| Saturday, March 22, 2008 |
| Happy Easter, or... |
...if you don't celebrate easter, there's still something to get excited about today. For those of you who know your in-depth music history, you know that 9 years ago on this date (March 23rd), Switchfoot's 2nd baby was born. That's right, folks. Today is the birthday of New Way To Be Human! And what a great record it turned out to be...
Call me biased, but I have always felt that New Way is one of the 'foot's most solid, unified albums. Here are a few quotes about the disc:
They say that album number two is the most difficult album to make. This is probably because a band has all the time in the world to write material for their first album, and seemingly no time at all to write the second (because of endless touring). Although Jon has never left us with a shortage of songs, this was easily our most difficult recording experience to date. We set aside our entire summer to record, but due to other factors we were unable to begin recording until the fall. I (Tim) was already committed to taking a full 16 units at UCSD, so besides juggling classes and surf contests, I was flying out to Nashville every weekend for 3 months. Chad's wedding was also during this time, making him out of commission for 3 weeks. Beyond these pressures, more than ever before, we were feeling growing pains. The pressure of excellence, placed upon ourselves, to make an album that showed enormous growth as a band was like luggage that we carried with us at all times. As the main songwriter, Jon felt this pressure the most. Songs such as 'Let That Be Enough' and 'Only Hope' were written in direct response to the weight of Jon's new burden, and the song 'New Way To Be Human' was rewritten almost 50 times before he was satisfied. This album, like none before or after it, was a labor of love. Three months later, we were left with an album we were proud of, but even more importantly, a better understanding of who we were as a band." -Tim
From an article on the old, old switchfoot.com:
New Way to Be Human makes good on the debut's potential, assuring Switchfoot's status as one of the most exciting young bands around. Its 10 thought-provoking tunes take a refreshing approach to themes of yearning, human frailty and redemption. Songs like "New Way to Be Human" and "I Turn Everything Over" burst with enthusiasm, while "Only Hope" and "Under the Floor" develop the meditative aspect of the band's sound. Switchfoot's growth becomes evident not only in the spirited rhythm section of bassist Tim Foreman and drummer Chad Butler, but in the increased clarity of guitarist Jon Foreman's songwriting vision.
"Our first album basically consisted of songs I wrote in my room, for my room," says Jon, who's also the group's lead vocalist. But Jon notes that Switchfoot's experiences since that album's release have expanded his perspective, both personally and musically. "Now, we actually have a voice," he says. "We had to decide what we wanted to say. We tried to be much more focused with our songs for New Way to Be Human."
"The first time I went to the Foreman house, they had everything set up in one 10' x 12' bedroom," recalls producer Charlie Peacock, who signed the group to his indy re:think label after hearing a rough demo recorded in that room. "That was their reality. Since then, they've traveled all over the U.S. and Europe. They've seen there's a whole big world out there. The new music reflects that, and there's a new maturity to this album."
So as a way to celebrate, leave a comment with one of your favorite lyrics or musical moments from the album. (For example, I've always loved that great bouncy bass line at the beginning of I Turn Everything Over).
Let's hear it for sophomore efforts!
P.S. If you haven't heard or do not own New Way To Be Human, that's really a shame. I highly suggest you hop on over to Bandfarm and pick up a copy for only $5.99 - that's stinkin' cheap!
"Just as drowning cannot be equated with swimming, mere existence is not the same as abundant life. We have been offered a new way to live - a new way to be human." -JonLabels: album reviews. |
posted by gellie @ 9:50 PM  
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| 26 Comments: |
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New Way to Be Human is a great album, but I think my two favorites from it will always be Let That Be Enough and Only Hope. The former is so where I am in my life right now, and the latter is like a lullaby, a cry to the Creator for peace. When I am at my lowest or anxiety or stress-ridden, I just put on Only Hope, close my eyes and sing along and know that I'm going to be okay. Jon has said that God gave him that song (as I believe He gives him all of his songs), and no one could listen to those lyrics and doubt it.
When I feel like my dreams are so far, sing to me of the plans that You have for me over again...
Absolutely amazing. :)
As far as rocking out is concerned I love to crank up Incomplete. It grooves hard, but with a message.
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i gave it all away and i lost who i am, i threw it all away with everything to gain and i'm taking the leap with dreams of shrinking..... sooner or later (soren's song)
wow. i can't believe..... amazing.
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nice post!
"sooner or later", prolly my favorite SF song of all time, is from this album. so is "company car", another brilliant tune, easily one of SF's best.
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i'll come back later to comment about my favorite parts on this album, but great post! happy birthday nwtbh, and the quote at the end was perfect.
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Mike was right when he said I'd put up
A fight to be someone, a fight to be me
But see now, I'm down
Under the pavement
Of capital hills and lowercase people
-Company Car
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so the rumors are true...
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New Way to be Human is a refelection on that saying in itself. this Cd I believe is a reflection on the insights of a story that is being told. Jon wrote these songs to tell the story of his room quoting Tim in this blog.... I can't pin point a song lyric because I believe that this CD is absolutely amazing. Only hope I would say is my favorite song off of this Cd because of this lyric.
There is a song inside of my soul its the one that I have been trying to write over and over again... Will you sing to me over and over again.
The piano is amazing with the guitars opening riff and when it kicks in a little bit. I love the touch of the violin and a bass. Awsome song! Is that a flute I hear????????
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The first Switchfoot song I ever heard was Let That Be Enough. Aw, happy birthday, NWTBH. You're 9. Aw.
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Yes, Let That Be Enough has to be one of my favorite Switchfoot songs of all time. And that's a pretty big title. Love that CD. :) happy birthday!
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I love the whole cd, but if I had to choose I'd say Let that be Enough, just like others above, the lyrics are almost perfect. Only hope has that awesome piano and there's Something More (Augustine's Confession)! once again I love the lyrics :D
Jon's the best.
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Mmm, what a great album. I'm so thankful for all the hard work put into it.
I think my favorites are Sooner Or Later (Soren's Song), Only Hope, and Under The Floor. Probably because of their musical diversity from the rest of the album. Sooner Or Later is probably my favorite. It's such a humble song. And there's so many ways you could look at it. I love it.
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Let that be Enough really relates to me...
Everything I try to build up crumbles to the floor...
I am trying to figure out what I'm here for...
I try to look to my savior...
Use me Lord, I'm yours...
Those are some lyrics I wrote from listening to "Let that be Enough"
An amazing album as are all albums you guys have released. The Lord is truly with you guys in all you do.
If there is any chance you guys (Switchfoot) read these comments, I want to know if there is any way to contact you. I know you guys are busy with the Up in Arms tour, but if you read this I would like to talk to you guys about how you started and the obstacles you faced. Maybe you can contact my aim. (I apologize if I used this for the wrong reason)
New way to be human!
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NWTBH was my favorite album all the way up until O!G. It's the album that got me into Switchfoot and it contains the song that is still my favorite after all these years, Let That Be Enough. Keep rocking on, NWTBH!
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NWTBH was my favorite album all the way up until O!G. It's the album that got me into Switchfoot and it contains the song that is still my favorite after all these years, Let That Be Enough. Keep rocking on, NWTBH!
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New way to be human has to be their best album. And most underrated.
and i'm certain that He hears me, He listens even as i sing my song
i'm emphatic that He's near me, and i can feel His touch in everything here...
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It is amazing to me that this was only their second album. Love all of the songs, esp. The Economy of Mercy, and I was thrilled to hear Dame Julian of Norwich quoted in Living is Simple: All will be made well, will be made well, will be made well, will be well.
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Okay, wrong album... that just happened to be the one I was listening to at the time. Duh...
Sorry! Let That Be Enough is my fav on NWTBH! Still amazing and everything... (Should've been anonymous that time).
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"Come back and haunt me, follow me home,
Give me a motive swallow me whole..."
I'M BUT A MOCKERY I'M SO ALONE.
Oh God I believe please help me believe-
Dude Switchfoot, Switchfoot dudes. I seriously love you guys so so much. Even though I don't know you, you're like my adopted family. Fo'sho. I learn more from you guys daily than I do in school-- or at least, math class. =D Love love love... I can't describe how much you and your music mean to me. I can't believe that NWTBH is 9 years old... that's only like, 4 years younger than me! Oh you guys, much love from us in the nation's capital. Hope to see you soon.
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Adding to my earlier post, I really do love you guys and you really are like family. For years I've loved you and you've impacted me greatly as I grew/grow. NWTBH is my second favorite album of all time, right after NIS. NWTBH is such a comfort to me, whenever I hear it/see the album cover/read about it my heart jumps for JOY! Yes, joy. Your music and you bring JOY to lonely, little and naive kids everywhere and that is quite an accomplishment. Happy birthday New Way to be Human, you are a masterpiece. Your parents should be proud, because your fans certainly are.
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I love NWTBH - and funny enough, I've been listening to that CD a lot lately (most recently this past weekend). It's hard to choose only one favorite song, so here's some of my fav lyrics from a couple different ones:
"Let me know that You hear me, Let me know Your touch, Let me know that You love me, Let that be enough" - Let That Be Enough
"'Cause nobody's famous, And nobody's fine, We all need forgiveness, We're longing inside" - New Way to Be Human
"There's gotta be something more, than what I'm living for, I'm crying out to you" - Something More
Thank you Switchfoot for all your amazing albums over the years - you're awesome!
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NWTBH gave us the theme for our 11th Annual Student Conference at Dallas Baptist University. Charlie Peacock was our keynote speaker, and Jon himself (and Emily) came out and sang his solo eps for us. About 45 undergraduate and graduate students gave papers on topics of all kinds from a christian perspective. It was a spectacular weekend (Feb 28-Mar1, 2008). For some pics, see www.dbu.edu/naugle. We give thanks to all responsible for the new way to be human (double entendre!).
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My favorite song of all time, Sooner or Later, is on NWTBH.
Come back and haunt me, follow me home.
Give me a motive, swallow me whole.
Brilliant.
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The title song is the first song I've heard of Switchfoot 9 years ago and have been a fan since. The are a few albums like NWTBH and a few bands like Switchfoot. I hope these guys stay aroud long enough so that I can one day enjoy their music/concerts with my kids. Switchfoot....KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING!!!
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I didn't get this album until 2004 -- to think I could have had it so many years earlier!!! But it was probably the most played driving CD of 2005. My daughters and I always rocked out to NWTBH on the way to their little pre-school ballet classes! I felt that I was doing a good job influencing them with the best music that existed. Ha ha : )
But my personal fave is "Under the Floor." I like its slow groove. LOL. Actually, I love the chorus, which someone else on here already quoted.
The songwriting is AMAZING, Jon!!!
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"Rumor has it You love me
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Rumor has it my only hope is You
And the rumors are true!"
i like
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well, as I post here late, (really really late) i would have to say that my favorite song is Amy's song, because it has a connection with Concrete Girl, Which is in my top 5 favorites of all time. But the whole album is incredible, and I think it one of the biggest inspirations for my writing.
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New Way to Be Human is a great album, but I think my two favorites from it will always be Let That Be Enough and Only Hope. The former is so where I am in my life right now, and the latter is like a lullaby, a cry to the Creator for peace. When I am at my lowest or anxiety or stress-ridden, I just put on Only Hope, close my eyes and sing along and know that I'm going to be okay. Jon has said that God gave him that song (as I believe He gives him all of his songs), and no one could listen to those lyrics and doubt it.
When I feel like my dreams are so far, sing to me of the plans that You have for me over again...
Absolutely amazing. :)
As far as rocking out is concerned I love to crank up Incomplete. It grooves hard, but with a message.