Switchfoot, easily one of the most tolerable pop/alternative bands of the past few years, forays into semi-new ground today with the release of its sophomore (more or less) title, "Nothing is Sound."



I've been listening to the album for almost a month now (thanks again to the awesome kaihau), and the album is pretty much what I expected of a new, more rock-ish, less Christian-y Switchfoot release: doesn't even come close to The Beautiful Letdown and prior releases (You, This is Your Life, On Fire, Dare You to Move, Learning to Breathe, Love is the Movement, Only Hope), but the album in itself, which still retains some of the band's Christian undercurrents, is still pretty great.

I'll wait to discuss the album on a song-by-song basis (takes too long, frankly), but I'll say that I do think The Blues is by far the best song on the album and a no-brainer for a future single.

Who's interested?

Great that you made this thread, Dkmuto. =)

I have listened to the album enough times to make some longer comments. It's definitely not as good as The Beautiful Letdown, and probably doesn't surpass the level of the three albums earlier either (Learning to Breathe , New Way to Be Human, & Legend of Chin; these can be picked up as a 3-disc set at your local store for the price of just one album). But it is good enough to make #2 on my yearly list so far.

Track-by-track comments:

Lonely Nation - When I first heard this, I wasn't sure whether I like it or not. I think it's the tempo shifts throughout the song don't really gel too well. I do like this song, but I think they definitely could've improved on it.

Stars - This is the lead single that is starting to flop on the radio despite a decent start. Hopefully it will slowburn on Pop/Hot AC stations and eventually get decent airplay later this fall. I wish it were more successful.

Happy Is A Yuppie Word - I like this song a lot, and it is probably the catchiest song on the album. This one reaches the heights of some of their previous albums. It definitely should be a single.

The Shadow Proves the Sunshine - Was my favorite song on the album earlier on, but musically it doesn't hold up as well as other songs with repeated listens. Still a very good song that probably won't be ever be heard by most people.

Easier Than Love - It took me awhile to finally get into this song. The chorus is good, but the stuff leading up to it (the vocal delivery, music, and the anti-consumerism content matter) doesn't feel like it belongs with the same song. Like Lonely Nation, I think this song could've been reworked for greater flow and improvement.

The Blues - This was one of the standout songs that grabbed me in the beginning, and it has the least depreciation/greatest increase of them all after repeated listenings. It is a really beautiful and memorable song with a sound that is not too typical of them. I think this one will make a really good Pop/Hot AC single, though it will diminish what's left of the alternative radio support.

The Setting Sun - Pleasant little song, albeit forgettable.

Politicians - The most "rock" song on the album. Musically this is good enough to be a great single, just the subject matter of the song isn't very commercially accessible.

Golden - I just realized right now of all the Switchfoot songs, this one reminds me the most of the Goo Goo Dolls, both vocally and musically. That is a good thing since the Goo Goo Dolls is probably my all-time favorite band.

The Fatal Wound - I don't really notice this song that much, except for the harmonica part.

We Are One Tonight - Even though it might be kind of generic sounding, this song works really well. I like it.

Daisy - This is one of the earliest song I've heard, as the live version was floating around online a year ago. i like how on this album this pretty and quiet little acoustic song starts rocking out at the end.

I should have downloaded that zip file when I had the chance...

I'll give it a listen. Come to think of it I haven't listened to Beautiful Letdown in a looong time...

Wow, 'The Blues' is a verrry nice song.

I've always really liked Switchfoot because I find they have a lot of great songs on each CD, and not just one great single and a overall crappy CD like a lot of bands.

PEACE, Mike.

It's probably the best song I've heard all year.

I also really like Lonely Nation, Daisy, and The Fatal Wound.

The Fatal Wound is really different from anything they've ever done, but it's nice. It reminds me of something Lifehouse might have done back when their stuff was a little more somber.

I reaallllyy like Switchfoot.

Amusingly, I think Mandy Moore may have been responsible for putting them on the map in the first place, as she loved them and recruited them for the soundtrack to A Walk to Remember. That song "Dare You To Move" that was popular last year was actually in that movie like three years ago.

Decent album with some great songs. #1, 2,5 and 9 are my favorites. Don't have all the titles down yet.

When does their song play in the film?

Love that movie!

I don't remember when (or if) one of their songs actually plays in the movie, but "Only Hope," the one Mandy Moore sings at the play thingy, is actually a cover of Switchfoot's song.

And smart move on their part, too. A lot of their best stuff (Dare You to Move, Learning to Breathe, You) is on that album.

And I also like Someday We'll Know.

The only song from them I LOVE is Meant to Live.

ooOOOooh! Switchfoot rocks!!

The Beautiful Letdown album is the BEST, i love all the songs!!! ive only heard Stars from the new album!, its good!