Switchfoot - New Way To Be Human (1999)



Introspective, probing lyrics define Switchfoot's sophomore effort, New Way to Be Human, which Charlie Peacock produced for his re: think label. In the 1990s, Peacock was best known for working with Christian rock and pop/rock artists, he co-wrote Amy Grant's "Every Heartbeat" and had produced Sarah Masen, Michelle Tumes, and other Christian singers. Switchfoot's lyrics also deal with spiritual concerns, but there's nothing preachy or exclusionary about this CD. Alternative pop/rock songs like "Incomplete," "Under the Floor" and "Let That Be Enough" (all of which were written or co-written by Switchfoot singer/guitarist Jonathan Foreman) deal with trying to find meaning and purpose in life, the lyrics really stem from Foreman's introspection and self-examination, not a desire to force any particular religion down the listener's throat. One of the best songs on the album is "Company Car," which questions materialism and is almost Hindu-ish in its outlook. Not perfect but intelligent and generally appealing, New Way to Be Human is an album that fans of 1990s' alternative rock can appreciate, whatever their religious views may be.

1 New Way to Be Human
2 Incomplete
3 Sooner or Later (Soren's Song)
4 Company Car
5 Let That Be Enough
6 Something More (Augustine's Confession)
7 Only Hope
8 Amy's Song
9 I Turn Everything Over
10 Under the Floor

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Moving on somewhat from the epic and sincere post-grunge of their last two hit albums, 2003's Beautiful Letdown and 2005's Nothing Is Sound, California Christian-emo rockers Switchfoot deliver a lively and laid-back effort with 2006's Oh! Gravity. Perhaps influenced by the post-punk of such contemporaries as Franz Ferdinand and Futureheads, Switchfoot smartly keep things stripped down and to the point this time. To these ends, the title track and leadoff single "Oh! Gravity" is a poppy blast of '80s new wave. Similarly engaging, the punchy and playful Mott the Hoople-esque anthem "Amateur Lovers" is a truly inspired creative turn for lead singer/guitarist Jonathan Foreman and his cohorts. But lest longtime fans fear the band have completely changed their sound, don't worry, as tracks such as the blissful mid-tempo ballad "Awakening" and the driving rocker "Head over Heels (In This Life)" retain the band's knack for mixing heartfelt lyrics with catchy melodies that tug at your soul.

1 Oh! Gravity
2 American Dream
3 Dirty Second Hands
4 Awakening
5 Circles
6 Amateur Lovers
7 Faust, Midas, And Myself
8 Head over Heels (In This Life)
9 Yesterdays
10 Burn out Bright
11 4:12
12 Let Your Love Be Strong

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