Hello Hurricane might be the seventh collection of songs Switchfoot has put forth to an audience, but is marks a new start for Jon Foreman and his band-mates. This is a group known for selections of alternative rock which tend to become popular without too much effort. For this work, the group decided it wanted more aggression.
Switchfoot first started back in 1996. Foreman, the band's lead singer, his brother, Tim (bass), teamed up with Chad Butler (drums), to pursue their love of rock music. San Diego proved to be a source of inspiration by way of the independent rock groups already making careers as professional musicians. In 1997, they released The Legend of Chin, the first album, soon followed by New Way to be Human in 1999, which put them on the Billboard charts. 2000 had them adding Jerome Fontamillas on as a keyboardist.By the end of the year. 2005 brought forth their studio album, Nothing is Sound. This was the fifth one for the band, but the first with Drew Shirley, Switchfoot's touring guitarist.
By the time Hello Hurricane was decided upon for the next album title, there were already 80 songs to choose from. These were recorded in a home studio and the tracks which made the cut are as diverse as the band members themselves.
"Needle and Haystack Life" kicks things off with a keyboard loudly announcing its presence. The song talks about how right a certain couple is and will only be found once in a lifetime of trying. The beat makes one sit-up and starts toes tapping.
"Mess Of Me" is my favorite tune out of the entire bunch. Foreman makes a decision to live a life fully alive rather than one simply sitting by the curb taking up space. The strong guitar makes a terrific backdrop for the powerful statement. Despite the bad choices made early in life, the lyrics suggest someone ready to take charge.
Article comments
1 - andrewcartwork
I thought I'd suggest fixing an error. Needle is not about a couple, it's about the worth of human life and how everything in life is a miracle. But I can see how you saw the song in that light and Jon Foreman has said he doesn't want his songs to have a set statement and wants them open for defining. However, I still believe Enough and Yet are more of couple or love songs, while Needle is more of a philisophical song. I appreciate your review!
~andrew
2 - Cindy
Nancy,
Good review. I love Switchfoot. Their music is meaningful for world change.
P.S. Cute dogs. :-)