The music industry creates buzz words, genres, and classifications for artists and bands more often than not. Sometimes we are all guilty of wanting to tuck our favorite bands into the neat little categories we have invented. Considering the many bands that have clung to the label "modern rock," few bands in the Christian market can really truthfully claim it. And while it is an injustice to Switchfoot's creativity to attempt to pigeonhole their sound, I finally realized that what they actually do is define their very own genre with a rare freshness.
As with their previous two releases, Switchfoot keeps carving out an ornate path of musicianship that is unprecedented. Perhaps if one could pinpoint a specific direction on Learning to Breathe, it might be the fulfillment of integrating the raw rock-n-roll fun of Legend of Chin with the maturity and precision of New Way to Be Human.
We are immediately presented with a grand anthem, soaked in fuzzy guitars and reverb, as soon as the opening strains of "I Dare You to Move" echo through the speakers. The title-track follows, with a millennial nod to the Beatles, and Brit-rockers like Oasis. "Poparazzi," with its rowdy and riotous take on pop culture, really captures much of what was so spontaneously striking about Chin. In the same league are "Playing for Keeps," "The Loser," and "You Already Take Me There."
Jonathan Foreman's lyrics add depth to his own rich music. Perhaps his influences have been found in the halls of universities, with references to science, history and theology. In "The Economy of Mercy" he pens lines like these: "In the economy of mercy, I am a poor and begging man, In the currency of grace is where my song begins." In "Erosion," God's power to change us is likened to the geological processes of the earth.
So as far as "modern rock" goes, the men of Switchfoot set the standard, and we can only hope that others follow suit. If Bandoppler were still giving "ratings" this one would get an A.
Other coverage for this album
The Rebel Base 2001Reviewed by Josh HurstOne of the nice things about Christian music is the way that many Christian artists can have such a positive impact on your spiritual life. A lot of my records have influenced my walk with Christ for the better. No band has had such a profound positive influence on my spiritual life, however, as three-piece pop rock band Switchfoot. Switchfoot's sophomore album, New Way to Be Human, had a…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Steve StockmanWhen Switchfoot appeared on Charlie Peacock's Re:Think label in 1997 they were all Californian surf and sun. They were good looking boys playing poppy songs and though there were a few hints of potential it all seemed a little too early -- apart from those 16 year old girls! New Ways to Be Human two years later was a much meatier proposition in both the sound and the lyrical insight. Learning to…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by James StewartWith Charlie Peacock once again at the production helm, Switchfoot's third album continues in the intelligent power pop direction of its predecessor. It's a catchy album with plenty of energy, but doesn't seem to quite capture the potential which their debut promised. Switchfoot's Jonathan Foreman has always had a good turn of phrase at his disposal and this album shows him continuing to apply…ReAL Magazine 2000Reviewed by Dean M.The third album by this California trio should be enough to raise Switchfoot's status to one of Christian music's elite rock bands. Like the two previous albums, Learning to Breathe combines driving rock with gentle ballads--the difference is the experience. The trio of Jon and Tim Foreman, along with drummer Chad Butler, has matured musically since it's last album. The group has added a more…Similar sounding releases
1999Foo FightersThere Is Nothing Left to Lose
2003ZwanMary Star of the Sea
2002CadetThe Observatory
2003Brave Saint SaturnThe Light of Things Hoped For
1998Pearl JamYield
2004RushFeedbackMore from Switchfoot
1997The Legend of Chin
1999New Way To Be Human
2005Nothing Is Sound
2003The Beautiful Letdown
2004Live in San Diego (Video)
