Switchfoot fly out the door, swinging from the first bouncy note of their sophomore LP, New Way to Be Human, proclaiming that having a relationship with Christ is "the only way to be human." Bothers Jon and Tim Foreman on... more » guitar and bass, respectively, are rounded out by Chad Butler on drums, and the multilayered harmonies of these young fellows stir it up like Rembrandts on crusade. Not surprisingly, the band's sincere message coupled with samples, pop whimsy, and clean hummability have already landed them soundtrack tunes on the television shows Dawson's Creek and Party of Five. At the record's center, the acoustic "Let That Be Enough," written and recorded on the eve of Jon's 22nd birthday, eloquently captures the wonder, fear, and hunger for wholeness that all folks coming of age experience. This track is a prayer, which ultimately conveys the essence of New Way to Be Human: in the singer's words, "that Christ's love" will be enough to see him through the threshold of manhood. --Paige La Grone« less
Switchfoot fly out the door, swinging from the first bouncy note of their sophomore LP, New Way to Be Human, proclaiming that having a relationship with Christ is "the only way to be human." Bothers Jon and Tim Foreman on guitar and bass, respectively, are rounded out by Chad Butler on drums, and the multilayered harmonies of these young fellows stir it up like Rembrandts on crusade. Not surprisingly, the band's sincere message coupled with samples, pop whimsy, and clean hummability have already landed them soundtrack tunes on the television shows Dawson's Creek and Party of Five. At the record's center, the acoustic "Let That Be Enough," written and recorded on the eve of Jon's 22nd birthday, eloquently captures the wonder, fear, and hunger for wholeness that all folks coming of age experience. This track is a prayer, which ultimately conveys the essence of New Way to Be Human: in the singer's words, "that Christ's love" will be enough to see him through the threshold of manhood. --Paige La Grone
Justin G. (Wiseman) from NUNNELLY, TN Reviewed on 4/11/2007...
good light rock album
Candice J. (pibblegrl) from MERIDEN, CT Reviewed on 9/7/2006...
Still wrapped in plastic.
CD Reviews
This CD is AWESOME
03/30/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Who is the best-known alternative Christian band? Good question, I'd probably say DC Talk or Jars of Clay. Who is the best Christian band? Even better question, and I would have to vote for Switchfoot.Switchfoot's first CD, "The Legend of Chin," is hard to beat. Surprisingly deep lyrics and a very mature sound made it an impressive debut. Their sophomore effort, "New Way to Be Human," definitely kept up the momentum. Holding on to some of the style that made their first album great, Switchfoot adds a good deal of variety with this new album, showing that they can still write the solemn tear-jerkers like "Don't Be There" (from the first CD), with songs like "Let That Be Enough." They also show how they can still jam with tunes like "Company Car" and "Something More (Augustine's Confession)."Bottom line - this is an awesome CD. Anyone should enjoy this music, not just Christian alternative fans."
Christian music with a totally modern sound
Brian Lehman | Philly suburbs | 06/28/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Switchfoot is clearly one of the best Christian bands out there, and even one of the best bands overall. The sound of this band is so modern, catchy, and pleasing that you can listen to this CD over and over! Both this CD and the latest album, Learning to Breathe, are excellent works and I would recommend both of them. The first CD, Legend of Chin, has a bit of a different sound (more pop than rock) but it is still a good album. Switchfoot's lyrics are also excellent. They are very well-written and totally Christ-focused, but in a way that is more thought-provoking that preachy. Jon Foreman is an incredible vocalist as well as an incredible guitarist, and his brother Tim is a great backup as the band's bassist. Chad Butler is also a great drummer. Go and buy this CD and Learning to Breathe, because they are truly two of the best Christian CD's made in recent history! No filler, all completely good songs!!"
This Band Deserves Ten Stars!!!!!
roodie7 | 10/25/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"By far my favorite band EVER!!!! This cd explodes with energy, talent, and most importantly, awesome messages about God! Its hard to get that mix but these guys are an awesome example of it. I saw them in concert yesterday and they are even better live if you can believe it! If you are looking for an awesome sound combined with good God messages this cd is it! Their first cd is awesome too so get that one too!"
Still the best...
Spencer Case | Pocatello, Idaho | 08/02/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Three great albums later, Switchfoot has yet to eclipse their Sophomore release "New Way to be Human." This is the album that first started raising eyebrows in the music world and rightfully so.
The CD kicks off with "New Way to be Human" a very solid, though explicity Christian, rock tune. If the Christian thing is a turnoff to you, fear not--I am an athiest myself and I think Switchfoot's handling of Christian messages is tasteful, thoughful, and not at all preachy. This is a big contrast to overbearing Christian bands like "DC Talk."
The album continues without lag from beginning to end in such a way that it is hard to distinguish the highlights. The entire album is the highlight! Don't worry about skipping through the album or downloading the wrong songs on ITunes. Just sit back and let it work.
Apart from being the best Switchfoot album, "New..." is probably the most diverse. Track 4 "Company Car," a mockery of material superficiality, comes close to being ska. The next song, "Let that be enough" is one of the rock balad heard on "A Walk to Remember." A few tracks later, they really get experimental in "Amy's Song."
If you get one Switchfoot album, make this the one."
PROFOUND!
Spencer Case | 09/13/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've haven't met anyone who didn't like Switchfoot! Chances are you'll love them too! This album is so deep, when you want to listen to the lyrics. Yet, it is so uplifting and upbeat when you've had a hard day and need a little "lift-me-up." They are the coolest band around! Those of you who think that christian music isn't cool...you haven't heard Switchfoot. They are totally ahead of their time! Enjoy this cd!"