Vice Verses [CD]

Having listened to this album many, many times since its release I can safely say this album is as good as "Hello Hurricane" of not better. It still sounds like Switchfoot, but the musicianship is better, the creativity is better and Jon Foreman's singing has never sounded as good.

Overdriven guitars open the album with "Afterlife"; a song that yearns for life beyond this earth. This goes into "The Original", a classic sounding Switchfoot song reminding us that we are all unique. "The War Inside" lyrically is very similar to "Mess of me"; describing the internal fights that Christian's face with their sinful nature.

"Restless" is almost worshipful in its cry for "the infinite", this theme is continued with "Blinding Light". "Selling the news" is perhaps a bit different to the rest of the album, but is similar to "Easier than love" in its criticism of the media.

"Thrive" slows it down a bit, and its call of "I want to thrive not just survive" is one we can all relate to. "Dark Horses" opens with some fantastic electric guitar, and is definitely one of the best Switchfoot songs ever, with an absolutely fantastic chorus! "Souvenirs" is a song about reminiscing about times that have passed. "Rise above it" is similar to "The Sound" in that it's searching for something beyond that which is around us, with a fantastic bridge; "With our arms raised high, Hear us sing tonight, Like the last night on earth"

"Vice Verses", the album's namesake is a song about that ancient question of "where is God in suffering", and although quieter than the rest of the album, it is by no means any less meaningful.

The album finishes with "Where I belong". Which originally I thought was fairly average, but having since heard them play it live, saying that when they do finally finish, they want it to be their last song, I have a newfound admiration for the song and it's brilliant lyrics. It is most definitely the best song on the album!

In summary, if you liked "Hello Hurricane" you'll definitely want to get this; also, if you can, go see them on their "Vice Verses" tour; absolutely brilliant.

With every album Switchfoot release, they just keep getting better and better. Vice Verses is a mix of lyrical genius and flat out rock with the perfect balance of hard and soft, highs and lows, and Vice and Verses. Long time fans will love it as there's a clear progression of their musical and lyrical style, and first time listeners will hear Switchfoot at their very best. 10/10, highly recommended!

Got the album today - EVERY song is an anthem! It's a work of musical genius, and this album deserves all the success I hope it gets. Buy it - you won't be disappointed if you're a Fan of the Foot!

From the air guitar inducing Afterlife through to the might of Dark Horses and the stadium sing-along of Restless, this album delivers ear throbbing awesomeness on every track.

Thank you Switchfoot for producing the soundtrack of my life for months to come!