Since the first Foo Fighters album was a collection of Dave Grohl solo recordings, their second, The Colour and the Shape, is in many ways their official debut, and it certainly does sound different than its predecessor. Producer Gil Norton has tightened up the sound considerably -- his control was so tight that drummer William Goldsmith left the band during the recording, leaving Grohl to record the rhythm tracks for the bulk of the album. Certainly, Norton's big, shiny production makes The Colour and the Shape sound more professional than the debut, but the presence of a full band makes a difference, too. The full Foo Fighters make Grohl's songs heavier, not punkier, which may be a little unsettling to fans of the debut's ragged, amateurish edge. It's also strange that the album has such a glossy, arena-ready sound, since Grohl's songs are introspective, quite different than the endearing punk-pop of its predecessor. They're also not quite as catchy as before, but the band compensates by delivering them with a brutal energy. Still, the lack of immediate hooks prevents The Colour and the Shape from truly catching fire. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
Good album... Everlong/Wal k i n g After You is a great emotional 2 song punch, and the rest of the album is pretty great, too. The reviewer here totally misses the point... it's like he listened to the album once and wrote the review in five minutes. Poop on him.
i thought that it was dave grohl's control that drew the drummer away, not the producer... not that i like this reviewer any more than the masses, but there's a huge misconception here: a review is just a written opinion, no right or wrong here. As do most, i disagree with Stephen's review
BOOMERDMX88 SAYS: EVERYTIME I HEAR NIRVANA I WANT TO GO GET MY SHOTGUN AND BLOW MY BRAINS OUT---JUST TO UNDERSTAND WHAT KURT WAS TRYING TO CONVEY TO HIS FANS.......
BETTER TO DIE AT YOUR BRIGHTEST INSTEAD OF FADE'ING AWAY. HA HA!
This is a great album...probably my favorite Foo record. The reviewer pans just about everyone....and usually gets his facts mixed up. How did he get his job? I have a 12yr old nephew that could do his job better than him.
Hehehehe. I love looking at epic mistakes in reviewing. He's like the guy that said the Beatles weren't anything special or that Led Zepplin was too weird. "Their music isn't going to catch fire." Hah! I almost feel sorry for the guy.
Stephen Thomas Elewine is a tool box. This Cd is rediculous. "My Hero", "Monkey Wrench", and "Everlong" all were huge hits and might be their best. Who is this guy anyway? I think he is half retarded!
Everlong: probably my favorite FOO song but they have a great catalog of songs and discs. Who knew back when such a great multi-talent lurked behind the drums of Nirvana.
> This reviewer is obviously a moron. Who else would so negatively review
> an album with songs like "my hero" and "everlong." They need to get
> someone in here to review albums that doesn't think this album's
> not "hooky" enough.
I normally agree with Erlewine, but not this time. This is a great album with three certifiable hits, "hookiness" be damned.
This reviewer is obviously a moron. Who else would so negatively review an album with songs like "my hero" and "everlong." They need to get someone in here to review albums that doesn't think this album's not "hooky" enough.
i dont know how it could be reviewed like that. the album could have maybe had some extra work but as far as im concerned it is there best album. if you ask a lot of rock musician what there softest yet heaviest songs where in their headphones everlong was almost there
Excellent album from an excellent band. As popular as they are and continue to become, I still think they are underrated. They're also excellent live. This reviewer--Erlewine--is a little too full of himself. This album doesn't "catch fire"? Give me a break.
Not sure where the write was coming from with this critique. this disc is great!!! it's heavy, very melodic...not a ton of punk edge but that's ok...they more than make up for it!
I loved their 1st album the most, and since then every album has been a bit of a disappointment, I certainly love everlong and my hero they are 2 of the foo fighters best songs, but I loved the punk sound of the self titled album.
What the H E double hockey sticks is this reviewer talking about "lack of immediate hooks"! The entire album is full of hooks. And the few songs lacking a great hook compensates with brilliant lyrics and phenomal drumming. Even after the latest album, ESPG, I still go back to TCATS as Dave's best work. And I would guess most FF fans would agree.
I have owned this album since it came out, and still can't stop listening to it. Heavy classics like "Everlong" "Hero" and "Monkey Wrench" hold it together and are contrasted by really beautiful ballady tracks like "Doll" and "Walking After You". Its just f***ing amazing.
This album is excellent, especially as it progresses into the second half. An intense buildup with Enough Space leading to February Stars, and the ever-popular Everlong, with Walking After You slowing down the action until the big finale.
The hooks are there; this album has plenty of adrenaline and emotion to keep you interested.
The previous poster is right. Stephen Thomas Erlewine's review couldn't be further from the truth. In my opinion this is the second best alternative album ever made, behind Nevermind. The album catches fire from start to end and would be a #1 if released in 2008.