Product Description Switchfoot, Learning to Breathe Review The maxim "the third time's a charm" was surely invented for the latest offering from this San Diego-based surfing trio. After two albums that displayed great promise and potential (1997's debut The Legend of Chin and the follow-up New Way to Be Human), Switchfoot blows down the doors and hits a major sprinter's stride with Learning to Breathe.This is a brilliant record. Musically it's infinitely inventive-yet much more accessible than previous efforts. Lyrically it's intelligent and poetic-yet more spiritually expressive than previous efforts. What's more, the themes explored are quite global and broad-yet there's still room for personal stories among the 11 songs.The Foreman brothers-Jonathan on guitar, Tim on bass-and drummer Chad Butler have always excelled instrumentally. In fact, they've always been a bit too good, a mite too progressive and offbeat for wider acceptance. But on Learning to Breathe, Switchfoot manages to retain its inventive, jam-oriented style, in the context of catchy pop hooks and melodies. The very first song, "I Dare You to Move," is about as far from quirky as you can get. It's the kind of sweeping, grand anthem that a band like Delirious would write, complete with a goosebump-inducing vocal chorus that's destined to take up permanent residence inside any number of brains. Next, the title track employs the ethereal-type guitar harmonics that made U2 famous, along with electronic and acoustic drums, combining to create the backdrop for an insightful song about repentance and dependence upon God. "You Already Take Me There," a driving track that borders on grunge metal in the choruses yet showcases Switchfoot's Squeeze-like vocals, continues the aforementioned theme.The most evocative track on the album, "Love Is the Movement," wins the day with standout elements like the chorus' gospel-tinged vocals and the bass guitar's high-note riffing. The melody ain't bad, either. Switchfoot has more than come into its own with Learning to Breathe. And the band should win a whole new flock of fans because of it. -- Dave Urbanski (c) 2000 CCM Communications, Inc. -- From CCM Magazine -- Subscribe Now!
W**S
Switchfoot, the next Third Day of Christian Rock
At bargain basement prices, I decided to work my way back from Switchfoot's 3 recent LP works to their earlier titles and was very pleasantly surprised. --> The CD titles 'Learning to Breathe' and 'New way to be Human' were 95% very good to excellent. Most people do not realize their cross-over power as of yet (e.g., witness their powerful theme song to "Narnia:Prince Caspian"). Fact is, and it's' been written about elsewheres, truly great bands with new unique sounds can take 2-5 years to catch on, and so can their record sales and reputation, despite a dedicated core following; and I truly believe that is what's going to happen w/ Switchfoot! They've really got something on the ball, or in their case- the surfboard! They have a synergistic energy with a new never-before-seen-nor-heard combo of instrumentational sounds, truly talented & authentic musicians (rare these days), powerfully creative yet poetic home-run lyrics, and uniquely strong vocals -- therefore, arguably, making them the U-2, or new Audio Adrenaline (or take your pick) if you will, of Christian Rock. So, if they keep up the flow of cover to cover super albums that include the striking lyrics, hard hitting new musical sounds, continue to probe their range (not just duplicate it), and perhaps broaden just a tad those pleasing vocals of their lead; then, all they need do is stick together, write strong original songs that keep spinning off into singles in the Christian Rock arena, get a few more cross-over hits, /ballads if not anthems, and maybe even a movie them song (wouldn't hurt, now that they've broken that ice)... then, just keep touring on & off (as the spirit moves them): then, I sincerely believe, they could indeed become the next Third Day. And my prayer would be that they do some real good with those kind of resources, and become Ambassadors --like Bono-- and do the Lord's work on the world scene, but down in the details. {Because Switchfoot's lyrics and music have been a real inspiration to me thruough my illnesses, spine surgeries, and recovery & physical rehab this past 2 years. Keep up the good work boys. I've dusted off my keyboards once again because of groups like you and a whole host of other new Christian Rock groups out there now, and have been asked to join a local CR group... Thanx--it's all your fault! I meant that in a good way!} Anyhoo, that's how much I think of them and can't seem to get enough of them. If you like to rock out, you'll fall for them too; and be sure to keep them next to you Thousand Foot Krutch, P.O.D., and your RED CD's. Those jam good n' hard. Plus, next time you listen to them, "I dare you to move" to their lyrics page (web or Cd insert) -if you haven't already- and see how truly brilliant they are. Next for me is on to 'The Early Years' when I find a great price... 'cuz I got a huge CD Collection w/ hundres of Christian Rock & Pop CD's from BMG/S&S, CBD, & Amazon, but never never pay more than $5 a CD. Rock on w/ a positive message; these tunes are doing just that at it's BEST, no lie, no joke! Live long and prosper. Best part for real people who appreciate music and who don't want cottom candy for Jesus, this type of Christian Rock is NOT AT ALL smarmy sugary-saccharin sickeningly sweet nor heavy handed w/ their message, and you have to listen up a bit to even kinda tell it's positive, optimistic music with a heavenly eternal spin... So, you can play it anywhere for anyone without getting into trouble, embarrassment, nor barfing anyone out. Pretty clever, poetic, talented musicians... and not too shabby for a bunch of west coast surfer boys! --Yours in good rock ON the rock, WT *** P.S. AND whatever you do, sample (and get) Switchfoot's most recent 3 CD's; they are absolute must have's; you'll copy/burn them & play them over & over & over---I guarantee it.
A**E
An Amazing Band...Even for those not 'into' Christian Music
I'm a girl who loves God. Don't get me wrong. I just really dislike being preached at. By music, by humans in any form. Which is _exactly_ why I love Switchfoot. I first caught on to them when I watched A Walk To Remember (an awesome movie, by the way). I was watching the movie with the commentary turned on, and Mandie Moore was absolutely raving about them, and about how she must have listened to Love Is The Movement a million times and she's never gotten sick of it. So, I thought.. worth a listen. I downloaded 11 different mp3s from gnutella. And loved every single one of them. Played them over and over again. Then I bought all three cds. Proof that mp3s are not a bad thing! That they encourage the music business, not condemn it! Either way, I thank the stars I listened to that commentary. Switchfoot's songs are uplifting and beautiful, without ever being preachy. Now if they'd only come closer to San Antonio than Longview, Texas...I hear their live shows are amazing and not to be missed.
S**S
It's the music that matters
"I Dare You to Move" first drew me to this band and so of course I had to check the other little music clips Amazon provides. Learning to Breathe is a little less polished then The Beautiful Letdown, but in a nice way. It actually works better for this album I think.Musically, Switchfoot has a very distinctive and gripping sound. Most of their lyrics avoid direct subject references that can turn some people off to secular music, and so this album stands on it's own because the music is just great.
L**E
Totally awesome music selection
What can you say that hasn't been said before?! Totally awesome music selection!!
J**O
Awesome album
Great album by Switchfoot. Oldie but a goodie! Super easy mp3 album purchase and direct download. God Bless & Enjoy!
J**A
I love it!
I loved it so much. learning to breathe was my favorite song.this album is a lot different than beautiful letdown or nothing is sound or oh! gravity or hello hurricane there newest.I rate this CD 5 stars WOW.
A**N
Five Stars
"Two thumbs, way up."--RE
S**E
Five Stars
Amazing music!
B**R
Five Stars
Very clever alternative rock. Some tracks gentle and some banging but all impeccably produced.
C**N
Five Stars
perfecto gracias
G**E
Service
Good service.
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