Here are some customer reviews of
Nothing Is Sound
: This is definitely one of the best Switchfoot Albums to date, not only with added maturity and an extra member of the band Andrew (Drew) playing the guitar, but also with producing as can really be appreciated in the Dual Disc format. You will get a terrific 5.1 mix of the album which adds a nice ambience to the mix that can be appreciated in many songs. In "The Shadow Proves the Sunshine" Jon sings into the piano to resonate the strings in the background, and it really fills the room with this mix. The making of "Nothing is Sound" is also a bonus as it includes insight into the making of the album and the band's creative process. It has some great rock songs and ballads with some stronger commentary I believe about many modern issues. I hope to see "Politicians" or "Lonely Nation" as another single sometime soon. Definitely check it out and the Dual Disc is worth the extra dollar wanted for that format.
 With no mention of God, Christ, or Jesus......... it would be hard to call this CD Christian. That being said, I've not listened to it (but read the lyrics)........it was bought for our son as a present and we are very disappointed that this group is promoted as a Christian rock band. Guess we will stick with bands like Kutless who are not ashamed to use the name of the Lord in their songs. There are worse things out there to listen to, but as Christians, it is a good idea to listen to things that uplift the spirit and praise the name of God. So, I'm not saying it is a BAD CD, just not what we would concider Christian. One warning......this is a thick CD with a DVD being on the other side......it got STUCK in our son's iBook!!
 Nothing is Sound, Switchfoot's fifth release delivers a heavier darker sound than previous releases, however their ability to write amazing songs has not diminished.
Here's a quick rundown of each of the songs:
1. Lonely Nation (****):
A good way to start the CD. It's a good solid rock song, with an awesome drumline and a catchy chorus. Although it's no "Meant to Live" it's still an awesome track.
2. Stars (***1/2)
Another fast paced rock song, and the first single of this album. It's got a cool rock riff and so interesting melodies, however i don't see this one making the top 10. Still it's a very enjoyable song. For some reason i think this would make a good song to listen to when driving on the highway.
3. Happy is a Yuppie Word (***)
Very interesting guitar riff at the beginning; kinda eastern sounding. This entire song is very tight musically, unfortunately the chrous doesn't follow suit. The chrous is rather dull in comparison and is rather forgetable. However the song has enough redeeming qualities that avoids the "skip this song" label.
4. The Shadow Proves the Sunshine (*****)
A purely awesome track. The vocals were recorded with lead singer Jon Foreman singing into a piano which adds a very neat effect. It starts as a very calm ballad, and builds up gradually throughout the song. Strong powerful melodies throughout the whole song. It's jsut an awesome track, one of the best on the CD.
5. Easier than Love (***)
This song sounds like a musical hybrid of "More than fine" and "Adding to the noise" from their previous album. It's another good rock song with cool drum and guitar riffs. It's not a song you remember when you're done listenning to the album, but is quite enjoyable when you listen to the track itself.
6. The Blues (*****)
Another beautiful rock ballad. If i were in charge, i would release this song as their next single. It's jsut a powerful emotional and beautiful song. The song is over 5 minutes long, and even at teh end it leaves you wishing the song was still going. Arguably the best song on the cd.
7. The Setting Sun (*)
Well, being a big Switchfoot fan, i find it hard to trash any of their songs, but this one should have been cut from the album. The only good thing about it is the verse melody keeps you from skipping right away. By far the worst song on the CD. There is just nothing special about this song. The only thing preventing me from giving it zero stars is the verse melody. In my opinion, this song does not belong on such a good cd.
8. Politicians (*****)
Awesome song! I heard this song over a year ago when they performed it at one of their shows, back when it was called "Without Politicians". I fell in love with it right away. Just an awesome song to just jump around and bob your head to. This track would have been a great one to follow "The Blues", but that stupid "Setting sun" song got in the way. It's still an awesome song. I don't know if it's single material, but it's definitely a great song!
9. Golden (***)
This song loses points because it sounds too much like "the Setting Sun". However it is considerably better. A good chorus melody. It's interesting, but leaves no lasting impact.
10. The Fatal Wound (****)
A short song, but a good one. I don't know what I like about it, maybe just that it sounds different than everything else they've done. It just sounds good. Sorta sounds like Bush from the early 90's (back when they were called Bush X). The only thing preventing it from getting a 5th star, is teh harmonica, it jsut doesn't sound right.
11. We are one tonight (****)
Just a good straight up rock and roll song. With a powerful chorus, it's one of the less dark songs on the album.
12. Daisy (*****)
A very mellow song...at first. It has a very interesting chord progression and melody. The song is just really raw, definitely not over produced. It also seems to get better with eveyr listen. It turns heavy at the end of the song, to wrap up the cd. It's just a great way to wrap up a succesful album.
Conclusion: Definitely a great album, worth the money. The DVD side has an interesting documentary and a history of each of the songs. I don't know if i would call this their best album. But it's definitely a keeper.
Switchfoot is a band that has only recently come into the national spotlight. Though started in the mid-late 90s, the band didn't get its big break until the previous album, "The Beautiful Letdown." That CD was famous for its deeply inspirational lyrics and unique sound. Still, digital effects and some over-production watered down the core of Switchfoot which is the band's ability to impact the listener with music that observes human nature yet delivers great music.
"Nothing is Sound" is a more entertaining example of the heart of Switchfoot. Tracks such as "happy is a yuppie word," "the blues," "stars," and others evoke sobering emotions and inspirational lyrics. Others do the same in varying tempos and with different messages. Overall, this CD is just evidence that Switchfoot truly is a great band. Secular or religious, young or old, anyone can enjoy this CD. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a band that breaks the norm and defines what music is supposed to be.
Heavier guitars and a more complete sound are the things that differentiate this album from their first four (Ode to Chin, New Way To be Human, Learning to Breathe, The Beautiful Letdown). Althought the group carries a distinctive sound, no two CDs are alike... and the songs are as varied as your tastes. Truly, there's something for everyone.
A much more mature sound with a familiar flavor, Switchfoot has created another unbelievable album. Frontman Jonathan Foreman's unique voice add the topping to this musical treat that will surely have you bobbing your head with the drum's beats, singing with the melodies and pondering the message.
The different songs on this album were mixed in different places, demonstrating the variety that it contains... and true to that, you can hear the diference from one song to another. The sound is unbelievable; complete, thick and full. The cruch of the guitars, the base lines, the simple, yet distictive beats give life to the entirety of the album.
To talk about each song is to take the album out of context. Each song is it's own individual creation and, in it's own way, becomes a section of the masterpiece that runs screaming towards your ears. This album most definately has some flavor of their last album, and still manages to surprise. If you liked the last album, then this is a must.
Again, Switchfoot releases another album worthy of worldwide recognition. This is one of those albums that will not leave your stereo.
And, by the way, I got the DualDisc version... and it's on my iTunes and my iPod... I really don't know what the fuss is about. Perhaps I got the one copy that doesn't have Copy Protection ;-)
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