nice to hear what you guys think of it. Can’t wait until I can hear it! I’m getting the super deluxe pre-order package so I’m going to get it ASAP! This sounds like an album I won’t be able to get out of my head. lol I can barely get “Restless” and “Dark Horses” out of my head.
when did you get to hear the album jeanna?
She and Job have superpowers that allow them to telepathically hear the songs from the minds of the band, in the form of their memories of listening to the whole album……That or because they have connections they were graciously given pre-releases. (I’m pretty sure it’s the second one, but just imagine if it was the superpowers!)
And their superhero names would be J & J the telepathic tag team. And it would be from Marvel comics since DC already has the Wonder Twins
And we would also have to decide how you guys got your powers. Is it part of a species thing like Superman, a mutant by accident like Spiderman or the Hulk, or a mutant by birth like the X-men and then it’s possible that the powers come from some helmet or gadget that amplifies brainwaves like a sort of Prof. X meets Batman
Isn’t that obvious!? Romey bit them
Well he is the fountain of sound and those kinds of skills are surely the result of cosmic rays cause it’s out-of-this-world
I got the full album mid-July
I like the superpower idea better
Yes but… shhh… this is just my cover story. *straightens cape and tries to look serious*
maybe we should all start switchfoot fansites so we can get prereleases asd well?
haha! if you’re willing to put in hundreds of thousands of hours of work over the course of 5 years, go for it!!
Seriously though, it’s not like I started a site then immediately got awesome perks… I’ve been doing this for half a decade!
And doing it so well, Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. In my opinion you aren’t just the best Switchfoot fan site, but the best fan site in general.
that means a lot – thanks!
No capes! didn’t you see The Incredibles! No capes!
You’re right! I’m sorry!!!
No problem. Also it’s been decided that you guys got your powers through exposure to Jerome (his out-of-this-world fountain of soundness is surely the result of cosmic rays) possibly a bite or a handshake. of course this means that since your not mutants by birth you won’t deal with having the public fear and hate you like the X-men do. So your more like the Fantastic Four meets Prof. X
Yeah, I’m really thinking all this through.
A half of a decade is only five years.
) This does not seem to long to those of us who are “older.” Nevertheless, thank you for your hard work, faithfulness and diligence. You have created a great, if not the best, fan website on the internet. I am sure other websites have and will continue to steal ideas from you. I would not be surprises if someone has not asked you to do this work professionally. I enjoy all of your features. I especially appreciate all the information you have compiled. Truly amazing! Thank you!! You have more than earned whatever perks you get!!
Thanks so much Job and Jeanna, I loved these reviews! You both did so well, and I can’t wait to read the other reviews!
Fantastic! I really trust your opinions because you don’t sugar coat it. I am so looking forward to Vice Verses
Thanks Kim! I hate being critical, because I wonder why *I* have the write to judge someone else’s creation.. but at the same time, I’m simply sharing my own thoughts, just like how I would in a conversation with friends… so I try to find a balance!
Jeanna, sometimes you say stuff and I feel like it is something I would hear out of the mouth of one of the SF boys. YOU running a fansite for THEM is like a perfect match/two peas in a pod (or in this case, six peas in a pod)
not to mention your impeccable review writing skills. Also, I like how Job did “picture” and you did “favorite line”
By the way Jeanna, I know this is sort of a random question, but I was just thinking about one of the older posts where the guys said something like “this is the closest we’ve ever come to a worship record” and I was just wondering, did you ever figure out what they really meant by that? Because I know that Jon has been quoted saying “music is worship, it just depends on what your worshipping” and I was just curious to know what they meant by Vice Verses being like a worship album. Thanks!
Hey Ashley!
I would agree with Jon’s statement. But I think… most people would qualify “worship” music as “Praise the Lord Jesus, He is worthy, amen, Praises!” type of songs, but worship isn’t defined by any certain genre or music. I feel like this album is worshipping God, but in a different way… it’s an album that seems to be… in awe of life… and aware that life is a gift… and then worshipping God for the life we’ve been given and the life we’ll one day have… but it’s all very subtle, weaved into the music. But I guess for me, it’s more of a feeling than anything I can pinpoint.
I really like that…cool aspect!
Thanks Jeanna! I agree you
I get that and I was hoping that’s what Jon was talking about. Sometimes I catch flack from my mom that I don’t listen to Christian worship music a lot (and she does) but I like how you put it. Being aware that life is a gift from God even though Jon sings about Dark Horses and there are distorted guitars in the song. For me if doesn’t have to be straight out, I like having to search for multiple meanings. A band I really like called Abandon Kansas does that a lot. Their singer talks about the sky a lot a places which could totally arbitrary but from talking with him I know it could also mean heaven or God. Can’t wait to hear it for myself.
I love that idea. I’ve been thinking a lot about worship recently. A proper sense of awe for the God we serve is definitely an appropriate place to start and a fresh approach to that is needed. When everyone starts saying the same things the same way in their songs about God, to me, it starts to feel cheap and overused, and the terms start to become a lot less meaningful.
Nice, solid reviews, both Jeanna and Job!! I really enjoyed your Hello Hurricane ones when they came out and I can’t wait to read the rest of these! I can tell they’re going to be very thoughtful reviews! They really make me want to listen to the songs now!!!
Thanks so much!
Jeanna, as an musician/audio nerd I’d like to know what you think of the production or sonic “sound” of the record. When I first heard that 6-song preview I was just a little concerned about overproduction and unnecessary autotune in a few spots (especially in “Afterlife,” but couldn’t really tell for sure because it was just a camera recording from speakers. I did feel better after hearing “Restless” and “Dark Horses” through headphones though… but I’d just like to know, what’s your take on that aspect of the album’s sound?
ugh, forgot to close the parentheses after “Afterlife.” haha.
Hey Kirby! I was pleasantly surprised, when listening to Afterlife, to realize that the “autotune” that I heard in the preview was virtually non-existent. There are few spots where it sounds like Jon’s voice was warped just a bit, but I don’t think it was autotune at work. The mixing on this album is really ace, they did a good job with keeping switchfoot’s live rock sound and throwing in some more electric moments.
Awesome! The way you described it is how Switchfoot’s production should be, and that’s how I’ve felt about Restless and especially Dark Horses. I’m excited; I think this has a good chance to be my favorite album.
Thanks for reviewing the album Jeanna; it’s always an interesting read and you do a mighty fine job!
I really like how Jeanna says this album really captures their live performance while at the same time sounds fresh and crisp…. cuz i generally prefer album versions for the very clean well mixed sound but no one can deny the energy and excitement of the songs live. Perhaps ill really understand the value of a live performance when I actually get to see one LIVE!
Oh Jaaaacob! There is no comparison to SF live. Is there any hope on the horizon for you to make a show?
Its at the top of my to do list! but so far there hasnt been a single concert near me since i started watching for them!
I hope you get to see them really soon. If you think you love Switchfoot now, wait till you see them live.
Kirby-
I know right?! I get so excited when I hear fams are seeing for the first time.
Thanks Kirby! I really appreciate the feedback
I always thought the sound was just because of the quality of the recording not autotune or being over produced or anything.
I have a quick question…How did you get the CD already?
Switchfoot and Redlight management! Sent to us because of our sites
Aha nice!
Thank God for people like Jeanna!
I think at some point in hearing the songs live, probably around when we first heard afterlife and the war inside, I thought to myself that these songs sounded like “what Switchfoot has always been trying to sound like”. Like a sound that has been hinted at by all their past albums in such a way that those albums almost point to this one. Now my question is was that at all a correct impression from what youve heard? Or just an idea resulting from limited exposure to the music?
Thanks Jeanna and Job for this awaited and awesome review!!
(and I can’t wait to listen to the songs over and over until I pick out those musical gems!!)
I DO really like the fact that you guys are covering each song day by day — not only in just the fun of discovering new reviews day by day, but how it gives a sort of assurance that you guys are taking the time and effort to really listen and transform those thoughts into a nice summary of each song.
Jeanna, your description about how unapologetic and bold this record is and how they tried to capture the live moments of shows into the studio versions just excites me so much! I’ve always love to rock out on their music, and it seems I can count on that for sure on this record.
Job, I LOVE the diving board analogy! It paints such a cool image in my mind as I’m basking in sheer anticipation for the record. Also, I really like how your review of Afterlife points out to the POINT of the song in a intelligent and descriptive way — instead of how some reviewers often overgeneralize the underlying messages in the songs (but I don’t think neither of you two will ever overgeneralize any of Switchfoot’s songs — seeing that over-generalization usually comes from going over things too fast and without careful attention to details)
Thanks so much Jinnie!
hey thanks!
Hey Jeanna I have a completely random question but are the photos you post on here, are they copyrighted? Or are we allowed to take them to different stores and have them printed out?
As long as you aren’t going to use them for commercial profit, you’re okay to use them!
Great! Thanks!
Hey Jeanna any idea when the pre-order will officially be announced? I know they said something about it on the live chat but (to my knowledge) management hasn’t sent the emails yet that detail pricing and official contents.
Early August is all i got!
Thanks! I’m so stoked for this record!
How is the title track? I have the acoustic version posted on this amazing site called Land of Broken Hearts. I am really curious, does is stay slow and melodic?
Thanks for all the hard work you do to keep us fans in the loop.
We’re doing a song by song review so we’ll be talking about Vice Verses later!
I’m really interested in how this song will sound as well.
My guess is that it will be fairly close to what we’ve heard on youtube.
How would you compare this track to other album openers? Obviously “Meant to Live” will always be tough to beat as an album opener… they are known for that song. I also felt like Lonely Nation was a real solid album opener. From what I’ve heard about “Afterlife” I think it sounds like one of their best openers…. I think Needle is a great song, but I”m thinking Afterlife could be 2nd or 3rd best opener for them.
I would say Meant to Live has more appeal, and Lonely Nation is just an all around better song. I’d probably rank Afterlife #4 or #5 at this point, but that’s just personal preference
That’s one of the great things about this band… even by saying it’s 4th or 5th best still means it can be a real good song. The album Oh Gravity is probably my 5th favorite Switchfoot album… yet I still absolutely love it.
I’ve always appreciated Jon’s words of wisdoms about living for the here and now. His blog on “The New Year” had a great line about starting the new life this side of the grave. And I love a good rock riff…. so combining those thoughts, I think this will be one of my favorite openers.
I personally think Needle and Haystack Life is one of the best openers they’ve done, but that might just be because I love the reprise at the end of the album. With Lonely Nation, Oh! Gravity, Meant to Live, and New Way ALL close seconds. I think a good opener just really sets the tone for the record and I think all the ones I’ve listed to that excellently.
(I would list Afterlife, but I haven’t heard the whole album yet)
I feel bad looking back and having not much love for Needle! It is so good! I have been listening to that song a lot lately, definitely a good album opener.
Same! I definitely under-appreciated that song, and i have no idea WHY
I am really glad to hear you say there are layers of sound that you keep discovering the more you listen to these songs. *cold chill bumps*
When I first heard the Original from a youtube vid off their Canadian tour I loved it right away. I have a deep appreciation and love of old Motown(as does Chad I’ve heard) I find the simplicity refreshing and not at all lacking. Although I do like Bullet Soul off HH, it is not my fave. The more straight forward lyrics and funky beat are a nice artistic stretch for the guys. Sometimes to hold back and keep things simple can be a more difficult task than to add layer upon layer of intricate lyrical content. Kudos to SF to making a song that makes some people say “is that SF?” Added bonus…..you gotta dance to this track!
Susie
SAME! I loved ‘The Original’ as soon as I heard it on the youtube clip. To me it sounds like a mix of ‘Bullet Soul’ and ‘Poparazzi’ and I love both of those songs. I enjoy a little simplicity every now and then. Sometimes saying something straight forward can be a bigger wake up call than saying something poetically, so I think this song can still hold a strong message. And I’m loving the motown, it kind of also has an older surfier sound of Switchfoot’s in there. Definitely a dancing/rocking out track
Dont worry. You’re not alone haha. I’ve love The Original since my first listen too. It makes me dance and get all happy haha
so yeah it sounds a lot like Bullet Soul which I was not a fan of.. It was really fun live and it worked well on the album as a whole, but as a standalone track I just didn’t like it ya know?
Hey Jeanna you’re an Arcade Fire fan aren’t you? Do you have any song recommendations? I’ve been meaning to check them out
Oh yeah man I LOVE arcade fire!
Recommend the following:
Sprawl II
The Suburbs
Ready to Start
Crown of Love
Wake Up
i really like (Antichrist Television Blues), Neighborhood #1 and #2
Sprawl II
We Used To Wait
Ocean of Noise
Suburban War
Intervention
City With No Children
Ready to Start
Black waves (the backing vocals!), no cars go (I’m about to use this overused word, but it’s totally worth it: epic!) and my body is a cage (soulful… Any one?). I’ve been into neon bible lately
.
My body is a cage is really good.
I’m just gonna say thanks now for the next 10 songs so that I don’t take up too much space!
Jeanna- I really have to agree, of all the songs I’ve heard the Original is my least favorite BUT only because I LOVE the other 5 I’ve heard and just like the Original. It’s so foot tapping that I tend to not hear the lyrics….. I just wanna dance, I don’t want it to be a deep song (but I know Jon write these amaging songs so I feel guilty not paying attention to lyrics *as foot taps singing free yourself*)
Job-What did you mean those that enjoyed Bullet Soul will like, in what sense; I don’t see the connection or how the two relate.
same type of crunchy guitar intro, funky guitars, and fun-loving attitude.
Oh yes! Agreed and I really do love Bullet Soul. I’m sliiiiiiding across floor in my mind hey, free yourself (is it eh or hey–i’m really feeling guilty that music has taken over on this song
)
Next 11 songs
8o (I don’t know to do emoticons but that’s my eyes bugging out and mouth on floor!!) I teach kindergarten…put big number in head (11) count 2 more=13!!! Happy dance happy dance
wait. next ELEVEN songs? theres only 12 on the record and youve review 2. something you arent telling us?
Yep
WHA??!?!!!?!
Against the Voices?!?!?!
I feel like a kid at Christmas!!!!!! When I was little my mom would let us open one present a day leading up to Christmas.
Maybe against the voices? I just can’t wait!
Against the Voices?????!!
WHAT??!?! oh please let it be Against the Voices!!!!!!!!!
um…. Against the Voices?
WHAAATTT
I’m loving the reviews! I had a question for you guys. Does this album have any of the transitions that make the tracks as a whole seem seamless, like on NIS?
hey chris. there are a few of them, actually. the ones i can remember off the top of my head are between The War Inside and Restless, and Dark Horses and Souvenirs.
It feels more cohesive as a record than Hurricane did.
“The Original” is my least favorite song I have heard from the album so far, I guess because all of the other songs I have heard just have so much meaning to them, that I sort of just skip over “the original”, though I always find myself wanting to get up and dance to this song
I agree with you Job, this song also reminds me of “Bullet Soul”, especially because I didn’t really care for “bullet soul” that much the first time I heard it, same thing happened when I first listened to “The Original”, but this tune is starting to grow on me 
Thanks again for the reviews guys! You both do such a great job!
I think The Original is better than the Bullet Soul. Songs like “The Original” remind me that switchfoot can make a catchy tune without being so serious. It might not have the best lyrics but its a real catchy tune
Jeanna, I see what you mean about the chorus of “The Original” not having a great amount of poetic creativity. It’s definitely not very poetic or extremely thought provoking… but to me that’s alright for this song. The music has a lot of character and a Motown mood, and it’s more of a fun rocking out song. I think it would almost be weird if the chorus was more poetic than it is, given the carefree nature of the music.
I definitely see the commonalities with “Bullet Soul” here in the fun, rocking nature of the music, but I honestly like “The Original” better. I like the music better all around, and the lyrics (although they’re not extremely Switchfoot-like in the poetic/thought-provoking sense) seem to match the light, fun mood of the song.
All that said, I see your point and don’t completely disagree with it. I just really enjoy the song regardless.
Dude Bullet Soul and The Original are so simialr that if you try to sing the chorus of The Original during Bullet Soul’s chorus it’s actually kind of easy and almost the same chord progression.
Ooh! This may totally be just me, but I find Bullet Soul similar to More than Fine. Something about the progression of music/beat/rhythm about them??
But for the Original, I’m going to have to listen to the studio version to compare it to Bullet Soul.
If The Original is Jeanna’s least favorite song, I have high hopes for this record.
I agree with you Jenna about the original. Compared to the other songs it seems a tad forgettable but still a good song. The orginal is definitely a less serious song but not the best lyrical choice. Anywho good work Jenna and Jacob can’t wait to see more reviews!
as much as id love to take credit i think you meant Job!… or am i outta the loop on something?
I can’t say The Original is a favorite song, or one that I would die fighting for, but I do think it’s getting too much flake. I agree with Jeanna in that it doesn’t match up to some of the more poetic and deeper words Jon has written, but for me, the lyrics match the music…in a good way! It’s a short catchy pop tune. After listening on Youtube, the “Free yourself” hook was stuck in my head for hours. From the (stellar) opening guitar riff to Chad’s drum stuff (from what I can hear in live recordings) to the guitar solo, this song is definitely a fast and upbeat Switchfoot rocker that I don’t think should be discredited just because the lyrics are too straightforward. Sometimes lyrics shine over the music (Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, for example), and in this case I believe the music outshines the lyrics.
Dear The Original,
Didn’t mean to make it seem we were giving you flack, we love all our song just in different ways. Being a song that makes us wanna daaaance is new and special. We promise to really listen to what you have to say not only musically but lyrically (on Sept 27).
Love,
Auntie Kim :*
(singing free youself……yep, stuck in my head-thanks J)
Agreed. And that’s a good point, maybe the song wouldn’t sound quite right if the lyrics were deeper, less obvious…
I meant Job I’m sorry! Good job job too!
First off, i love how therse reviews are day by day. I think its the best way to get the true feeling of the album as a whole…
Ok, so although many others probably disagree with me about this topic, from what ive heard from live recordings (and the six song sample) i truly think that The Original could turn out to be one of my most listened to songs on the record. Like a few have been saying, in my view this song isnt meant for the deep poetic lyrics that Switchfoot is known for in so many of their songs. The Original is a “GET UP AND GO!” song. And i believe that the lyrics do a good job of expressing the emotion in this song. I know everyone has different tastes in music but if you are not a fan of this song yet, i suggest giving it some time, wait until you here the final version and listen to it a couple times and then see if its still not stuck in your head. Also, if the guys didnt have faith int his song, i dont think they would place it at #2 on the cd…. Just my opinions
Does that mean they don’t have faith in where I belong? Which is seven minutes long. Hahaha
Haha im really looking foward to hearing that song. And no,i think what im trying to say is that usually the #2 song is a song that sets the pace for many albums. And i know its not always the case but its just something that caught my attention. But really i expect every song to “set the pace” since it is a switchfoot album
I haven’t heard the album and sorry if this has been mentioned before, but not every switchfoot song has to have some sort of poetic feel to it. I think every once in awhile it’s ok to have a simple, easy to understand song to shake things up. That’s just my take on it.
I guess for me a simple, straight forward, almost borderline cliche song doesn’t shake anything up though. Hundreds of artists write the same type of simple songs. If you want to push the boundaries, or make things more interesting, do it musically (which they did on this album) or by writing even more interesting lyrical content
I see what you mean. I guess I just think that there is no harm to what they are as a band with them having one song that is a little more simple. Again, I haven’t heard the song or read the lyrics so I wouldn’t know quite yet, you might be right! Maybe if the entire album was simple then I would have an issue…but if you say it’s just one song then there is no harm. It’s something different for Switchfoot. But again, they might have tried to do something different that didn’t work as well.
There’s always going to be some unhappy fans when a band who is widely known for deep and thought-provoking lyrics just tries to have some fun on one or two songs.
I received my copy of Vice Verses today thanks to my ties in the Christian music industry. I’ve listened to the album a few times so far… it’s a great album. Refreshing newer sound.. Very bold as Jeanna said… the vocals are excellent. I know it’s too early to judge because lots of Switchfoot songs take time to fully dissect what the song is to you… but I believe this is a better record than Hello Hurricane, and probably my 2nd favorite Switchfoot album.
I won’t give away too much… Can’t wait for all of you diehard fans to hear this album. It’s well worth the wait. Switchfoot, you never cease to amaze me.. You’ve done it again!
You lucky lucky man! OK better than Hello Hurricane?!!! Curious how you rate HH (compared to others) because I LOVE it?
To me, the Beautiful Letdown will never be topped. I think Vice Verses will end up being my 2nd favorite album… I’m still listening to it several times each day. I have a tough time judging whether or not I like Nothing is Sound or Hello Hurricane better.. It’s tough. But Hurricane is a great record… I just think Vice Verses is overall better!
argh, that is so exciting to hear that its potentially better than HH! my fav is Beautiful Letdown as well.
Tyler, what’s your connections if you can say? and what’s your overall ranking of sf albums?
I promote Christian rock concerts… We’ve done about 4 Switchfoot concerts.. especially on the “Appetite for Construction” tour with Relient K. We get some pre-released cd’s sometimes.
Personally hanging out with Jon is so refreshing… he was about to play in front of 4,000 people as a headlining act… yet he was still going around serving others and being so humble and kind to people. I also got to overhear him lead a Bible study for the SF guys, 2 Relient K guys, and 3 guys from Ruth. Pretty awesome!
I can’t stop listening to this record.. so, so good.
I second this! All of the guys are just the NICEST people you could ever hope to know
I want to hear a bible study led by Jon. That would be incredible.
One of my friends who was with his band was staying at the same hotel as Switchfoot and they got to join in on Switchfoot’s Bible study. I was so jeolous when I heard that!!
I received my copy of Vice Verses today thanks to my ties in the Christian music industry. I won’t give away too much… but this is one great album. Better than Hurricane, and probably my 2nd favorite Switchfoot record. Refreshing newer sound, outstanding vocals, live feel, good lyrics… great record. The boys have done it again.
No one is saying the original is a horrible song but compared to there other songs it seems forgettable like Bullet Soul. A song like the Sound will be remembered for a long time as a great song. It’s deep at the same time a very catchy tune.
My biggest problem with The Original is that it bumped Against the Voices. I also don’t like the placement of the song… the 2nd track normally is a little stronger of a track.
However… now that I have the cd… the Original is growing on me a little bit. It’s fun to sing with… the lyrics aren’t as strong as other tracks, but they still aren’t terrible.
I second that… I don’t see how Against the Voices got bumped for Restless (I’m pretty sure it was for Restless). I mean I listened to it this time last year from the BroAm performances and I still think it’s the greatest this record had to offer.
To both Tyler and Josh- Restless, The Original etc “bumped” “Against the Voices” because at the end of the day it didnt fit with the album the way they wanted or because the guys simply felt more strongly about the other songs
I am having a hard time understanding how people are comparing The Original with Bullet Soul. I love Bullet and so it is hard to comprehend. Even when HH was out all my friends didn’t care too much for Bullet, yet I did. I guess we all have our own opinions though.
P.S. I guess I can kind of, sort of, see how Bullet could maybe get lost in the context of HH, but I also wonder if HH would have been the same without it…
I was thinking about the original at work today( packing oranges doesn’t use a lot of brain power) and an idea came to me. Everyone knows this record is a story, and to me it feels like afterlife is a person making a choice to live like they are going to heaven, and the original, with it’s loud singing, in your face guitar riffs, and simple but to the point lyrics, is an immediate reaction the the decision made in afterlife. Like the first step in acting out a relization.
Interesting…….
New song has to be tomorrow’s song
That would be awesome too!!!
wait why is this part 2? am I missing something?
fantastic review btw!
Part one was Afterlife…. part two the Original….
ooh okay thanks, I was gone when part 1 was posted so thats why I was confused
I LOVED the War Inside when I heard it at the San Diego Fair. This review scream most of what I was thinking when I heard it.
Oh man did this review get me even more psyched for one of the top songs I can’t wait for from Vice Verses. I can’t wait to hear the “emotionless…frustrated” vocal track. I think Jon has always had the potential to step away from the guitar and still carry show with his voice alone, especially because he’s one of those singers who tends not to break character when they’re singing live. As opposed to cracking a smile during Sing it Out, or not showing reverence towards On Fire or Always, Jon has always been one to deliver and represent the soul of the song. I loved the War Inside since I watched the youtube video of them testing soundcheck with it, and with this review I can’t wait to hear it through the studio.
Also, Dark Horses single tomorrow right? ALSO, it’s early August! Pre-order soon!
i heard war inside at ignite on saturday. i really liked it, but it wasn’t mixed as well as everything else during the set. i don’t know if it was due to the encore or just not knowing the song as well? the way jon sang it, i thought it was selling the news at first because he was almost rapping it a bit.
between restless, dark horses, and war inside being the 3 new songs i heard live, i liked it least of the 3.
cant wait to read the rest. fantastic work Jeanna and Job!
Yeah I think they’re still working on how to bring these songs into a live setting – they’re a lot more electric!
I think The War Inside has to be the song I want to hear off the album most, based off that teaser that they gave us, and now after reading your reviews I want to hear it even more!
Jeanna how would you rank VV with the rest of switchfoots albums?
Tricky question, because I feel like while this is Switchfoot’s best record MUSICALLY, Nothing Is Sound and Oh! Gravity definitely have the record beat lyrically. For now, maybe second, after Nothing Is Sound
Ahh i see too early to tell. Its great to know though that its competing with NIS.
So if you combined the lyrical genius of Nothing is Sound with the, according to you, musical genius of Vice Verses… you’d have the perfect record?
In my opinion? YES.
I have a feeling I may feel the same. I tend to agree with most of your music/lyric opinions reguarding Switchfoot, in the context of creativity.
So I actually just bought @Switchfoots new single dark horses on iTunes. Didn’t know it was on there yet. But it is. Go buy it everybody!’
Really? Must the area you live in cause its not out here in Cali
woops nvm just found it
[...] the Hello Hurricane album, Job and I are writing song-by-song reviews together, then posting them HERE. We’ll be reviewing all 12 songs + the bonus track “Fading [...]
I’v bought the single on itunes already. Loving to listen to it! Im super excited the war inside, its almost rapping sort of? Am I off by saying that?
not too far off! I don’t know if i’d say rapping but..
i feel like im weird based on the fact that from what ive heard, The Original is one my favorites and The War Inside has to be near the bottom so far. But that could be just because The War Inside is the kind of song that needs to be heard with headphones to get the full effect…. i ges i’ll wait and see
hmmmm…. it has been a few days since we got a review!
Waiting for the next review! Its been a while…
Restless?? Blinding Light?? Ill never know your full description!!! Until tomorrow maybe?
Yeah, we’re continuing the reviews today! This week was so crammed with major news we had to wait a bit till it slowed down!
I’m looking forward to the Selling The News review!
ME TOO!
Restless sounds beautiful. The fact that job is relating it to On Fire makes me so excited. On Fire gets me every time and its one of my favorite switchfoot songs and especially live, the emotion jon puts into the lyrics is incredible. I can’t wait to hear the whole version of Restless!!!!!!
(Basing this off of the live versions I’ve heard) Restless is a fantastic example of just a good song in general. It starts soft, and builds and builds and builds. There are highs and lows and crescendos and instrumental breaks. And to top it all of great lyrics. GREAT lyrics. I don’t have much to say about the song, but I think it will certainly become a staple of Switchfoot’s live setlist and a well known tune to devoted and casual listeners alike.
Can’t wait to hear reviews of some of the songs we’ve yet to hear!
So what’s the difference between the radio and the album edits? There was a pretty big difference between the radio and album edits of Always so I was just kinda curious which y’all like better.
I’ve loved Restless since the first live version i heard. I think it and Vice Verses are competing for most beautiful song on the album.
Here come the songs we havn’t heard yet!!!
Totally agree!
Restless is beautiful; I fall more in love with it everytime I hear it!
Hey Jeanna, since you have the album, why can’t you post the remaining lyrics?
Good question! However, they’re not mine to post – and to post the lyrics would spoil one of the the “surprises” of the album! If the guys haven’t chosen to play the songs live or share the lyrics, then I’m definitely not going to go against that
Does this surprise have to do with Where I Belong, perhaps? Oh! and when will we discover the Plans for Fading West?
P.S. Demo of Dark horses to all who preorder. Saw it today, and it’s not just on iTunes!
Well dont spoil anything!
Jeanna, in the back of my mind I’ve been worried that Vice Verses might not live up to the all the hype surrounding it while at the same time I’ve been hoping that it blows people’s minds….so I guess my question is this: In your opinion, does it live up to the hype?
My only two thoughts other than whats been covered with Restless are this: 1. With the studio version is is it clear that Jon is saying “I can feel you reaching..” etc. as opposed to “Can’t” ? Because I know in the lyrics Chad sent it said “Can”, but i have to say it sounds really hard to determine that its “Can” with both the live versions as well as the radio edit we heard earlier. 2. The only thing that dissapointed me with the radio edit was the fact that the pivotal line “Laughter drinks them dry” didn’t seem to quite have the oomph that I was expecting it to have. So is the album versions vocals any different from the radio edit?
Yea, I thought it was “can’t” when I heard it LIVE too. I was singing along to “I can’t feel you reaching” — but after a bit, the meaning of the lyrics dawned on me, and I realized I got it wrong haha
nice work Job with the OnFire comparison of Restless. I think after hearing the radio edit alot of times and seeing it once live that Restless is already in my top 5 Switchfoot songs. The song is so incredibly beautiful on many levels. i can’t wait to hear the full record version.
and as far as the comments of worshipful/soulful music, this is it for sure!
it would be great if you could explain the difference of the Radio version of Restless we have heard to the Album version
Let me listen to the radio cut again then I’ll get back to you
Ok I have a theory regarding Where I Belong, so just in case im close or right and you dont want the idea in your head before you find out the truth…
*********SPOILER ALERT********
Ok so in the video where the guys listen to Vice Verses front to back with Neal Avron, we barely hear the last little bit of the record… Obviously at that point theyre listening to the very end of the last song (Where I Belong) but the lyrics are from Afterlife, even though it doesnt sound like Afterlife “together now, forever now, forever…” Now Jeanna has already responded to the question of a reprise like Red Eyes with a no… So heres what im thinking… obviously we have some repetition of Afterlife; but its not to the same music… so is it just a thematic lyrical reprise and not a musical one… I kind of imagine it like this: Where I Belong seems to kind of yearn for the time where were all in heaven, the Afterlife. In the Afterlife though theres the idea of not waiting and living now. theres that bit about
“I still believe we can live forever
You and I we begin forever now
Forever now
I still believe in us together
You and I we’re here together now
Forever now
Forever now”
Well in Where I Belong perhaps the speaker finally arrives there or begins speaking of it with the same words from Afterlife but with a new spin, like hes rethinking his old ideas and seeing things in a new light like were gonna be there together now, forever now….
Does that make any sense? Im rambling!
Hmm, interesting input!
You’re right on
i had thought the same thing when i heard that last bit of where i belong on that video! haha
Thats a very interesting thought, I think that would be awesome!
Restless — I feel that this song reaches its true musical potential LIVE much more than it does in studio form. I just remember that when I heard it live(the first time I heard the song), even without hearing/understanding all the lyrics, the emotional build-up to the bridge part really brought out that yearning and the aching, the drums building into the message of hope it carries–everyone was singing/humming along by then. After coming back home and reading the lyrics, I was amazed at the dept of meaning and the beauty of poetry of the song.
Yet, when I heard the studio version on the radio (the radio edit), I felt that something core went missing. I went back to see my live recording of the song, and despite poor quality of the video/audio, I could still feel the build-up. So, taking into account of what I’ve heard so far, I feel that this song’s beauty lies in the lyrical content than its musical content–except when it is played live.
But as I started reading the reviews above, I started remembering those parts of the song, both musically and lyrically, that tugged at my heart, the yearning, the aching, the reaching… Now I’m keeping my hopes up in the full studio version of Restless to bring out that musical build-up I heard/felt before. Lyrically, a true gem. Musically… still deciding. crossing my fingers.
Before I could appreciate the studio recording of Restless, I had to separate it, in my mind, from the live versions – I’m not allowing myself to listen to the live takes right now, and that really helps me focus on the beauty of the studio recording
Jeanna, for many of us, Switchfoots songs, and in particular, a specific album came at a defining time of our lives and helped to bring meaning to our actions and often our walk with God. For me that album was Hello Hurricane, and I get the feeling that Nothing is Sound had the same kind of effect on you, so I’m wondering if you feel like Vice Verses could have that same kind of meaning to some people as Switchfoots previous albums did.
You’re right – NiS really did define a lot of who I became – that album shaped me more than any other album I’ve ever heard. Still, Hello Hurricane single-handedly (albumly?) pulled me through some dark times, so I really appreciate that album as well.
Already, Vice Verses is starting to affect me… in fact, just the other day, I put Thrive in repeat, and listened to it for like half an hour – trying to sort out some things.
So yes… I absolutely think it can
I listened to a live version of “Thrive” the other day and I fell in love with it, I can’t wait to hear the album version! I’m so glad Tim fought for that song to be put on the album, big thanks to Tim
That’s what “The Beautiful Letdown” was to me… If I take all of those emotions and feelings away, I still believe that’s their best record.. I think it sold by far the most copies for that reason as well. But it came at a time in my life when I was finally figuring out what it really meant to follow Christ… “Dare You to Move” is still my favorite song of all time…. “Gone” meant a lot to me.. “On Fire” is one of my favorite worship type songs… “24″ is one of the best songs ever written.. and “The beautiful letdown” has always helped me lyrically. When people first fall in love with a band is usually the album that ends up being their favorite. Before Vice Verses came out, I was actually listening to NIS a lot and finding a new found appreciate for it.. Switchfoot songs just amaze me how they can take your on a journey, be a part of your own journey, or mean something different to you years later.
This album is definitely that album for me… and not just because its the first one thats come out while i was a huge fan of the band! with the exception of perhaps NiS I find myself liking more of the songs off this album than others on the first listen or two. And a step ahead of NiS, but only barely, I have yet to not love a song off of Vice Verses! They all either interest me musically or touch me lyrically and, being young, im kind of in a tough place for the first real time in my life… Vice Verses makes it easier!Im so freaking excited for it!
The Original is the only song I haven’t been in love with that I’ve heard off of Vice Verses, thus far. And that’s pretty impressive to me, considering that with Hello Hurricane (despite it being the Switchfoot album second to only Nothing is Sound to me) a few of the songs I heard live, I didn’t really like. Bullet Soul, Mess of Me, The Sound (I loved the studio version, but it took a little while for me to really appreciate it… it was really only after I saw the video), Hello Hurricane and Always. So Needle was really the only song I loved from Hurricane, before it was released. So I’m pretty excited that I love pretty well all the songs off Vice Verses I’ve heard.
may i get a copy of the album too jeanna?!!!
Thank you, Jeanna and Job for taking the time to do such thorough reviews. I wish I could put into words how I feel about SF’s songs but all I can come up with is something like, “I love the sound effects” and the like. :0)
aww you’re so sweet pam! it’s not always easy for me either – my restless review took me forever to write!
I’m so excited that you guys love Blinding Light!!! cause I loved it when I heard it at Bro-am but if you remember I couldn’t explain except to say that it was islandy! To know that we feel the same way; I’m soooooo much more excited than I aready was for #viceverses!
hmmm. “Blinding Light” is islandy, so is it guitar based, or rhythm based? Would this rank upon the better half, or the 2nd best half of the record?
There’s not better or worse half of the record in my opinion
well thats good to hear!!! If all songs are able to integrate into one solid album that’s awesome! Thats how i feel about Hello Huriicane, I cant really put a line and say “hey, these songs are better than these songs” And plus HH is one of those albums that you might not like a song one week, and it be your favourite the next week:)
stoked for tomorrows review of “Selling the News”, should be a sparkplug of comments coming! Hopefully the review is depictive and descriptive like Job and yourself have been doing!!
Selling the News tomorrow? That would be great. I feel like that song has potential to be the next “The Sound”.
Maybe! I’ll be on a plane most of the day, so it will all depend on if I have time to get it up or not…
The last Song these guys make should end with the first song the made just a thought
You mean reprise their very first song on their very last one?…. That would be amazing… but then how would you define their first song cuz you could say the first song off of Legend of Chin or you might say thats not an accurate representation of what the band is now due to the lack of Drew and Romey, and therefore say the first song that all 5 of them worked on together etc..
Blinding Light is one of only three songs that I hadn’t heard anything of before I got my copy of Vice Verses….. and I was really excited when I heard the song for the first time. I was expecting it to be a weaker track since I hadn’t heard anything about it… That’s not the case. It does have a reggae feel to it. I like the lyrics “Hey girl.. don’t conform now.. No one else has got soul like you.. hey girl, you’re a strong one.. but none of us are bulletproof.” Lyrics are very hopeful and trying to give us confidence in who we are, but also realizing… this life is fragile.. keep our eyes fixed on the blinding light and the “hope that gives me life!” Love it!!
How do you already have Vice Verses? And could you give me the lyrics to Blinding Light or no? I’m assuming there is some legal matter, that must be why Jeanna hasn’t posted the lyrics to the rest of the songs.
See Question 32 on our Vice Verse FAQ!: http://landofbrokenhearts.org/archive/2011/08/vice-verses-faq/
Ahh, cool, thanksfor answerion my question. I really admire your respect for the guys and what they do. Being a musician myself, it really difficult knowing who you can trust with what, you know?
So would you compare Blinding Light to Gone? The idea sounds similar to Gone to me
“Hey boy, don’t believe them, we’re the nation that eats our youth, hey boy, don’t believe them, none of us our bullet proof”
Are*
Man i’ve always loved those switchfoot songs that just make you smile. The Setting Sun has always been one of those to me. Can’t wait to hear Blinding Light!
You can really hear the C.S. Lewis influence in Restless. The imagery really reminds me of Narnia.
By the way, really great reviews guys! I’m so psyched for Blinding Light- the lyrics sound so awesome.
I second this! All the discussion about the song’s “yearning” and “hope” imagery reminded me of C. S. Lewis’ Surprised by Joy.
As much as I appreciate your song by song review, I find myself a little jealous and somewhat resentful that you have your copy of the album and we don’t.
) It is almost like you are rubbing our nose in the fact that you get special perks and we don’t. 
/ You are making September 27, 2011, seem like it is 100 years away. 
(
HA! Well at least you’re honest about it. But the purpose of having an early copy IS to review it. And I know a lot of fans want to hear about it – you’re more than welcome to skip reading the review if you wish – it’s in a separate post and not mentioned in any updates for a reason
Selling the News today???
LOL. No, I will suffer in silence and covet your special status with “the boys” as you call them.
I will continue to read because I want I am one of those fans that wants to know . . .
Really excited to hear Blinding Light now. I’m happy to hear it mentioned with The Setting Sun, a song that’s been really meaningful to me, especially lately. From the description it sounds like the type of song I’m going to like a lot. Can’t wait to hear it! Hurry up, September 27th!
I am so excited, I’m going to a Switchfoot concert on Saturday (August 13th)!
Are you guys gonna add the lyrics to blinding light to the Vice Verses album lyrics?
You might wanna pop over to http://landofbrokenhearts.org/archive/2011/08/vice-verses-faq/ and read #32 about future posting of VV lyrics.
What is the overall message that’s getting across in Selling the News?
The power of the media perhaps
Based on what I’ve heard: The line “selling the news” itself means they’re making the news more like an advertisement. They’re beefing it up with opinions and/or plain lies to make it more appealing. Which…is not awesome. haha
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eR1-XTyeMgA&feature=feedu
Firat cover i know of for Dark Horses for us people who wanna know how to play it!
Hey Jeanna, I was wondering if you knew when we would be able to hear clips/previews of every song? In previous albums, the band or some other website usually posts clips of every song around this point in time before the official release.
This is going to be a hit-or-miss type of prediction. We all know that for Switchfoot album arrangement is key. Hello Hurricane told a very nice story about troubles and tribulations and how even after we overcome them, the cycle repeats again. I don’t know why (Probably because I just re-read the book) but from what I’ve heard and read on the reviews of Vice Verses, it reminds me so much of The Pilgrim’s Progress.
I know it sounds crazy to take a leap when I haven’t even heard the whole album yet, but there are major signs that lead me to believe.
-The first major sign is The Blinding Light. If you’ve read the book, you know that Christian is told by Evangelist to always keep his sight on the “shining light” so as to not lose direction from the Celestial City.
-Afterlife could very well be the sudden spark inside of Christian that makes him realize he doesn’t want to stay in The City of Destruction (very similar to Something More aka Augustine’s Confession) “I still believe in us together” could refer to how Christian still yearns for his family to one day follow him, since they rejected him
-I take a controversial approach on The Original. I feel that it’s the people in The City of Destruction mocking him for his change of heart. In the story, Christian is told numerous times that he will fail, since others have failed and that he is no original.
-The War inside could be the doubts that begin to creep up in Christian as he faces adversity after adversity
-Restless is the reawakening of Christian’s hope to find the Celestial City. “I am restless, looking for you” is his motivation in the hopes to one day come face to face with the only one that can save him
-I imagine Selling the News as the Vanity Fair. Christian is bombarded by mundane vanities and pleasures that try to lure him from his destination. The whole idea of the world trying to sell you something just gives me that feeling.
-Dark Horses could be after Christian earns his armor that allows him to put up a battle against any opposition. He was down, but was never out and is now ready to get up and keep fighting
-Thrive and Rise Above it could be more hopeful songs about not giving up and keeping on
-Vice Verses is the conclusion of Christian’s life. I imagine this is what is going through Christian’s mind as he is crossing the River of Death. As Christian is reaching death, his life is flashing through his mind.
-Where I Belong. My theory on this has to be accredited to an earlier comment (the one with the Spoiler Alert) about this having the same lines as Afterlife. Christian has finally reached the end of his long journey and finds himself in the Celestial City, the place he really belongs. Unknown to Christian, his family has already begun to follow him on the same journey, so “forever now” could represent the fact that Christian will, after all, be at last is with his family for eternity.
I would not be surprised if no one shares my belief, but I recommend you at least do some background on Paul Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress. There are some really cool short cartoons on YouTube or you could read the summary at Sparknotes. God Bless
I never thought of that before… but it lines up quite nicely, good job. Whether its a coincidence or not though, I don’t know
Abisai, I really like your thoughts and your interpretation of the album (even thought neither of us have heard the whole thing!). That’s a very creative, well-thought out reflection and even if the band didn’t intend the album to be that way, I think it’s great. Everyone must understand the artwork differently and I am thankful you shared your understanding with us! I think I may have to go back and read the book myself– a children’s version of it was read to me when I was young.
Thanks ‘I am and Jonny for your replies. I was really iffy about posting my interpretation due to the fact that I doubt that books like The Pilgrim’s Progress get read these days. (I hope no one takes offense to that) I actually cut some pieces out of my post since I feared that if I made it any longer, people would just get too confused or lose interest so I simply opted to put the essential points. You should’ve seen the war inside (pun intended!) that I had over posting it or not. I refreshed the page every half an hour hoping for a reply, so both your replies meant a lot.
*Jonny, I recommend that you do read it. In fact, I would suggest that find yourself a copy of the book and wait until Sept. 27 so you can read it as you listen to Vice Verses. I’m sure it would make the reading experience that much better. Anyways, if you or anyone else is interested, I will gladly post the rest of my discoveries. God Bless
I’m interested
.
Oh btw I just discovered a ‘notify me of followup comments via e-mail’ option below the ‘post comment’ button. This way you don’t have to refresh the page every 30 min
.
Excited for “Selling the News” Ive been waiting for the ‘rapping’ so bad! How does the song end, I feel it should end with a “SHA-BANG!” Or maybe it slows down and transitions nicely to “Thrive” which I think is the next song on the album
Thanks a lot for the reviews. I always get so excited when I see there’s a new one up. I wasn’t expecting much, but now I heard some parts and with these reviews I Can hardly wait for vv!
The same thing applies to the Original. The lyrics weren’t that innovative to me, but this motown sound pleasantly surprised me.
I’ve had the album for a few weeks now… and I’ll admit that I thought highly of “Selling the News” at first but it wasn’t always one of the first ones I turned to for the album… But lately I’ve started to appreciate the song more and more and it really is a great song. Lyrically and musically both…. so glad they put it on Vice Verses!
How do you have the record already?
Best lyrics on this album: Selling the News, Restless, Vice Verses.
Selling the News is what I’ve been most excited about. What better way to showcase Jon’s unbeatable lyrics than a genre that focuses on them specifically. I can’t wait to hear it. Also, interested to see how it sets up the listener for the (what I assume is quieter/more gentle) Thrive.
I have a question for the J’s and every one else who listened to the album (Tyler?): the guys spoke about their influences for the album and I remember Tim naming Arcade Fire, Jon the Beastie Boys and Chad motown. Are there any specific songs in wich you hear a certain influence?
Um for the record I haven’t heard anything outside what any other fan has heard hahaha. I’m not THAT special
I could have seen that one coming :p. Of course you are! You’re a miracle and you’re not alone.
Where I Belong – strong Arcade Fire influence; The Original – Motown
Not sure on the Beastie Boys!
I haven’t heard much of Arcade Fire other than the song Switchfoot covered of them in their bootlegs… Definitely The Original for Motown, especially in the middle and the end. I feel like “Rise Above It” and “Selling the News” have a little Beastie Boys feel to them, but not a ton. Musically this album feels like it draws from a ton of different influences.. which is cool, especially when you consider the boys still give every song the Switchfoot feel.
From what I’ve heard I do hear a bit of a Hip hop meets rock sound, like in The War Inside. That kind of reminded me of the beastie boys.
I totally get where you’re coming from, even though they have drawn from so many music styles, you can still recognise a switchfoot song. Especially because of Jon’s lyrics, I guess.
Hmm.. Curious to what Where I belong sounds like. It must be something like they’ve never done before.
Yeah… Jon also sounds Bono-ish in The War Inside and Restless.
Where I belong is one of my favorites.. such a great album closer.
Thrive review soon?
I’ve been dying to hear the album version; I’m hoping a couple tantalizing descriptions will somehow be able to hold me over until the album drops.
patiently* waiting for another review O.O
heheh it will be here soon – I’m on a week vacation right now in canada, so it’s hard to find time!
Awww…. ok i can wait
This review is epic, thanks alot Jeanna and Job! I’m so anxious about VV that I try to listens to other bands so I don’t start suffering. I bought my pre order but it’s gonna take a month for it to get here, so thank you both very very much for letting me know that the guys are pratcly going to blow my mind, I wish you both lifetime of kisses and cake.
not to be rude, but… Thrive review please! its one of my most anticipated of the new album and im dyin to here a review…
WOW! OK, every song is so WOW… how many more days?!
TODAY’S TIM’S BIRTHDAY!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TIMMY! GOD BLESS YOU!! <3
Been waiting anxiously for this review.. I’m so stoked for Thrive. I love how you put it with Jon peaking at diaries. I would have to say him and Matt Thiessen are some of the greatest songwriters of our generation.
Jeanna and Job thank you for the Thrive review, I think it will definitely be a favorite song of mine. I love how you both described the song, and Im so glad that the studio version is just as good, or even better than the live version!
wow. cant wait. no other words necessary.
Am I the only one that remembers there was supposed to be some big announcement today? Is that still happening? Will it happen tomorrow? Update please!
Yeah! Where’s this announcement? By the way, I am sooooo emotionally excited for Thrive! I feel like laughing and crying and shouting “Yes!” all at the same time! SOOOOOOOO beautiful!
Awesome reviews guys!!! I can’t wait till VV comes out! And then I have to wait till November to get it ’cause I live in Central America and a friend in th USA is mailing it to me
Where is the big announcement? And does ne one remember today is Tim’s birthday? We love yuh TiM here in maryland!
From the way Jeanna described Thrive (the “sexy” guitars), I pictured it sounding like John Mayer’s Gravity… but Job said it’s like Meant to Live. Those two songs sound nothing alike. What do the guitars sound like? Is there any distortian on them?
I think he meant the message is like Meant to Live (in a softer way).
VERY interested to hear this song now. Love the experiments and new directions Switchfoot is taking
Awe yeah.
Thanks for the Thrive reviews; I love the acoustic version and can’t wait to hear the album version!
Really intrigued to hear Thrive now!
Dude I’m so pumped for Thrive!!!!! Sounds like Tim was right about this song all along.
Job, I love this line, “Do we truly live or do we simply grip the steering wheel, press the pedal, and drive into a murky wasteland of mental and spiritual mediocrity?” so much, that I’m gonna quote it on my twitter. haha Please don’t take it awkwardly. It sounds very much quotable, in my humble opinion… I mean, I haven’t heard Thrive yet, but from yours and Jeanna’s descriptions, I cannot wait! (I feel like I’m saying this for every single song review you guys are putting up, but really, can’t help the anticipation.
)
Does anyone feel that they should skip Dark Horses because weve already heard it? haha kidding, but besides Dark Horses I’m excited for the next couple of reviews, especially Rise Above It and VV and Where I Belong.
oh and I hope the surprise from twitter gets here soon!!
Why ‘Rise Above It’ and not ‘Souvenirs’? I mean do we even know anything about either of these songs?
Anyways, while I am interested in hearing what Jeanna and Job think about ‘Dark Horses’ in the context of the rest of the album, I must say that I’m especially excited about the last four songs.
I mean, personally, I don’t know anything at all about ‘Rise Above It’ and ‘Souvenirs;’ so I’m very curious about them. And ‘Vice Verses’ is already my favorite of Jons’ acoustic songs; I can’t wait to hear how they made it fit on this album. And everyone who has heard ‘Where I Belong’ gushes about how good it is …
i say they should post Dark Horses along with the next song off the record (Souvenirs i think…?). like both of them at the same time
haha i know, keep dreaming right??
Don’t even start me on dreaming. I just might become deluded enough to purchase a ‘time machine’ off of Ebay as a sort of last ditch effort to hear the album before its release.
Ooops, I totally forgot about Souveniers!
I think you will be pleasantly surprised with “Souvenirs.” Beautiful slower song about memories in life.. I think that song is destined to be on a big movie.
I second that
Gasping in horror at sensuality in music? That’s a bit hilarious.
By the way, when I read Jobs’ Thrive review I feel like he’s describing a fine cheese…
… or maybe a really nice cologne, something FANCY.
So glad to read the review on Thrive. One of my favs since I heard it. I love how Jon manages to be almost confessional in many of his songs. Letting us in on his failures, disappointments and hopes. This song speaks to me of all the before mentioned. Thrive takes me to a personal place where you admit your flaws and leave yourself open to criticism. But like so many SF songs, hope is the resounding theme that lifts you up. I can’t wait to hear to album version.
will hello hurricane live be released outside of the preorder packages?
Hey Jeanna, are the lyrics EXACTLY the same in ”Thrive” and ”Vice Verses”?
Hey Jeanna, are the lyrics EXACTLY the same in ”Thrive” and ”Vice Verses”?
EXACTLY the same in Vice Verses, there’s an extra line or two on Thrive
sweet thanx!
Hey Jeanna and Job,
I’ve been a longtime SF fan and am completely excited for VV! It sounds experimental but I’m a little fearful on it sounding more mainstream i guess. Would u mind tellin me where u rank it as an album compared to the others? Im sure its hard lol but thanks if u do.
P.S. U do a great job of running this website
P.P.S. Idk if anyone else asked u the same question so sorry if im being dumb haha XD
For me, it’s my second favorite album, under Nothing Is Sound
Thats pretty serious! Awesome!
And for me… It’s my 2nd favorite under The Beautiful Letdown.
Everyone that has heard Vice Verses has loved it!
How did you get it already?
Wow ok must be pretty good thn. Thanks!
When I first heard the final version of “Dark Horses” I was as excited as everyone else here but it’s kind of worn off with subsequent listens.
Honestly the whole song, in spite of the great bass and drum work, sounds a little generic; and I really don’t like the “lalala” part at all. Also I find the whole “we’re Dark Horses” simile to be pretty hard to buy into; it seems forced to me.
It’s still a great single but I’m thinking it will be my least favorite song on the album.
I believe this is one of the places this song started from. Read it and maybe the ‘dark horses’ idea will seem more clear
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jon-foreman/the-dark-horse-joan-of-ar_b_558967.html
Dark Horses has really, really, really grown on me. It’s also in a perfect spot on the album… after some of the more experimental songs, and after the beautiful “Thrive”, Dark Horses kicks in with rockin’ guitars and just a real solid overall rock song. It also will appeal to so many people.. in sports, in life… about being the underdog… but overall we as Christians are often the dark horses in society… and it’s just a feel good song that’s very good musically. A lot of people really liked “Mess of Me” as a lead single… I like Dark Horses better!
Hello Jeanna,
do you have any new news about international release dates please?
Management told me they’re working all that out and they’ll have info within in the next few weeks
Thanks Jeanna!
I think I take the song “Souvenirs” differently… nothing wrong with that. Jon Foreman often speaks of how he wants their fans to “make these songs their own.”
But for me, Souvenirs isn’t so much about missing someone or an aching past memory.. it’s more about reflecting on life.. the good and the bad memories.. and realizing that nothing lasts forever.. but I wouldn’t trade any experience I’ve ever had.. because every memory is like a souvenir. The song does seem to be speaking about a relationship.. but he might not be singing about one person.. and it could just be the imagery being used in the song.
When I listen to this song, I honestly think about my past… high school, college, past friendships, experiences… and the song makes me thankful for those experiences, even though at the time I had no idea that “life was just happening”.
I was actually thinking along the same lines. Good experiences, bad experiences, “I wouldn’t trade it for anything… my souvenirs.”
I think as we age we see things differently…. I can not wait for September 27th!
I want to hear (or at least read the lyrics to) Souvenirs so bad now! Why must Jeanna and Job be such good writers! Ugh.
Sounvenirs: “Nothing lasts forever”
Afterlife: “You and I we’re here together now, forever now. Forever.”
Overarching album themes. Just pointing them out as we’re going along. Vice Verses is shaping up to be more and more of a concept album to me.
Souveniers is definitely my most anticipated song off of Vice Verses. I can’t wait to hear it.
3 more reviews and thats it!! Man these have been really good reviews, its been holding me off ’til Sept. 27! Souveniers sounds like a song I would like.
4 actually! Dont forget Fading West!
oh snaps, true true!
Does anyone know if SF will ever have the radio cut of “Restless” up on iTunes or anything like that?
I am debating whether or not to rip the audio off the Youtube video, because if the radio edit. sounds like the studio version, I don’t want to be stealing music.
Also, LOBH has the radio edit of “Always” up and it’s not illegal to download that, so basically I am trying to figure out the best way to get the radio edit. of Restless w/out being illegal…or if I should just wait until Vice Verses comes out.
Thanks!
-$w!t(hfr3@K
I think you’re okay to rip the audio
Thanks…I just looked at the radio edit time, and there is about a difference of a whole minute between radio and studio versions.
And I actually found just found the radio version on a sight called mp3skull.com.
In case you wanna share
how do you download it? i click on download and it takes me to a blank page with a quicktime symbol with a question mark.
Nvm i got it.
I can’t wait to see how switchfoot pulls off the “Chili-Pepperish” Rise above it! Vice verses is going to be awesome!!!
There’s a song on this record that sounds like the Chili Peppers? Where did you hear this?
Also, this could mean the song is either really funky or really melodic.
People have said it several times while describing rise above it! The funky sound of old chili peppers. I really hope the review comes out today or soon. Out of the songs I have heard I really really like where I belong. The lyrics are soo good!! I can’t wait to hear the studio version or hear it live.
I just remembered, Souvenirs is the song that Drew was personally fighting for on Vice Verses… I really hope I might be able to hear why! But he says Selling the News is his favorite! I wann hear that in that context as well!
Part 10 today?? Rise Above It??!
:):)
Like! Bump! Anything!
I can’t wait to hear Souveniers and Thrive, I think I’ll cry when it finally happens.
I feel the same. I am looking forward to souvenirs the most
Howling??? What’s this about? And what laws is he telling us to rise above?
okay, so there was supposed to be a special fotf acoustic show in norfolk virginia. the email said that the swithcfoot twitter would announce the location in the morning, but they havent yet. does anyone have any ideas where it is?
Whenever I think of Rise above it, i think of the song in Cool Runnings. Hopefully its not quite like that.
I do that too.. haha.. But honestly, “Blinding Light” sounds like it could almost be on Cool Runnings.
For “Rise Above It,” imagine if “Adding to the Noise”, and “Burn out Bright” had a baby and added some flare to it.
Nice way to put it. Guess I’ll just have to wait and see!
Vice Verses is such a special song as it is, but I can tell that it’s going to bring something special with my life. I’m really excited, I just preordered and it says that it SHOULD arrive the day of the release date right? gosh its probably going to arrive at like 7pm or something!
It’ll probably arrive a couple days before the release actually. Albums usually release on tuesdays, I’ve gotten my pre-ordered copy (NIS, O!G, and HH) the friday or saturday before!
Wow, The Vice Verses review is probably my favorite review so far. I love Vice Verses, of course I have only heard the live versions, but now I can’t wait to hear the album version. Thanks Jeanna and Job for these reviews, you guys do so well. And I also think that Vice Verses is one of the best songs ever written by Jon.
The idea of the person being a soul trapped in a body (as is sang in “Vice Verses”) is Cartesian (very Platonic) but not very Biblical. The idea of a soul trapped inside a body is in great contrast with the Genesis 2 account, where God makes the man from the dust, then breathes life into him to make him living. In the ancient Hebrew mindset, we aren’t souls trapped in bodies; we’re bodies that have had the Breath (Hebrew also means “Spirit”) of God breathed into us. I think Jon is being poetic and is drawing from a lot of Paul’s writing (which was Greek– therefore Platonic) and trying to describe the tension between the “spirit” and the “flesh” and the desires each have. With all do respect Job, I don’t think Jon means that literally we are just souls. I think it is an aching cry for more– for the redemption of the flesh when all things– heaven AND earth–will be made new again (like freedom in spring…).
Agree! Jon says “I know that there’s a meaning to it all”, and that’s what this song is exploring. It’s searching for the meaning of life and questioning why we are in this state and sometimes how we are afraid of this life and how we need God’s grace (Where is God in the night sky?). We are longing for mire than this flesh and more than this world. We are longing for heaven.
Definitely! I really like your comments Mi470. (And by the way Job and Jeanna, your reviews are incredible– that’s why I have a strong opinion on one of them!) Just to clarify what I was saying though, Mi470– biblically speaking, Christ followers have hope for a new heaven and a new earth. That’s the hope of Revelation– and of Jesus’ resurrection in the body. So yes– more than this world. A new world in which all of creation is renewed, when the Kingdom comes in its fullness.
Strange how Vice Verses is the song off the album I know least. I know it’s been around the longest, but when I first found this site (way back in feb), Vice Verses was somewhat old news, so it took me a while to discover it.
Btw Jeanna, I think you meant “quiet” guitars instead of “quite” guitars at the end of the first paragraph.
Interesting reviews. So this song is all Jon? Do we hear anything from the other band members in this piece at all?
I can see how this could be the best direction for this song although, personally, I was hoping for a more different take on a song that I’ve already heard, like, forty times.
I’ve seen review sites that describe Vice Verses as a negative song that contradicts the tone of the album and explores emptiness. What’s everyone’s take on this? ‘Cause I don’t want to put negative messages in my mind if what they’re saying is correct. I’ve always liked it, but never analyzed the lyrics to the point that I wanted to.
it is definitely the sparsest and most desolate, and it does feel like a bit of an odd-ball on the record. But I wouldn’t go so far as to say it’s got a negative message. It’s just an acknowledgement that there is indeed bad in the world, alongside the good.
One month til this album comes out. I cannot wait.
Also, is the review of Where I Belong gonna contain spoilers? I do trust y’all not to reveal too much, but I’d like some first time listening surprises, and that song seems to be the big finish to this great album.
You might want to skip the reviews of that one. hehe.
Totally random, but does anyone remember what podcast Drew shows off his “Sorry I’m Awesome” shirt?
I believe its Switchfoot podcast episode 35
You were right, thanks! I feel bad because my brother kept saying “its 35, its 35!” and I didn’t believe him.
Interesting that Vice Verses seems to be completely Guitar and Vocals… i wonder is there stillnthat little acoustic solo/lead line from Drew?
Anyways, Where I Belong is next and ive been waiting soooooooooo long for that one!!!
Hey Jeanna would u say that Vice Verses is one of the songs on this album that takes some getting used to? Since u said u didnt like it at first
I’d say so – it’s a grower, because I was SO attached to the live versions
jeanna, did they leave in the really nice solo towards the end of the song that was played much earlier in the live performances?
yeah in those first performances with the cello and stuff, i hope they kept that
Where I Belong review tomorrow?? That would totally MAKE my entire weekend
Probably not until Tuesday….
Job, you did not really give your opinion on how Vice Verses translated from the live versions to the studio version. Which one do you prefer? Do you think the studio version did the song justice?
A while back, Jon said that Vice Verses is “their best attempt at a worship record.”
What do you think Jeanna?
I feel like it is in the fact that the whole album is centered around living and dying. I think I will find myself pondering deeply on many of these songs.
I actually agree with that – I wouldn’t say that this album is a typical “hillsong, praise Jesus, hallelujah” record, but there is a very worshipful atmosphere… a kind of reverence and awe towards life and the creator
I agree that it isn’t an absolute Jesus crazy CD like “Praise Jesus,Praise Jesus,Praise Jesus,Praise Jesus!!!” lol!
I really think it will have a worshipful atmosphere and I feel that in “Restless” sssssssssooooooooooooooooooo much! It’s a great feeling!
Part 2 of my Investigation. (This one’s for you, Ahlem)
Ò The title, Vice Verses, is really a clue itself. I imagine that when Jon came up with the title he was thinking of the common phrase “Vice-Versa”. This phrase was originated in Latin and means: the other way round. Is the Pilgrim’s Progress not about Christian going the opposite way than everybody else?
Ò Just want to add more to The Original discussion. I insist that this is a mockery of Christian’s new found conviction. They tell him “so you say you’re just a face in city race; wasted and sick of it all”. It can be inferred that this is Atheist who tries to stop Christian from continuing. The mention to the “city race” refers to the journey that Christian is taking to Celestial City.
Ò Restless talks about “running for the other side, the world that has always been denied. Running hard for the infinite”, referring to Celestial City. However, I am a tad confused about the part “Until the sea of glass we meet; at last completed and complete. Where tide and tear and pain subside”. I am 70% sure he means the River of Death, that when crossed, will lead to a place with no more pain or suffering (hence the tears and pain).
Ò Dark Horses adds more to the idea of escaping the City of Destruction. “We found a way out; the city (of Destruction) takes everything it can. But outside the crowds, I can feel my lungs again.”
Ò Part of the chorus in “Thrive” also gives a big hint. “Feels like I travel but I never arrive.” Christian has traveled for some time now and he is growing desperate (a hint towards Doubting Castle and Giant Despair?) since he has yet to feel any closer to the shining light.
Ò I did not realize the powerful meaning of the lyrics in the second to last track Vice Verses until recently listening to the song again. Christian “walks along the high tide line” shores of the River of Death. He “wonders what it means to live forever?” referring to being moments away from eternity and “wonders what it means to die” due to fear of crossing the waters. “The ocean comes at him like a drunken man” since Christian was warned the crossing would not be easy. In the end Christian decided that he will “let the pacific laugh be on his epitaph” since he is determined to get through the waters. ***To get an idea of what I’m talking about, click on my name and you’ll get a link to part of a video adaptation of The Pilgrim’s Progress on Youtube.***
Ò If I could just get more than 5 seconds of Where I Belong I would be able to figure this out. I keep listening to the same clip in the Listening Session hoping to figure out something but I can’t. We know that it has repeated lyrics “forever now” from Afterlife. In context, Christian is already in Celestial City. From what I can hear, it sounds like an organ in the background. Am I the only one that gets a feeling of ‘heaven’ when listening to it? It reminds me of final 3 minutes of Death Bed by Relient K after the man goes to heaven. I imagine that it’s either God telling Christian that his family is on their way to be with him “forever” or the song is being told now in the perspective of Christian’s wife. (The book has 2 parts, the first in Christian’s POV and the second told by his wife). I am leaning towards Where I Belong marking the end of Christian’s journey and the beginning of Christiana’s (his wife) ala Hello Hurricane.
Thanks a lot for the elaboration! I’m amazed at how seamlessly the story fits to the songs. Whether it was really written with the story in mind or not, you sure did find some interesting things. I recall Jon saying that the band like to put hidden gems in their music, even though probably only one person would notice them. You might be that person =).
Great reviews so far from both of you. I can’t wait till Part 12; after watching the one-minute clip of the guys playing Where I Belong, Where I Belong has become my most-anticipated song from Vice Verses. Something about the song deeply resonated with me–the lyrics, the vocals, and the music are all stellar. Literally some of the best lyrics Jon has written, in my opinion–and that’s saying something.
No joke, this review makes me wanna cry a little. The beauty of this song has and will sink into my soul forever. I’m really excited to hear this song, and it will indeed take the place of Red’s “Take It All Away” as the best album closer in history. By the way, Jeanna, could you post the list in order of your favorite songs from this record, starting at 1 and ending at 12? I value your opinion and wanna compare it to mine…
The song has made me cry more times than I care to count
and sure! I’ll do that a bit later – i want to think on it a bit
Only problem is that “Take it All Away” isn’t the closing song of Innocence & Instinct. Don’t get me wrong, I love that song too, but tecnically speaking “Out from Under” is the closer and “Take it All Away” is a bonus track.
The version I bought of Innocence & Instinct was the regular version. Out From Hnder wasn’t even on that. I bought it on iTunes. Instead it was Forever and Take It All Away was the closing track. I’m not lying. It’s a great album ender. Where I Belong will be better though.
Huh. Don’t know how but I got a different version. I bought the deluxe package from iTunes a couple months ago.
RED and Switchfoot should totally tour again sometime! That would be awesome
!!!
I second that. Red is a great band, and we already know how great Switchfoot is!
Okay here we go – my favorite VV songs:
1. Thrive
2. Where I Belong
3. Vice Verses
4. Selling the News
5. The War Inside
6. Souvenirs
7. The Blinding Light
8. Restless
9. Afterlife
10. Dark Horses
11. Fading West (Bonus Track)
12. Rise Above It
13. The Original
Interesting, not all that I expected you would choose… I remember asking you when you first got your copy of Vice Verses, how you liked the title track, and you didn’t seem to like it very much (as far as it fitting in the record)… which proves that the first couple of listens are not all you can base an album off of. Definitely need time to really figure out what you really like!
Loving the review(s) of Where I Belong. I seriously cannot wait to hear that song (and the whole record, obviously). Super pumped!
I can not say anything other than WOW.
Do you folks plan on writing up conclusions to your reviews?
Probably – maybe! But we still have one song left to review!
Jeanna! after having the album for a while now. (I asked you this question after your first heard it) Do you think this is Switchfoots best album? Lyrically and Musically or just one of those?
Musically it’s their best album, for sure! Lyrically, Nothing Is Sound and Oh! Gravity are both better, in my opinion
Jeanna: This is a tad off topic but if you recall Switchfoot’s one (and only) studio update for Vice Verses, could you identify which songs the opening (and closing) vocals appear on, as well as the pump organ part and the guitar progression right before the end? (When Tim and Drew are dancing and such)
Fantastic reviews from both of you–but as much as I dislike being a grammar Nazi, isn’t “brilliant edition” supposed to be “brilliant addition” (in Jeanna’s review of the title track)? Other than that I thought your writing has even improved from your reviews of Hello Hurricane. Bravo. Also, a bravo for Switchfoot for apparently making an album even better than Hello Hurricane, judging by your reviews of both Hello Hurricane and Vice Verses.
We still have one track left to review!
Fading West?
Never mind. I just scrolled to the bottom and saw your replies to other people’s questions. Guess it is Fading West after all.
Thanks for the reviews on Where I Belong, guys – my anticipation for hearing that song is reaching uncomfortable proportions haha. From the sounds of it, it’s going to be another one of those Switchfoot songs that put a spring in my step on a day that I’m struggling.
Vice Verses comes out this month! Can’t wait.
Great review, of Where I Belong and the album. Also I remember when the youtube vid came out and you said you forgot there was a song by that name. Can’t wait to hear this song!!! Btw, thanks to both of you for not spoiling the song. Your reviews sparked my interest sooooo much more than I thought possible!
As Jim was saying, I hate being a grammar Nazi or sounding like your mother correcting your spelling Jeanna, but I think you meant “And if you need to *hear the reason why…”
this is what happens when I write reviews in 10 minutes and don’t leave time to proof! Ah well. that’s what you people are for
*speechless*
Jeanna, I don’t get this. I thought Fading West wasn’t a bonustrack anymore. Why review it? Will you tell us it’s plans in the review?
There’s some plan for the song though we don’t know what yet. We got the pre-release it was included so we’re going to review… i think the song will see the light of day soon
Right now I’m pictureing Where I Belong sounding like a mellower, switchfootyer Death Bed (Relient K). I hope I’m right.
Death Bed is like one of my all time favorite songs. If Where I Belong is in fact similar, I might explode
Death Bed Yeah!
Oh jeanna spoke my mine out for where I belong song review! Same vibes and yes I thought I was confused by being reminded of restless’ “until the sea of glass we meet at last completed and complete” in putting this song into visuals! Simply can’t wait for ittttt but I know it’s gonna be a darn good wait.
Speechless. Just the lyric drops, and y’all describing the music. Thrive is a hands down favorite, the lyrics are unbeatable. But Where I Belong is already getting to me, and I haven’t heard one note of it yet.
> 1 month y’all
[...] started, in case you missed it, we posted Part 12 of our Song by Song review of Vice Verses right HERE – part 13 is [...]
Man, you guys right such awesome/tantalizing reviews! Thank you so much for all the work and effort you put into this site, it’s a real blessing to me
Ive come to this site for everything to do with switchfoot for a long time, but just started using the comments section. Also, Jeanna, i have a question: I was one of the winners of the twitter contest, and apparently they are giving the album a week early, but i was wondering if you knew if the version that we get is just a copy of the album or something a little more special? Because i wanted to pre-order the album from the SF site, but if I get the whole deluxe package for free then i would just have two sets.. So i was wondering about your thoughts on that?? 
whoops *write
It will just be a sample of the CD – you’ll want to order the deluxe separately!
Also, glad you started commenting!
Got it, thanks
Yes! I have been waiting for the “Where I Belong” review! I remember the first time I watched the video clip from youtube and I fell in love with this song and couldn’t wait to hear more. Then the guys rehearsed this song at the concert I went to in Oklahoma City, and it was amazing! Ever since that video clip I knew this was going to be one of my favorite songs from Vice Verses. Wow Jeanna and Job, your interviews are even better than I had hoped! Thank you guys so much! I am now even more excited for Vice Verses, which I didn’t think that was possible.
i disagree on your comments about ‘rise above’…it’s sounds nothing the sound or bullet soul. this is really poppy and enjoyable but in a really unique way. he goes for a more simple, non-soaring chorus, more like 4:12. this song wouldn’t have fit on HH.
Thanks for the review. It was well done. Cause I was wondering what it wounded like kind of but I didn’t want to hear the songs yet. So thanks. Maybe you guys should make a data base where fans could send in their reviews of albums. That would be interesting and might keep some people on this website a little longer. Just a thought cause that would be fun to make one and read others
A database would be a lot of time and work on our part – but we are going to do what we did last album – for 12 days, we’ll discuss one song from the new album and everyone can post their own thoughts and reviews of the tune.
I can understand that. I just had an interesting thought and wanted to put it out there. I don’t know how to work websites but you’re in control and I’ll honor that. I didn’t find this website until I wanted to know some news on Vice Verses and so I searched it and I found this (must I say) well done website. So I explored and then I realized that I liked the website a lot so I figured out how to make a username and stuff like that. Anyways, (sorry for getting completely off topic) just saying thanks. One last thing, when you start the 12 days of discussing songs. Cause I pre-ordeded my super deluxe and Idk if it comes on the day the album comes out or it gets shipped the day the album comes out.
We’ll start it about a week or a week and a half after the album gets released – I want to give people time to soak it in!
Cool! Thanks for letting me know!
Ok reading this -”The lonesome man in “Vice Verses” walks along a fairly crowded sidewalk. He is no longer downcast, but has his eyes focused ahead. He even ventures a slight smile.” seriously gave me goosebumps. What a GREAT way to descibe that song! I have a feeling that’s going to be my favorite Switchfoot song.
Wow I knew “Where I belong” was going to be awesome!! Can’t wait to hear it! I’m going to be so tempted when I get the album to just skip to it..but I know I can’t do that lol.
Dude I cried reading all this, it’s all so… No band in this world deserves my love more than Switchfoot does, I mean they taught mr how love cam be worth it, how faith is still needed, that I can be strong, that music really needs to mean something and that an awesome melody can be killed by meaningless lyrics and oh God how I love them, I love LOBH this place is home made up of smiles and ugh love just love and peace
I’m too sentimental right now and I have Jeanna an Job to blame.
Glad to hear Fading West is a good song! And even one of the best B-sides ever! I was worried when it showed up at the bottom of Jeannas list… forgetting the time that it was the bonus track not a fully fledged song on the album… and if the Original is Jeannas least favorite but she still has so many good things to say about it than this album must be great!
Yeah I LOVE Fading West – it just doesn’t feel as “fresh” to me as some of the other songs so I think that’s why it was lower on the list!
Fading West seems/sounds like it was supposed to be the title/main track for “Eastern Hymns for Western Shores.” Especially with Job’s review.
Huh.
still no word on how we can get our hands on fading west?
I think I’ve got something – watch for it in our next update!
What’s the reason behind taking it off the iTunes pre-order? (Not like I would use iTunes, physical copies all the way) but it’d still be nice to have.
Awesome! Can’t wait.
I would have bought the itunes deluxe and the super deluxe if the itunes had even one extra song, but since they added dark horses Demo to the super deluxe it’s kinda pointless to get the itunes one now.
Now I really want to hear Fading West! I didn’t even know it existed.
All your descriptions of the songs are SO accurate, especially “Where I Belong.” It’s so hard to put into words. But I get chills EVERY time I hear the “I still believe we can live forever, you and I we begin forever now, forever now…” at the end. I see a pattern here.. with the “In this haystack life…” at the end of Red Eyes. They’re both SO powerful. Love it.
I really hope we’ll be able to hear Fading West soon! I didn’t know anything about it until after reading your review, and it sounds like a song I could definitely relate to! (Born and raised in San Diego, but currently attending college out of state.) Hopefully I’ll be able to get my hands on it soon so I can jam out to it the whole way back!
When we getting samples?
I know I am going to love Fading West, considering I was born in Cali and lived there for 12 years…every now and then I do miss it…rarely but I do. So I think this song will bring on some nostalgia for me…
Any idea when preview clips of the songs will go up somewhere?
[...] talk that it might be a b-side for the album. (Read more about “Fading West” HERE) – so if you’re really dying to hear that song, see if you can get the movie! You can [...]
I feel like Rise Above It is almost like they are saying “We are evolving and experimenting, but we are still switchfoot.”
I remember when I played the live version of The War Inside for my best friend. She is familiar with their music because I am ALWAYS playing it. Conversation went as follows:
“Kyle, listen to this new Switchfoot song, it’s sooo cool”
*starts song*
“Is that…Switchfoot?! There is no way…are you sure? That really doesn’t sound like them.”
“Isn’t it great though?!”
“It’s great, I just can’t believe that’s Switchfoot!”