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 Three-star album, Four stars with the DVD Apr 14, 2008
I really love Beautiful Letdown. Easily it was one of the best rock 'n' roll records of 2003. Every song is unique, catchy, and a little rough around the edges, with a big dose of fun thrown in. It's truly a gem.
Nothing is Sound suffers only in that I cannot help but compare it to its predecessor. One of the biggest drawbacks to this album is the production, which is totally saturated and polished - Switchfoot suddenly starts to sound alot like every other crappy rock band on the radio, which is a shame. Fortunately, there is still enough of that unique Switchfoot vibe to keep this album from sinking to complete blandness.
The songwriting is standard Jon Foreman, and I must say that the arrangements on many of these songs ("Happy Is a Yuppie Word," for example) are very layered and complex, which is probably due in part to the addition of yet another guitarist to the group. The first three songs are real knock-outs that pull you in for the rest of the album - which, unlike Beautiful Letdown, is inconsistent at best. There are a few highlights through the remaining tracks, but it's mostly middle-of-the-road rock songs, nothing to write home about.
There is a noticeable lack of light, fun songs like "Gone" or "Paparazzi," which is really a shame. Jon Foreman's lyrics still have a satirical bite to them, but he seems to take himself too seriously throughout the album, which really puts me off.
And while Beautiful Letdown rarely had a dull moment, Nothing Is Sound sometimes struggles to stay afloat - "The Setting Sun" is a terribly obvious (and boring) throw-away, and even the single "We Are One Tonight" pales in comparison to "Meant to Live" or "Dare You To Move." The second half of the album is much weaker than the first. The addition of a guitarist has "filled out" Switchfoot's sound in a way that is sometimes rewarding, othertimes just far too bland.
Well, that's that for the album. It's solid, but not as good as Beautiful Letdown.
As for the DVD, it's well worth getting. We get about a half hour of behind the scenes film of Switchfoot doing all kinds of stuff - writing songs, rehearsing, recording in their homemade studio, performing on the road. It's really an eye-opening account of Switchfoot, which I as a musician find inspiring. The guys in Switchfoot are also pretty funny.
In general, I think it's easier to like an album if you feel you know the musicians a little. This DVD is the perfect way to get acquainted with the guys behind the music. I would highly recommend buying this DualDisc version of the album - you get a somewhat average album with a fun DVD.
 Great music Jan 21, 2008
My hubby and I are big Switchfoot fans, and this is a fun collection of Christian alternative.
0 of 2 found the following review helpful:
 Nothing is unique Mar 09, 2007
I was jacked to hear their new disk after the masterpiece, The Beautiful Letdown, and was abruptly kicked in the nards upon hearing Nothing is Sound. The hopeful melancholy that worked so well on the prior album is just missing here. It's too samey. It sounds like every other pop goes distorted. Lyrically, I can't believe Mr. Foreman even thinks this comes close to The Beautiful Letdown. Therefore, obviously, go buy The Beautiful Letdown-you won't be dissappointed.
0 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Love the band Nov 22, 2006
great cd switchfoot is one of the best alternative bands out there.the singer has a great voice
overall 85/100
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
Switchfoot does it again Sep 02, 2006
With the addition of a fifth band member, Switchfoot's music has evolved. The fuller sound is especially evident in the hard-rocking opening track, "Lonely Nation."
There's little reason to talk about "Stars" or "We are one tonight" since most everyone has heard them already, so let me focus your attention instead to two other gems from "Nothing is Sound."
"The Shadow Proves the Sunshine" is probably the best mellow song on the album, with searing vocals and heartfelt lyrics. If there is ever a best of Swtichfoot album it will not be complete without this song.
"Easier than love" might be the best song from this release. The song has a gritty, in-your-face type of sound that reminds me a little of "Ammunition" from "The Beautiful Letdown" album. The lyrics describe how sex is trivialized by the mass media. Definately not a theme I'm used to hearing from established rock bands.
As much as I like this album, I have to say it doesn't match "New Way to be Human" and even falls short of "The Beautiful Letdown." There are a few tracks in the middle that are just Ho-hum like "Politicians" and "The Setting Sun." To me those songs are tired and not particularly catching.
Still, everything Switchfoot has done has been impressive and this is no different. Those who already love the band will find a few more gems to add to the already long list of "favorite" Switchfoot tunes. Those who've never heard the band before will discover one of the greatest contemporary rock bands and hopefully check out some of their earlier work, too.
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