San Diego-based rock band Switchfoot, most notably known for their hits “Meant to Live” and “Dare You to Move,” have outdone their previous albums again. Their newest issue is called Vice Verses, and it has been referred to as their most personal and explorative album yet. I love the album, and I agree it might be better than Hello Hurricane, their last album.
Released on September 27, Vice Verses was preceded by the lead single “Dark Horses” in July and August. ESPN also used the band’s songs for the Florida State-Oklahoma college football game earlier this season. It’s basically the song of the underdog and never being counted out.
Switchfoot’s lead singer Jon Foreman has come out and said that the album was based off a line in the song “Vice Verses” that “every blessing comes with a set of curses.” This led to a very picky and specific setlist that was formed in the years following 2007’s Oh! Gravity.
The previous album Hello Hurricane had over 80 tracks recorded and mastered for potential inclusion in the album. In the weeks and months leading up to its 2009 release, many of the songs rejected for Hello Hurricane were being designated as better for Vice Verses, so named after the April 2009 premiere of the title track at a concert. Many believed that the new album would come out less than a year after its predecessor, but as the months went by, the release date was pushed further and further back. More songs were played at concerts, and the group slowly decided to become more creative and focused.
Vice Verses is a return to the album that tells a theme and story, focusing on a particular idea. While the album itself can vary in tempo and pace, the drums definitely do drive the album. It wasn’t as widely reviewed as previous Switchfoot albums, the reviews were all positive.
Once again, the lyrics were all penned by Jon Foreman, with his brother Tim accompanying in composing. The band worked with Neal Avron, a producer who worked with Yellowcard and New Found Glory.
The songs definitely seem to look at much deeper material. “Vice Verses” has the line “Where is the God in the genocide?” It just demonstrates the material that Switchfoot continues to address in their music. In “Selling the News,” Switchfoot tries a new style of music similar to beat poetry. I hated this song.
In essence, I love “Dark Horses”, “Blinding Light”, and “Restless.” I really only don’t like “Selling the News.” The album moves well and transitions well between songs. I’m really excited for their new music, and I’m very happy I bought the deluxe edition, for it comes with a live version of Hello Hurricane. When listened to, it was the recording of the Atlanta date for the “Hello Hurricane” tour. I went to that show!
Explore Switchfoots's 'Vices'
