Switchfoot

Switchfoot

#3 Switchfoot (The Beautiful Letdown 2003)

It probably comes as a surprise to very few that Switchfootís The Beautiful Letdown is near the top of our list of the best CDís to recommend to new believers. This band represents the epitome of Christian artists who successfully cross over from the Christian to secular markets. Itís not hard to see why their music appeals to many people, with their catchy choruses and rhythmic guitars. Their sound has come a long way since the surfer pop-rock days of their first album, yet their distinct, deep songwriting style remains the same.

While some might consider their lyrics to be slightly ambiguous or not directly Christian, there is much spiritual meaning to what they sing. The introspection of many of the lyrics can truly inspire and make a difference. The album opens with the rocker ìMeant to Liveî, a guitar riff-laden song that reminds us of the hope we have in Christ. Among the albumís energetic highlights is the tracks is ìAmmunitionî. This high energy song just raps on the real problems of the human race with just a touch of witty sarcasm.

The albumís closer track, 24, is an acoustic ballad just ripe for slow dancing. It tells an inspiring story about struggles and failure, giving up and trying again.

Twenty four failures and
Twenty four tries
Twenty four finds me
In twenty-fourth place
Twenty four drop outs
At the end of the day

Yet the song ends positively with

I want to see miracles, to see the world change
Wrestled the angel, for more than a name
For more than a feeling
For more than a cause
I'm singing Spirit take me up in arms with You
And You're raising the dead in me

Other tracks, such as ìAdding to the Noiseî are real sing-alongs, but not without making a good point:

Tells us what we wanted to hear
But none of these sound bites are comin in clear
If we're adding to the noise
Turn off this song

One of the selling points for this album is its diversity, as it takes us through many highs and lows, musically and lyrically. By the time you have finished listening to it, you may feel like you have been on a journey. The simple lyrics put to beautiful melodies seem to linger in the air even after the music stops, but the one subject that is in all of their songs is hope. It comes out in all the songs and many of them have just what it takes to life you up on a day when you are down.

Switchfoot has become a powerful force in the Christian and secular markets, and hopefully they will continue to send out this positive message for time to come. The way in which they present their truth may at times be subtle to a fault, but for anyone who really takes the time to listen, there is much encouragement to be found in their lyrics, as in the chorus of the title track:

In a world full of bitter pain and bitter doubt
I was trying so hard to fit in, fit in
Until I found out

That I don't belong here (I don't belong)
I don't belong here (I don't belong)
I will carry a cross and a song
Where I don't belong, I don't belong