music review: Hello Hurricane- Switchfoot

3rd December 2009 by Julia Hosking

It doesn't come any newer than this.

Released only a few days ago, Hello Hurricane is Switchfoot's seventh studio album. It won't take you long, however, to realise the sound is different compared to their previous albums.

For those unaware, Switchfoot is an alternative rock band from San Diego, California. The band has found success on both Christian and secular radio stations, as well as in Hollywood movies since their formation in 1996.

With incredible songs such as Dare You to Move, Meant to Live and Oh! Gravity, the past few years have shown us just how versatile and creative these guys can get. With the recent release of Hello Hurricane, it's not hard to see how these guys have won numerous awards.

Lyrically, you won't be surprised to find that Jon Foreman (lead singer) really puts his heart on his sleeve again with these songs, something that unfortunately you don't find very often in today's artists.

Although the majority of the songs contain the themes of love and hope, such songs as Mess of Me and Yet focus on the fallen condition of Man, and like Dare You to Move and Meant to Live, the message to rely and put faith in something much bigger than ourselves is clear.

To be honest, I thought there were some songs that were too lyrically simple, with constant and repetitive sentences; however, with Switchfoot's musical ability and creativity, it balances up.

As mentioned earlier, the sound of this album is totally different compared to the others. After the completion of their last album Oh! Gravity, Switchfoot parted with their record contract with Sony as they felt they were being compromised into creating music the company wanted.

Musically, this album is extremely diverse. Ranging from grungy-type rock (Mess of Me) to slow rock ballads (Always) - Hello Hurricane is definitely one that is able to please everyone.

While this is not a ‘worship album', it doesn't take long to realise where Switchfoot is coming from and where their Christian beliefs and views lie. Overall, this is a sweet album to either show your pre-Christian friends or even just to rock out to by yourself in your room.

For the diehard Switchfoot fans - you'll love it, and for those yet to experience the greatness of them - you'll love it too!

Music - Definitely gets your foot tapping and voice singing.
Words - Reflects the heart of the band, as well as sticks with you after the song finishes.
God Content - While it isn't ‘in-your-face' preaching, the foundations of the songs are filled and inspired from God's love for us.

Till next time,

Dan Walters

Comments

Nate

December 07, 2009 at 11:45am

love this album, it's a real cracker. their best so far I reckon

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Kim

December 24, 2009 at 9:07am

Before I became a Christian I didn't want to hear Christian music. But I was drawn to guitar music and I was unbiased about who was playing (still am this way). So I was quite impressed when I first heard Switchfoot. They've been criticized as not having "meaty" enough Christian lyrics (whatever that is supposed to mean). Along those same lines is another artist with an intriguing album called "Get What You Expect" (Daniel Minteer). You would probably argue that his lyrics aren't "meaty" enough either. But he definitely brings some truth "in your face" in a way that a lot of Christian music seems afraid to do. Yet it can appeal to the non-believer as well. What do you think (also check out his YouTube video, Spoiked)? And thanks Switchfoot for doing the same.

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Skywalsher

January 02, 2010 at 8:07pm

Great review but reallynot a big fan of this album. The old sound was really good and I hope they go back to it in their next album

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