Foo Fighters Review

Foo Fighters were one of the biggest bands to emerge out of the alternative rock scene of the 1990's. Originally starting out as a one-man project, Foo Fighters was founded and fronted by former Nirvana member Dave Grohl. He would eventually get others to join his band, including former Nirvana tourIng band mate Pat Smear. Together they would make 10 major studio albums, win 12 Grammy awards, and most recently be inducted into the Rock and Roll hall of fame.

Unlike other reviews where I listened to albums for the very first time, I decided to go back and review one of my favorite albums of all time. This album unlike other Foo Fighters albums is done ENTIRELY by Dave Grohl himself. It sounds very unpolished but it only aids it's unique sound. Unlike more recent Foo albums this one is simple, sticking to Electric guitars, drums, and bass. It's filled with emotion and in all honesty it was an album that needed to be made.

At the time Dave was taking a break from music after the tragic loss of Kurt Cobain. He was stuck in a depression so bad that he wouldn't do anything music related. Until he realized that making music was the one thing in life that made him happy. So he then proceeded to make one of the best debut albums of all time. Originally it started off as cassettes he exchanged between his closest friends but eventually after being passed around a lot it attracted big major studios' attention.

Songs

This is a Call
The Opener on the album. This track does a great job in letting the listener know what to expect from the rest of the album. The drums are kick ass, the guitar work is simple but catchy, Dave's singing is a good mix between soft and being loud and aggressive. It's also upbeat, lyrically it's about Dave Grohl thanking people that have played a key role in his life.

I'll Stick Around
Man oh man the next one up. This song opens with the assault of drums and the use of hardcore punk-like power chords. The first half is very melodic with soft singing and it all leads up to the explosion that is the chorus. The repeat of the chorus "I DON'T OWE YOU ANYTHING" hypes you up and makes you want to chant along. Definitely one of the best songs on here. Lyrically being about Dave Grohl's anger towards Kurt Cobain's wife Courtney Love and how he felt that she was profiting of his death. If you listen to the song you can without a doubt feel his anger.

Big Me
The softest song off the album. This track is a power pop love song about Dave Grohl meeting his first wife. This is such a beautiful song and definitely one of Foo Fighters best soft songs. The bass on this one is one of the best off the album and overall it's very sweet and fun to listen to.

Alone + Easy Target
This next track dives right back into the grunge rock. It's huge, loud, and very energetic especially towards the end of the song as the tempo speeds up. This song along with others on here was a song Dave came up with and presented to Kurt Cobain when Nirvana was still a thing. Which explains why this album feels like something that could've been on "In Utero". Overall it's an amazing song.

Good Grief
Another favorite of mine, it's fucking awesome. It's aggressive yet melodic. It has soft vocals up untill the chorus where it explodes. The guitar riffs are simple but catchy, the same can be said about the drums. I can't do it justice just by describing it, the song speaks for itself.

Floaty
This song like the name suggests makes me feel like I'm floating and/or dreaming. Especially so because Dave utilizes a voice modificater that makes the vocals on this track feel wavy. The acoustic guitar intro sounds cool and gives you a preview into the melody. The song feels bouncy and the drums are the main reason for that. Overall it's a very fun song.

Weenie Beenie
With a name like that you don't expect much but this is actually the heaviest song on the album. This track also uses the voice modificater from the previous song but this time to heavily distort the vocals. This track sounds like it's gonna beat your ass and I love it. It feels like a hardcore punk song at times, especially at the bridge. It's simple yet effective.

Oh, George
The next song is perhaps the most Grunge influenced and in my opinion very underated. It's not my favorite but it's far from the worst song on here. This song's guitar work is the strongest as it's the only track that has a guitar solo.

For all the cows
The weirdest song on here, it's very funky and feels like it's drunk. The first half of the song is soft and melodic up until it quickly switches to hard rock. Which is sweet relief because I don't really enjoy the soft part. Overall it's one of the weakest songs on here but not bad by any means.

X-Static
Next one up is "X-static". In my opinion it's the worst song off the album especially compared to the other songs. I still like it but I'd be lying if it said there's nothing wrong with it. There's already another song on here that accomplishes what this song tried to do and then some. The vocals are depressing and because of that the drums and guitar don't fit with it.

Wattershed
Getting right back on track this song sucker punches you right back into the grunge. This track is very exciting and kicks ass. It's fast, aggressive, and doesn't overstay it's welcome. Lyrically it's confirmed to not make any sense but it somehow doesn't matter as it makes me want to yell out the lyrics all the same. It gives off hardcore punk vibes.

Exhausted
The final song off the album and what a way to end it off! This song is another one Dave came up with during his Nirvana days and it shows. This was the song "X-static" tried to be but failed at. The song is very melancholy and has soft vocals throughout. It has outburst of energy sprinkled throughout as well. There's a lot of guitar feedback on here and it only adds to the mood. It's sad but makes you feel good, especially as the song has a nice fade out at the end.

Final thoughts
In conclusion this album is a work of art, Dave Grohl did a phenomenal job by himself. Although it has a few hiccups it quickly catches up and is a fun ride throughout. This is in my opinion the Foo Fighters' best album as well as one of the best debut albums of all time. If you're a fan of Nirvana, or a fan of 90's alternative rock, or hell just a lover of rock music, I highly recommend you give this album a listen. I'm certain you won't regret it.

If I had to rate it out of 10: 10/10

Favorite Songs:

• This is a Call
• I'll Stick Around
• Big Me
• Alone + Easy Target
• Good Grief
• Floaty
• Weenie Beenie
• Wattershed
• Exhausted

For those interested in checking it out here's a preview song: