No one ever takes Switchfoot seriously. And no wonder: Their latest release is just further proof that enthusiastic yowls and yelps from a blonde-haired Californian can sell records faster than any label head ever dream. Yet even their hit songs have an underlying intelligence and (watch out secular radio) spiritual fervor. The themes are always about making the most of your time on earth, crawling before you walk (or just being content with crawling).

Of course, there is still a lot of yelping. Frontman Foreman just can't help himself on songs like "Burn Out Bright," which seems like an imitation of former glories. And while the promising "Dirty Second Hands" single hinted at an early-period Rolling Stones revival musically, these are all mostly alterna-anthems for suburbia. "Awakening" is the best toe tapper here, escalating into a palatable Nirvana state, but its still just a bunch of crazy guitars and scorching vocals from a cool white dude.

Yet, Switchfoot is an interesting anomaly. The band members write literary exurban odes that wink wink at you about fleeting stardom. They know, for example, that driving a Lexus has a certain appeal (on "American Dream") and sure, the camera is pointed in their direction, and its owned and operated by MTV. But every great gift on this earth pales in comparison to eternal bliss. They're saying, go ahead and smell the roses, but remember who made them and don't get too distracted. Oh! Gravity. gets better with each listen because you start to hear truth among the posing.

The only gripe with the band is that they keep hinting at the answer, and even sort of call you over to the cross and say "God's right over here," but never really play their hand. They're the best band in Christian music who could be atheists, and often pass too easily for Foo Fighters light. It might be easy for some people to choose any door (Scientology? Buddhism?) on the road out of the city of negativity. -John Brandon

Labels: album reviews.