Music Review: Switchfoot - Vice Verses

Switchfoot: The Dark Horses?

For the release of Switchfoot’s last two albums, Hello Hurricane and Vice Verses, ESPN has aired the band’s songs during college football broadcasts. Most recently, “Dark Horses,” the single for Vice Verses, opened the broadcast of the Oklahoma vs. Florida State game.

For those acquainted with the San Diego-based band, Switchfoot are no Dark Horses. Founded in 1996, they enjoyed success in the Christian music world with their first three albums, The Legend of Chin, New Way to Be Human, and Learning to Breathe. Switchfoot’s music was featured in the 2002 Mandy Moore film, A Walk to Remember.

In 2003, Switchfoot turned heads on the national scene with their breakout fourth album, The Beautiful Letdown. “Meant to Live” and “Dare You to Move” were two legendary singles from that record. Crowds still go crazy at concerts when the Switchfoot plays the opening notes to both songs.

“Meant to Live” was one of the first songs that I heard when my brother introduced me to the band eight years ago. It’s become an anthem for me—and for all of my friends across America who have grown up listening to Switchfoot.

Today, Switchfoot continues to enjoy immense popularity in the Christian music scene. Youth groups across America purchase and celebrate each new album that is released. However, Switchfoot’s audience is not limited to the American-Christian social circle. They have successfully established themselves around the world, in both Christian and secular realms.

Switchfoot does a wonderful job of making music for all audiences while still preserving their own Christian beliefs. Some Christians have criticized the band for straddling an imaginary fence between Christian and secular music. Personally, I’ve never understood what the fuss was about. I often comapre Switchfoot’s music to the work of C. S. Lewis.

The Chronicles of Narnia is enjoyed around the world by people of all beliefs, and yet Lewis wrote the series with heavy Christian allegory. Some fans enjoy the series as a fantasy, and others find deeper meaning. The same can be said of Switchfoot’s lyrics—which are occasionally full of profound Christian truth, written as eloquently as Lewis’ work. (Incidentally, Switchfoot wrote the song “This is Home” for Disney’s film version of C. S. Lewis’ Prince Caspian.)

Article Author: SteventheThorn

Professional Writing student at the University of Oklahoma. Sooner born and Sooner Bred. I'm a dedicated Denver Broncos and Dallas Cowboys fan. I love soccer. I play the guitar, write stories and poetry, and make movies.

Visit SteventheThorn's author page — SteventheThorn's Blog