Switchfoot, Learning to Breathe
re: think/Sparrow 2001
Reviewed by Justin Walker
May 28, 2001
We take them for granted, but compact discs are a
wonderful thing.
One of the best features on a CD player is the
“skip forward” button. Have a CD that only has one or two good songs on it?
No problem! Just skip over
the others.
With Learning
to Breathe, the third release from re:think/Sparrow recording artist
Switchfoot, we find the San Diego trio has perfected the “non-skip” CD.
As was the case on the Legend of Chin debut and the dynamic New Way To Be Human sophomore outing, each and every song is worth a
listen, again and again. (Another good CD feature¾the “repeat” button.)
Brothers Jon and Tim Foreman, along with drummer
Chad Butler, take their ultra-tight, progressive rock sound to a new level with
this release.
Jon’s impressive
guitar work accentuates his soft, yet extremely powerful, vocals on each track.
Tim’s bass chords take each song to another level, while Chad’s innovative
percussion keeps every song moving from start to finish.
The challenging “I Dare You To Move” opens
the CD with soaring vocals during a chorus that invokes the listener to catch
his breath and ponder the lyrics.
The title track offers these stunning words of
confession: I could use a fresh beginning, too/All of my regrets are nothing
new/But I’m learning to breathe; learning to crawl/ I’m finding that You and
You alone can break my fall.
Fan favorite “Loser” offers a tight grunge
sound and the insight that what we gain in this world doesn’t really matter.
Losing everything for eternity’s sake is a pretty good trade, the lyrics point
out.
The high-energy “You Already Take Me There”
points out that when you’re living for Christ, every day can be Heaven on
Earth. This bouncy number and accompanying video (which has found its way
onto MTV’s “120 Minutes”) showcase Butler’s knack for finding
never-before-heard drum patters.
Don’t let the band’s name (a surfing term) or
the “alternative-rock” label (which really doesn't apply) turn your head.
Switchfoot is a serious band with a serious sound that should be heard by all.
Pick up a copy of Learning to Breathe. Your CD player will thank you.
ninetyandnine.com
ã 2001, Justin Walker
Justin Walker is a
slacker who likes his music loud and thumpy.
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