Switchfoot: Nothing is Sound

By Stephanie Szuda

“Nothing is Sound” would be a run-of-the-mill pop album if the lyrics focused on relationships, partying and maybe even one song about the hardships of being a celebrity.

Switchfoot’s lyrics are not as predictable as most pop albums. The mostly-mellow tunes are not about the ups and downs of relationships. Instead, Switchfoot, a contemporary Christian band, chooses to focus on spirituality and manages to convey its messages without sounding preachy.

The album encompasses slow, melodic tunes as well as upbeat, catchy chorus tracks. There is a little something for everyone.

“Lonely Nation” and “Politicians” have an alternative sound, while “Stars” and “The Setting Sun” have a pop feel. However, the album closer, “Daisy,” is plain depressing and the chorus cannot even lift the song up.

“Easier Than Love” tells us “sex is easier than love” and “sex is currency” but the main message discusses how easily one gives in to temptation. The song may leave one feeling a little worse about themselves, which no one should have to do.

Several bands have a hard time reaching the mainstream audience with the lyrical content Switchfoot possesses. Switchfoot had a Top-40 hit with “Dare You To Move” from 2003’s “A Beautiful Letdown,” so perhaps “Stars” will do the same for the band this time around.

At the very least, they can make listening to songs about spirituality and human existence bearable.