Oh! Gravity Review

Release Date: Dec 26, 2006
Label: Columbia
Genres: Alternative, Rock
Number Of Tracks: 12
Oh! Gravity is a well-rounded exploration of Switchfoot’s progressing style.

Sound:	9.1
Lyrics:	9.4
Impression:	9.4
Overall rating:	9.3
Users rating:	8.6
Comments:	23

overall: 9

Featured review by: UG Team, on january 08, 2007

Sound: Switchfoot’s latest full-length CD Oh! Gravity actually started out with the purpose of being an EP release, but the band apparently discovered there was more than enough time to put out the real deal when they hit the studio. The band has described the result as the Switchfoot’s “most sincere effort,” and fans will likely be able to hear that as well. Full of rich sounds (many of which are on layering tracks to enhance the base melody) as well as some more punk-based songs, Oh! Gravity is a well-rounded exploration of Switchfoot’s progressing style.

Some of the most impressive moments on the latest record are the little additions you can hear in the background of songs like the title track “Oh! Gravity.” In the verse, you can hear what sounds like a high-pitched echo that matches everything vocalist Jon Foreman sings. It is so skillfully subtle that it’s hard to tell if it is a guitar, keyboard, or even just another vocal line. Later in the song, you can also hear a fantastic keyboard line that could easily be done on a Moog -- it just has that nice electronic vibe to it. The keyboard portion comes and goes quickly, so it is a fascinating little addition to “Oh! Gravity.”

Switchfoot (rounded out by bassist Tim Foreman, drummer Chad Butler, guitarist/keyboardist Jerome Fontamillas and guitarist Andrew Shirley) makes the biggest impression with the track “Dirty Second Hands,” which you can already imagine hearing on the radio. It has sort of an acoustic blues sound in the chorus, but then explodes in the chorus when a distorted electric guitar jumps in. It is an unbelievable good song and it uses enough different changes in style along the way to keep things extremely interesting.

While not every song reaches the level of “Dirty Second Hands,” each track has enough melodic catchiness that Switchfoot fans will probably still find them likeable. “Awakening” sounds a bit too much like what you’d hear on a teen TV show right now with its relatively sedate verse and emotionally charged chorus, and it just doesn’t live up to the talent heard on the other tracks. But again, it could instantly be a hit because it sticks to the formula really well. // 9

Lyrics and Singing: Even though Switchfoot has won several Dove Awards (for contemporary Christian music), the band has still always expressed its desire to steer clear from being overly preachy. By not pushing ideas down listeners’ throats, the band has still managed to convey more philosophical ideas in a way that has probably connected with a lot more fans.

While the lyrics on Oh! Gravity are not the most groundbreaking the band has written thus far, they are still pretty solid. “Faust, Midas, And Myself” represents one of the most unique tracks lyrically on the record. It basically talks about a bizarre, but meaningful dream that Jon Foreman relays through the course of the song. In one section he wakes up from and dream and says, “My wife was at the door; With her night robe on/My heart beat once or twice; And life flooded my veins; Everything had changed.” Each verse has an odd little reflection like that one and it makes for an interesting listen.

“Awakening” draws on very specific details in the lyrics and that makes it stand out instantly. Foreman sings, “Face down with the LA curbside endings; With the ones and zeros; Downtown was the perfect place to hide; The first star that I saw last night was a headlight of a man-made sky.” Those are some of the most beautiful lines on the record and gives listeners more than what you usually hear on a rock tune. // 9

Impression: Oh! Gravity is one of the best releases from Switchfoot in an already impressive career. The 6th album is diverse in the styles it covers, and surprisingly, the band is able to conquer each of those styles effectively. The strongest songs, among them “Dirty Second Hands” and “Circles,” are not only melodically catchy, but they also explore a lot of interesting sounds and effects along the way.

While Switchfoot has been made fun of for its rather benign music, it should still be given respect this time around. It doesn’t try to play heavy metal on Oh! Gravity, and that’s not a bad thing for this band. What Switchfoot might lack in aggression it more than makes up for in memorable and melodic songs. // 9

overall: 10

Reviewed by: RachelRC, on january 08, 2007

Sound: I've always loved Switchfoot, great band, great guys. There's really nothing more to it. None of their songs sound the same, you can listen to an entire album and get a mix of everything and that's what I love about them; they never make the same album twice like other bands these days. This is a follow up to their CD "Nothing Is Sound" which came out in September of 2005, eager to get new stuff out, they recorded this just this past summer. You'll see in songs like "Dirty Second Hands" the many styles of music that Switchfoot is able to do. "DSH" is a very different song for them and it sounds amazing. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: Jon Foreman is one of my favorite lyric writers. Not only does he write about what's going on his life but he makes it completely relateable. Songs like "4:12" and "Awakening" are very motivating and easy to understand, not to mention, very catchy tunes. I like that Jon can write about God, his marriage, issues going on around him, and his own feelings of doubt and discontentment. The lyrics are one of the best things about Switchfoot, they never have a dull song, their lyrics are always amazing. Jon's not the best singer ever but he does a very good job still, his voice is very distinctive and I like that. On some tracks he shouts and on others he's really soft but you can really get the emotion from the song from the way he sings. // 10

Impression: This is one of the best albums out there today. Not many artists can do what Switchfoot does, make a different record each time that still sounds like Switchfoot. There are so many bands that repeat their breakthrough album (i.e. FOB, Hawthorne Heights, TBS, etc.) but this is their 6th album and it sounds completely fresh, stuff I've never heard before from anyone. I love that I can relate to every song on this album, it makes music that much more interesting when you can relate to every track. The only thing I hate about this album is that it ends! // 10

overall: 10

Reviewed by: Switchfoot555, on july 04, 2007

Sound: Ever since Switchfoots fist CD came out in 1997 I've loved their sound and style.I was only 3 yrs. old then, but I knew what I liked. Their unique sound to the music and noises in the back round and even Jons voice is what got them this far. A lot of bands don't get far because they sound the same, but he bands that do are different and that's what I like about Switchfoot. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics are cool in this CD because it's like "how'ed they think of this?" Like at the beginning of "Oh! Gravity" he sings "There's a fracture in the color bar, in the back seat of the parked car." I like "Amateur Lovers" because in this world we are amateur lovers until get saved. "Let Your Love Be Strong" is a nice song and how he says "Let your love be strong I don't care what goes down". // 10

Impression: In overall this album is a 10. The songs are great and for you readers it wasn't rushed through. In one interveiw Tim said the had twenty songs to chose from and that's proved in one of the podcasts. Oh! Gravity is in MLB '07 The Show, but they take out the part where he says lycor. I've found tons of unreleased songs on Ares. // 10

overall: 9.7

Reviewed by: aquaknight3, on january 08, 2007

Sound: Before I got this, I heard samples of most of the songs and I had heard a few in concerts and I thought that the sound of their new stuff was pretty weird. But I kept listening and it got better and better and now that I have the album, I can't stop listening to it. It came out a few days ago and I've already tabbed the album. It's great, but I still think that their other stuff is a little better. But there was some "copying" of previous stuff. (example) my favorite song on here, "Awakening" (no. 4), sounds a lot like "Golden" on the earlier record "Nothing Is Sound." But it's Switchfoot, how can't I like it? // 9

Lyrics and Singing: This is my favorite part of the album. The lyrics are amazing, my favorites are definitely "Faust, Midas, And Myself" (no. 7), and "Yesterdays" (no. 9) because they tell stories. When you break them down and read them without music and rhythm, it's amazing how Jon can pack things like that into songs. I've always enjoyed reading Jon's lyrics, he's very talented. And his voice is like no other, that's another thing that I love about Switchfoot. If you don't like his voice then you can't like Switchfoot. // 10

Impression: This is definitely one to buy. If you thought like me at first, this is your chance to really know this album. It's out for sale now; I've seen it at every store I've been to since Dec. 26. You won't regret it, at least I didn't. Get it now though, you can get a bonus download while it's still new! I think you can get a download of an acoustic version of no. 2, "American Dream." And the usual statement: yes, I would buy it again if I lost it. Well, that's it! Enjoy. // 10

overall: 9.3

Reviewed by: sg4ever, on february 12, 2007

Sound: Well, Switchfoot's sound on Oh! Gravity is different then anything they've ever done before. To me it's an improvement over their last album Nothing Is Sound while keeping the familiarity of their older albums. It's chock full of skillful arrangement and songwriting. The styles of the songs are diverse and range from punchy rockers like "American Dream", bluesy acoustic to full band chaos contrasts in "Dirty Second Hands", pop-edged rock anthems like "Awakening and Burnout Bright", earnest tracks like "Circles" and "Faust, Midas, and Myself", the truely alternative for lack of better words song Amateur Lovers with a hint of 60s flair, the not to be forgotten "Oh! Gravity", and the excellent acoustic track "Let Your Love be Strong". However, the tracks Yesterday and 4:12 are kind of dry, repetitive, and sleepy. They also seam to be weak in melody arrangements. Aside from those lacking yet listenable songs, this is a solid album with good songs you can listen to repeatedly. // 9

Lyrics and Singing: Switchfoot are Christians on a major label. They have written lyrics that have undoubtedly shown they're beliefs, but Oh! Gravity lacks the christian messages they once had much like Nothing is Sound does. There are songs that have lyrics doubtlessly about God like "Head over Heels(in This Life)" and "Let Your Love be Strong", but most of the songs point more towards issues in life and of happiness. The lyrics do go well with their respective songs and the pairing of lyrics with the music make the emotional effect of the songs much greater. Last but not least, Jon Foreman is a skilled singer that delivers the lyrics well. His voice is not as full as it was in The Beautiful Letdown, but it is still good. He seems to be opting for a more relaxed, yet sill earnest approach. Overall good lyrics and singing, but could have used more christian messages, but that's my preference. // 9

Impression: My overall impression of this album is a good one. It's not as good as The Beautiful Letdown, but it is very good nonetheless. It's about as a good as Learning to Breathe in that it's a stepping stone for Switchfoot in terms of direction. Learning to Breathe was a more complex work than they had previously done before at that time and paved the way for the excellent The Beautiful Letdown. Oh! Gravity has much of that same feel to it and it's a good direction from Nothing is Sound. Most all of the songs on the album except for the two mentioned are really good songs that showcase their skill in diversity and the quality thereof. I would probably by the CD again if I lost it or if it was stolen. // 10

overall: 8.3

Reviewed by: Gerard Way Jr, on may 01, 2008

Sound: Oooooooh! Gravity. When first this album came out, I had just bought The Beautiful Letdown (2003) and Nothing is Sound (2005) and, after hearing the title track for Oh! Gravity (2006) I was somewhat doubtful that the band had created another masterpiece. It seems that I was wrong. This grunge-christian group sure threw me for a loop with Gravity. It sounded incredible, althought the title track, the first one you hear, will really throw you off, it gets better by "American Dream" and "Dirty Second Hands." After that, it's all uphill, lead singer and guitarist Jon Foreman usual grunge/rock/acoustic talent, and "American Dream" is a styled trip back in time, acquiring an old-school rock 'n' roll sound. Other tracks like "Head Over Heels (In This Life)" adapt their 5-year-old head banging rock style. Incredible. // 8

Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics are very well-written and inspiring. 'American Dream' shakes it's fist at the machine, screaming with their old-school rock sound, "This ain't my American dream! I wanna live and die for bigger things!" "Head Over Heels (In This Life)" is a nice, "Stars" - esque thriller, which thanks a friend/girl (or God) for their ammendments applied to his life. "Let Your Love Be Strong," the exit track, is a nice break from the rest; an acoustic pleasure, same can be said for "Yesterday" a mournful, but nice track. Jon's voice is great throughout the entire album (As well as the other voices.) // 9

Impression: Compared to the previous two albums, this ain't all that bad. I still prefer Nothing is Sound, but Gravity is really, really, really close. If only it weren't for that first track. The best songs on the album are probably "Head Over Heels (In This Life)," "Burn Out Bright," "Let Your Love Be Strong," and "Yesterday." Honestly, I love almost everything about this album. "Oh! Gravity" is probably my only complaint. I find it a bit rushed and rather, to put it shortly, lame. If this were stolen/lost/burnt/blown up, etc, I would buy it again in a second. Of course, I do have an iPod, so. // 8

overall: 8.7

Reviewed by: Learn_to_fly, on january 09, 2007

Sound: While Switchfoot's previous album was written all on the road, this album was written at home, where they could relax, surf, and take time out to think without the pressures of being touring. This shows heavily on their latest acclomplishment, which, in my honest opinion, is their best record to date. The sound on this album is experimental, as opposed to the one sound they used on Nothing Is Sound to create a depressing atmosphere. This time around, the boys play around with sounds more, so that although it sounds like Switchfoot, you don't get that feeling that all the songs on the record sound the same. From the punchy "Oh! Gravity", to slow songs like "Yesterdays" and "Let Your Love Be Strong", to the anthemic choruses of "Awakening" and "Circles", and even the rhythm deprived "Amatuer Lovers", Switchfoot show-case their abilities to write catchy songs that stray JUST far enough from mainstream sound to be distinguishible. // 9

Lyrics and Singing: This time around, the lyrics seem to take a hit. Where the Jon's consistant writing used to be are just the same messages that keep getting bashed and bashed into the listeners head until you feel that materialism is the only thing he sings about. These songs are not by any means sub-par; they are redeemed by the actual lyrical talent of Jon Foreman and his ability to pen songs that make you think. However, songs like "Yesterdays", "Faust, Midas, And Myself", and "Awakening" don't carry on this trend, making them stand out. Also, they seem to be more 'christian' this time around, with the lyrics in songs like "Let Your Love Be Strong" and "Head Over Heels (In This Life)" obviously talking about God; this will please those who thought the lyrical content of 'Nothing Is Sound' didn't have enough of their christian side in it. // 8

Impression: After the dissapointment that was 'Nothing Is Sound', Switchfoot hit the mark, for thier 2nd great album. Where their previous album seemed unsure and scattered, this one ties in all the different sounds with ease, without seeming in-cohesive or incostistent. Instant favourites like "Dirty Second Hands" and "Awakening" are the highlights of this masterpiece. While songs lik "4:12" and "American Dream" feel like filler, they are by no mean unlistenable; but the standards do drop a little bit. Asides from that, this is both lyrically and musically impressive, taking their sounds in new directions. Good directions. // 9

overall: 9.3

Reviewed by: parkerguitars24, on january 08, 2007

Sound: Their sound hasn't really changed much since Nothing Is Sound. Still alternative rock with thoughtful melodies. They had some fun with the title track with some strange noises and some out-of-tune pianos. On "Dirty Second Hands" I think I hear a Dobro. So there is a little evolution on this record. // 9

Lyrics and Singing: Switchfoot has always made you think about their lyrics and this album is the best yet. Unless you really think about not a single song will make sense to you. After some thought it still might not but that's why it's interesting! Jon and Tim always write the lyrics and they always find a way to go into a deeper form of thought. // 10

Impression: This album can without a doubt be compared to Nothing is Sound. The most impressive tracks are Oh! Gravity, American Dream, Dirty Second Hands and Burn Out Bright. The best part of this album is the thoughful songwriting. The bad thing is the abundance of softer songs, but I still like the soft ones. If this was lost or stolen I would buy it again. // 9

Comments

[papersun87]

Not a single reviewer mentioned "Amatuer Lovers"?

[Nvrxcominxhome]

switchfoot needs to chill there spotlight is over they make a new album like every year and i think they need to take a break for a little while and put more effort in to making a better record

[BassNewbie]

Some people from nickel creek played on this alumb
yay for nickel creek!

[bblacksheepp]

great luck to switchfoot.
but yeah, they should take a break.

[I-Z]

"Awakening" is one of the best songs on this CD and should be the next single

[eddiethedino]

switchfoot...cool guys real, real, real cool.

[Learn_to_fly]

this album is by far their best, even better than learning to breathe. good stuff guys, way to redeem urselves after a sub-par 'nothing is sound'.

[777lucky777]

For the people who say Switchfoot suck, they don't. You just don't like them. As far as taking a break, this isn't an album they rushed into. I took them a good year to make all these songs. And as far as spotlight, they've never been considered about that, they just make the music they love to make.

[Learn_to_fly]

777lucky777 wrote:

For the people who say Switchfoot suck, they don't. You just don't like them. As far as taking a break, this isn't an album they rushed into. I took them a good year to make all these songs. And as far as spotlight, they've never been considered about that, they just make the music they love to make.

amen

[xcrunner1]

Mini-review:

mellow tunes- faust, head over heels, yesterdays, let your love be strong 9/10

80's/blues tunes- american dream, amatuer lovers, 4:12, burn out bright 8.5/10

Indie tunes- dirty second hands, circles 9.5/10

pop-rockish tunes- oh! gravity, awakening 9/10

Overall Score 9/10

[limitbreak321]

switchfoot has always been a great band...ive liked all of their albums..even the ones before The Beautiful Letdown...and this is just one more to add on to an extensive collection

also...switchfoot didnt just make this album up quickly...they took the time in their studio while not touring to make the album unlike Nothing Is Sound which was recorded while they were on the road...its true go look it up

so for those of you who say switchfoot suck...they dont...they always have lyrics everyone can relate to

[eddiethedino]

how and y

[chickenfire315]

I dont think switchfoot sucks, but the last few of their cds i havent liked as much as their very first two... i like classic rock and those albums were rougher, and showed more guitar skill i think. Good luck to them though.

[I-Z]

this CD ROCKS its the best

[thrashing4god]

Switchfoot is a really good band. All of their cd's have been good. Their best though is Learning to Breathe by far. Chad said once "We named our band switchfoot because in surfing in means to go oposite of your regular stance, so we wanted to be a band that was different and flowing different than everyone else." This was true in the beginning albums, but then Switchfoot started being like every other band out there. They just need to chill for a little while, and get back to their roots.

[jonboytang]

Switchfoot is so awesome, im going to see them in a week, but i was thinking they spend less then a year making this new CD think about all the time they also tour and stuff... crazy! but amazing! The one thing i'd like to see them do is make a more rock album, i really like the meant to live style.

[SymereusISBack]

Order of Switchfoot Albums 1 being the best

1: Learning to Breathe
2: Beautiful Letdown
3: Oh! Gravity
4: Legend of Chin
5: Nothing is Sound
6: New Way To Be Human

[glugger]

circles is the best song on the album

[stradivari310]

they're making a new album for '08

[Coasternerd]

Jon is making some new solo albums coming up and I think they are gonna be titled after the four seasons. Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring so keep an eye or ear out for those.

[burnaftermore]

this is an amazing CD! definitely worth ten bucks

[C1osur3]

SymereusISBack wrote:

Order of Switchfoot Albums 1 being the best

1: Learning to Breathe
2: Beautiful Letdown
3: Oh! Gravity
4: Legend of Chin
5: Nothing is Sound
6: New Way To Be Human

I personally would have put "New Way To Be Human a little higher on that list. =)

[Gerard Way Jr]

I-Z wrote:

"Awakening" is one of the best songs on this CD and should be the next single

Umm...it is...