The Fall and Winter EPs were absolutely phenomenal. Spring was good but probably my least favorite. Summer is outstanding, bringing the 4 EPs full circle, satisfying my ears, my soul and my spirit.
Spring starts out with a cute little number called "March (A Prelude to Spring)" which sounds nothing like any other song Jon or Switchfoot has ever put out. Then the familiar acoustic stuff comes with "Love Isn't Made" and "In My Arms", a couple of good, not great, songs.
The album climaxes with "Baptize My Mind" and the simple but beautiful "Your Love Is Strong" - a modern version of the Lord's Prayer. Finally, Jon does a different version of "Revenge" which was previously made available to people who purchased Switchfoot's Oh! Gravity.
Overall I would say this is the weakest of Foreman's solo efforts, but that still doesn't make it a bad album by any means.
Summer adds to Foreman's legend. It goes places musically that Foreman has not gone before, and makes some strong spiritual statements, even if we don't want to hear them.
"Resurrect Me" sounds musically like a cross between "Dirty Second Hands" and "Amateur Lovers" (from Switchfoot's Oh! Gravity.), while lyrically reminding me of "Burn Out Bright" with its "live strong now" message. It is by far the "hardest" of Foreman's songs on any of the EPs. Nice.
"Instead of a Show" smacks a lot of Christians in the face... questioning our worship and how genuine it is. Foreman challenges us to ACT on our faith. Beautiful but painful.
"House of God Forever" is a brilliant take on Psalm 23 (The Lord is my shepherd)... and a sweet duet. My favorite off the new one. "Again" has a slight oriental flavor to it, and ends off the EP, and the year, brilliantly.
I am so thankful that Jon Foreman was inspired to release these EPs, and will miss getting 6 new, solid songs every few months from (in my estimation) one of the most talented songwriters of our generation. Get Spring and Summer, and if you haven't already done so, Fall and Winter, too!