Switchfoot returns from their hiatus with a 11th studio album, Native Tongue. Overall, I think this is album with plenty of musical variety and some interesting experimentation. Despite the variety, carefully crafted lyrical themes tie Native Tongue together as a memorable whole and make this one of my favorite Switchfoot albums. Please see below for my track by track review.

Let It Happen – I’ve always felt that having the right opening track for an album helps to lock that album as a whole in your memory. Opening tracks may seem unimportant today in a world of digital streaming music where the sequence of the songs is likely lost on many listeners. However, in my mind, opening tracks help define the tone of the album and I like to believe that the artist has put considerable thought in crafting their specific vision of an album that can be appreciated as a whole. With Let It Happen, Switchfoot sets the perfect tone for a band coming back from hiatus – a little older, a little wiser and with a message to share. The song opens with a dream like sound which is abruptly interrupted with the sound of pulsing drum and guitars. The song repeats the pattern of periods of quiet dreamlike reflection always interrupted by the pulsing chorus. The whole song is very reminiscent of how the peaceful calm of the morning is interrupted by an alarm pushing you to start your day. And that seems to be the message of the Let It Happen, wake up, seize the moment, celebrate each day you are given because you are not promised a tomorrow. Definitely an inspired sound and message to kick-off Native Tongue. Native Tongue – As a title track, Native Tongue did not click with me the first few times I heard it online prior to the album’s release. Now I know why. Those first few listens were through the speaker of my phone. This is a song that can not be fully appreciated through a tiny speaker. Switchfoot drummer, Chad Butler shines on this percussion heavy track. Tight drum fills abound. Such a fun song to crank up in the car to feel those drums pound. All I Need – I’m not sure if I’m missing a deeper meaning, but All I Need seems like a basic love song. The theme is reminiscent of If The House Burns Down Tonight from Where the Light Shines Through in that material wants/needs are insignificant compared to the love you share with your partner. Not one of my favorite songs on the album, but I think it could play great in concerts with audience participation. Voices – Switchfoot are no strangers dark and angsty tunes. Just listen to their 2005 album, Nothing Is Sound to see what I mean. Coming of age in the grunge era, where most of the popular music wasn’t of the “feel-good” variety, I have a special place in my heart for these heavier songs. I have written an quite a bit about my interpretation of Voices. I’ll just say that I’m glad the band doesn’t shy away from putting the edgier songs on their albums. They are the perfect complement to an album that is largely filled with positive uplifting tracks and a perfect reminder that The Shadow Proves the Sunshine. Dig New Streams – This is probably the most unconventional song on the album in terms of style and composition. Dig New Streams kind of reminds me of a very compact version of the medley on side two of The Beatles Abbey Road. The song is a medley unto itself. I’m actually not sure what the message of the song is, so I’m going to have to dig into the lyrics a bit more to come away with an interpretation. The song has a definite groove that makes it a fun listen. Joy Invincible – Every few albums, Switchfoot includes a song that would be just as at home in a praise and worship service as on an alt-rock album. On Native Tongue, Joy Invincible is that song. It is a positive and uplifting song on finding joy in the face of adversity. Prodigal Soul – This is one of the most powerful songs on the album and one that any person of faith can relate to in some way. The conviction you hear in Jon Foreman’s vocals on Prodigal Soul is incredible. This is truly a standout track and one of my favorites on Native Tongue. The Hardest Art-One of the most experimental songs on the album, The Hardest Art sounds like a song destined to be remixed. This song has a real club music vibe, which is not really my thing. It is interesting to see the band stretching themselves creatively to try different types of music, but I don’t think this is ever going to be one of my favorite tracks on the album. Wonderful Feeling – This is a slow, melodic song about finally finding joy and contentment in life. I don’t think it is a bad song at all, but it really doesn’t stand out to me. Take My Fire – This is the most in-your-face rock song on Native Tongue. The unique style of the vocal delivery reminds me of the band Cage the Elephant. I’ve never really heard anything like this from Switchfoot, but I like it. The Strength to Let Go – If Prodigal Soul is a person realizing they have strayed and lamenting their choices, then The Strength to Let Go represents the next step in putting their life back on the right path. In my mind, the songs are tightly intertwined thematically. I think Prodigal Soul is the stronger of the two songs, but I love the throughline that the band has weaved into the tracks on this album. Oxygen– The chorus from Oxygen has been in my head all week. This is an incredible song on so many levels. What stands out to me is how perfectly the lyrics of the chorus come together to describe a physiological response to what is nothing less than a life changing event. There is a lot more I want to say about this song and why I think it is a masterpiece. We’re Gonna Be Alright – I’m not entirely sure I know what “world music” is, but the first time I heard We’re Gonna Be Alright I thought “this sounds like world music”. Forgive me if I’m off the mark. It’s a cheerful, positive song with backing vocals from what sounds like a children’s choir. It’s the perfect song to help you take your mood elevator up a few levels…. a Don’t Worry, Be Happy for a new generation. You’re the One I Want – It dawned on me today that I rarely make it to this track because there are so many songs on the album that I love, I keep jumping back to the start every time I get in the car. I dedicated some time today to give the track another thorough listen. You’re the One I Want was a great choice to end the album. Its calming, peaceful simplicity almost plays like a lullaby putting the listener to bed after the wild ride that is Native Tongue.

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