kinda disappointing

when i first saw this album, i thought that it would be another awesome cd made by the foo fighters. when i listened to it, though, i was pretty disappointed. i mean, really learn to fly is the only really good song on it, and i got tired of it pretty quickly. its no wonder why i hadnt heard of this album until my friend told me about it, its pretty bad compared to the other foo albums. well, at least they came back strong with one by one.

Next stop, pop-ville.

(4.5 Stars)



On "There Is Nothing Left To Lose", The Foo Fighters turn the volume down a bit, and toss off their most polished, radio-friendly album yet.



The majestic "Learn To Fly" was a huge hit for good reason. The type of song that crosses over to Top 40 due to its blissful pop hook; but it's like, the coolest, most rocking thing on that chart by far.



There's more pop goodness to be found; the mid-tempo "Next Year" is a dreamy sort of ballad, and the closer "M.I.A." is the type of insanely catchy pop/rock song that the Foo Fighters are known for.



They haven't gone totally soft though, don't worry. "Stacked Actors" mixes snarling, punk-like guitar riffs and pseudo-jazzy verses into one awesome opener. And songs like "Gimmie Stiches", "Live-In Skin", and "Breakout" are all crunching rockers with infectious melodies.



Best of all is the meditative "Aurora", a wonderful rock ballad that never gets boring in its 6 minutes.



Other highlights include the country tinged (twangy steel guitar and all) "Aint it the Life", the atmospheric "Headwires", and the passionate rock of "Generator", in which Dave noodles around with a talk-box. How cool is that?



If you're into that whole punk rock mentality type thing, this would be The Foo Fighters' "sell-out" record. It's very clean, crisp, and loaded with pop sensibilities. I can see where people might criticize that; I think it's great, though.. and I applaud them for letting their melodic side show through. They're one of the few mainstream bands who know how to write engaging hooks, and this album proves it through and through.



Best Songs: Aurora, Gimmie Stiches, Stacked Actors, Generator, M.I.A.

Worst Foo Fighter Disc

This record was a disappointment for me; especially following up The Colour and The Shape. Stacked Actors is probably the best Foo song ever, but after that it's a pretty weak record. Sure there are some Highlights to follow (Aurora, Ain't it the Life), however they are few and far between. Learn to Fly is the closest Dave Grohl has ever come to selling out completely (although they may be making fun of theirselves), and Breakout is just NOT COOL.



In addition, this is the only Foo Record that has 100% completely unmemorable songs on it. Live-In-Skin, Headwires, and Gimme Stiches are pointless, uninspired tunes. Generator and Next Year are songs that my girlfriend likes a little too much. And all in all, the last half of the record is all Easy Listening Ballads......sorry. I love the foo fighters too.