I haven't been the biggest fan of Switchfoot, but have kept up to date with their discography, but that may change soon enough. Regardless, their latest album prior to "their version" of The Beautiful Letdown was not a disappointment, but it was underwhelming.
While I don't ever plan to revel in a "California Christmas," the lyrics were descriptive enough to facilitate a vicarious experience, and maybe incite an interpersonal debate as to whether that should be added to the bucket list.
Cindy Lou Who is not the only one "Looking For Christmas," but Foreman and crew are too. It took me a few listens to make that connection, "but maybe my hearing's different, something's changed." I admit some of my favorite albums and songs from yesteryear don't feel the same as they had prior to here, and there are a lot of songs and albums I have listened to in this genre which "feel disturbingly inept and sincere."
I listened to the song several times, but it was not until I read all the lyrics that I developed a deeper appreciation for the song and its meaning. People can say this holiday should not exist, and others can say that the real reason for it is extinct. They have pulled so far away from Christ that all that is left is the superficial shell, and that hole in the hearts of many can only be filled by Christ, not by the shallow traditions highlighted in the holiday's current state.
Not that they aren't appreciated, but I digress.
There has been a rise in the amount of covers of "Christmastime is Here" in the last few years, and this one is decent enough. I prefer the originals over the reinterpretations because most are stale before the first note, due to the copious amount of covers prior.
However, Switchfoot's covers of the aforementioned and other canon classics with a higher reinterpretation count are distinct and dreamy enough set them apart. Some of them give the feeling of being phoned in yet add minute details to contradict themselves.
"Scrappy Little Christmas Tree" was the rebellious runt of the tree lot which inspired the sentiment of verse three and did remind me of the saying "it is not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog." Cliche, I know, but it is relevant.
Exchange the second word of "Midlife Christmas" with another and you have an idea where this song is going; that the doldrums are as inevitable as the yearly postcards from the relatives you miss and the others you may forget. Affective, thought-provoking, and an appropriate anthem for pre-piphany Grinch or current member of the disenchanted.
I know a lot of this record had a dream-like quality but why sing an auld song and tired cover option when you can write a new song about "New Year's Day?" Although it is seven years old, it was new to me, and that feeling described is a retread for more than just Foreman. High hopes for the future? When euphoria's gone it's essential to find faith.
The final original on the version I heard is not off the original album but was an Amazon exclusive collaboration with NEEDTOBREATHE's Bear Rinehart, and a lion-less Judah. The song includes all the sentimentality one can expect from a "Hometown Christmas," and the bond between these bands bolsters the believability in their brotherhood, transcendent of blood ties.
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