Switchfoot - The Beautiful Letdown

Thursday 1st May 2003
Switchfoot - The Beautiful Letdown
Switchfoot - The Beautiful Letdown

STYLE: Rock
RATING 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 7058-6837
LABEL: Sparrow SPD51976
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RELEASE DATE: 2003-03-22
RRP: £12.99

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The band’s progression from the naïve trio of Californian beach bums who charmed us with their ‘The Legend Of Chin’ debut in 1997 to this band whose melodic-yet-gutsy sounds overflow with radio friendly hooks that America is at the brink of promoting them to become mainstream hitmakers is breathtaking. Anyone who was afraid their appearance in the A Walk To Remember movie was a signal they were softening up will be relieved by ‘The Beautiful Letdown’. If anything, their sound is harder and punchier than ever with award winning producer John Fields bringing out layers of rock’n’roll edge while lead singer John Foreman’s tones have never sounded more emotively keening. Stacks of highlights here – listen to Foreman’s take on the TS Elliot poem The Hollow Man, “Meant To Live”; the infectious “More Than Fine” which the band ironically describe “punk song disguised as pop”; or the breathtaking title track. All in all, a truly brilliant album.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Sample Track Listing:
1. Meant To Live [Listen]
2. This Is Your Life [Listen]
5. Dare You To Move [Listen]
8. Gone [Listen]
9. On Fire [Listen]

This track data is supplied by the Cross Rhythms CD/DVD review library. Please note that CD tracks may vary according to release region or product version.

Reader Comments

Posted by Don in state of Delaware @ 22:15 on Sep 23 2010

I'll be the first to say that, this is typically not my type of ccm to listen to. There was something about the song "Meant to Live" that connected; great rockin' tune. It was heard both on ccm and secular airwaves. I had also seen the video for the song on pop and gospel tv stations. It wasn't long after that the song "Dare You to Move" was heard; I had also seen both versions of the video. another connection was made! This group belts out ccm rock beyond Petra dayz; listen to the vocals of Jon Foreman, awesome and powerful!! This is a noteworthy cd; a great addition to a ccm library. GOD Bless! -Don



Posted by Gemma in Port Talbot, South Wales @ 17:21 on Nov 30 2005

I've recently bought "The Beautiful Letdown" and I have to say, It's such an awesome album!!! I can't believe that Switchfoot are having such a hard time craking the UK as everyone I've played the album to, born again or not, as loved it! the songs on this album combine to together to make this album great. Jon really has an awesome talent with writing catchy, deep and spiritual songs which can help christians understand their faith more, and create great listening songs for non christians.



The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

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