2008 Woodie Awards
Switfoot's Fall & Winter: Great Any Time of the Year
Caroline Schneider
Issue date: 2/28/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment
Even if you aren't familiar with Switchfoot, a Christiancrossover band that debuted in the mid-90s, there's probably a good chance you've heard a few of their songs in 2002's A Walk to Remember starring Mandy Moore. In fact, the band's frontman Jon Foreman sang a duet with Moore on the soundtrack entitled "Someday We'll Know."
A large portion of that film's soundtrack featured songs written by Foreman, a musician known for his versatility as well as for his thought-provoking lyrics.
While the band brought Foreman recognition and fame, it is his debut dual disc solo album that showcases his signature vocals and bare acoustic sound.
He cites his influences as an eclectic mix ranging from U2, The Police, The Beatles, and James Taylor, to J.S. Bach, Ronny Jordan, Miles Davis, Keith Green, and Nirvana.
From Fall and Winter, we gain glimpses into Foreman's ideas on love, loss, and faith.
His lyrical prowess intrigues and satisfies, yet it never stoops to preaching or universality.
"Somebody's Baby" tells the story of a girl easily forgotten. By bringing attention to the tragedy of homelessness, Foreman makes us think without telling us what to think - simultaneously inspiring change and social awareness.
"My Love Goes Free" is a love song about letting go, in the hopes that love will come back.
"Southbound Train" describes a journey not just back home, but around a relationship between two people.
"I Am Still Running" describes a childhood love story, one before the horrors of war ruined a young man's life; the only place he feels safe is inside her embrace.
While some might dismiss Fall & Winter as an demo disc, I would encourage you to give this album a try. Every song speaks to me in a novel way each time I listen to it. Jon Foreman's music is unforgettable, poignant, and a calming way to deal with the tumult of everyday life.
This solo project is now available in stores, as well as on iTunes.
A large portion of that film's soundtrack featured songs written by Foreman, a musician known for his versatility as well as for his thought-provoking lyrics.
While the band brought Foreman recognition and fame, it is his debut dual disc solo album that showcases his signature vocals and bare acoustic sound.
He cites his influences as an eclectic mix ranging from U2, The Police, The Beatles, and James Taylor, to J.S. Bach, Ronny Jordan, Miles Davis, Keith Green, and Nirvana.
From Fall and Winter, we gain glimpses into Foreman's ideas on love, loss, and faith.
His lyrical prowess intrigues and satisfies, yet it never stoops to preaching or universality.
"Somebody's Baby" tells the story of a girl easily forgotten. By bringing attention to the tragedy of homelessness, Foreman makes us think without telling us what to think - simultaneously inspiring change and social awareness.
"My Love Goes Free" is a love song about letting go, in the hopes that love will come back.
"Southbound Train" describes a journey not just back home, but around a relationship between two people.
"I Am Still Running" describes a childhood love story, one before the horrors of war ruined a young man's life; the only place he feels safe is inside her embrace.
While some might dismiss Fall & Winter as an demo disc, I would encourage you to give this album a try. Every song speaks to me in a novel way each time I listen to it. Jon Foreman's music is unforgettable, poignant, and a calming way to deal with the tumult of everyday life.
This solo project is now available in stores, as well as on iTunes.
Be the first to comment on this story