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The Legend of Chin

Switchfoot - The Legend of Chin Audio CD

A fair review of the Switchfoot "The Legend of Chin" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Switchfoot reviews here, or go back to the Switchfoot tabs.

Band: Switchfoot
Title: The Legend of Chin
Rating:

Release Date: 1997-06-17
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Bomb 2: Chem 6A 3: Underwater 4: Edge of My Seat 5: Home 6: Might Have Ben Hur 7: Concrete Girl 8: Life and Love and Why 9: You 10: Ode to Chin 11: Don't Be There

Friend of the foot
If you havn't heard the old stuff, you should. This is a good place for the Switchfoot fan to reprise. Chin lends a little help understanding where some phrases in the newer stuff come from -like Zeppelin used to do. Foreman's experience with gravity (life) has not yet fully infiltrated his Dillan-esque songwriting ability and the lyrics are kinda' cute, comparatively. Musically, Switchfoot-raw. I love it.

Fairly good tunes from now awesomely evolved Christian Surfer Rock Group 'Switchfoot', the next Third Day, U-2
' --> These were 95% very good to excellent, while "Chin" was about 50-80% good to very good, depending on how much you like Switchfoot. 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, especially 'New Way 2 B Human' and 'Learning 2 Breathe. . . . That being said, let me re-iterate what I've said in my other reviews: 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 [current] dedicated core following; and I truly believe that is what's [happening] going to happen w/ Switchfoot!
[Truly,] 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.

The Legend of Chin
The only way to do this is to go to the very beginning and find out how they became them. I personally love to get to know bands once I really like them. In Switchfoot's case, they have been incredible throughout their career. I love the youthful sound of this album. It reminds me of high school and just everything that goes on there. Jon Foreman always writes the best lyrics and some awesome catch phrases. This album started it all for Switchfoot. It definitely has something the newer ones lack. It might be because of only three members, Jon, Tim, and Chad, but whatever it is I love it. They have definitely made themselves legends in my book!.

Switchfoot's Debut Album With A Brilliant Twist
But after a little while it grew on me and is now one of my top 10 favorites I will always listen to (but usually at night). This is truly a great CD, I kind of missed it first time around listening in on it. It just seems like the kind of music you'll be caught listening to late at night whether it be outside, in the car or in your home. Anyway, here's my brief song by song review.

1. Bomb - Great start up song with deep, mellow tunes. Love the sound of the bass and the drums; it all mixes together well. The lyrics are pretty dark for Switchfoot, but it's relaxing to listen to and nice to settle into.

2. Chem 6A - I think we can all relate to this one. Being stuck in a class room and wanting to be somewhere else; plus it has a great chorus sound! I also really like the drums on this song.

3. Underwater - This one certainly feels like a different side of Switchfoot. This album has many dark and mellow tunes here and there, this song is no different. There are parts of this song that remind me of jazz players for some reason (must be the instrumental part with the piano).

4. Edge of My Seat - This song runs at a really nice pace. I've always liked those kind of songs that start quietly but quickly picks up and runs at an exciting pace. This song really had me sitting on the edge of my seat.

5. Home - A very nice, relaxing tune. Violins and acoustic guitars mix well for a nice, relaxing song to rest with. Really makes you want to lie back in your bed and close your eyes (well, for me at least).

6. Might Have Ben Hur - LOVE the guitar sounds for this song. This is a fast, fun & simple song to get into. I just want to start singing along with Jon every time he reaches the chorus.

7. Concrete Girl - This is definitely one of those late night songs you'll be hearing over and over. It has this sort of grungy sound not commonly found in Switchfoot song!

8. Life And Love And Why - Another fast-running tune similar to Might Have Ben Hur. It sort of starts up slowly then works it's way into moving faster then slower again. Great song.

9. You - I could hear this song over and over again! This is the one song on here I remember hearing before actually getting this CD. Very nice sound, I could fall asleep to this song anytime.

10. Ode to Chin - LOVE the chorus, "Grow, grow where you are. Anchor your roots underneath. Doubt your doubts and believe your beliefs. " It's another one of those songs right up there with tracks 6 & 8.

11. Don't Be There - Another pretty song by Switchfoot. More violins and the like similar to You but a little more settle. Great closing for an epic album as this.

But really, it's hard for me to say anything to present just how good Switchfoot's debut effort is compared to the others. It's just so different but so good. You'll have to hear the song samples for yourself and see what you think of what you hear.

The songwriting may be pretty different for Switchfoot, in fact, this whole album may feel like a very different kind of Switchfoot. But overall, I've got to admit, this has got to be one of their best CDs right up there with New Way To Be Human and their other albums. Honestly though, I love all of Switchfoot's CDs. They just have a great sound that everyone could agree with. This one not being any different (only that Switchfoot would later move on to having their own sound, but then again I can't think of anything that sounded like this). I highly recommend this with any other CDs by Switchfoot; it's all good!.

Switchfoot's weakest album
Switchfoot, however, has raised the bar. For most bands, and album like "The Legend of Chin" would be a success.

All the 5-star ratings can be explained by the fact that the only people who look for this album are those who are really committed to the band and thus already favorably dispositioned to it.

I bought "Legend" used after I already owned "New Way to be Human" "Learning to Breathe" and "Beautiful Letdown. " At first listen I thought thought the album was alright but not up to Switchfoot's new standard. Many spins later, my opinion remains the same.

Unlike later albums, "Legend" has a garage sound with choppy guitar and less smooth vocals. It is interesting to see how far the band has come.

But it's not all bad news. Even at their most primitive work, the band's talent is evident. The songs "You" and "Home" remain some of their best songs to date. "You" in fact, was on the movie "A Walk to Remember," which came out many years later.

If you are a devout Switchfoot fan already than it wouldn't hurt to add "Legend of Chin" to your collection. Otherwise, your hard-earned cash would be better invested in one of the band's later releases, particularly "New Way to Be Human. ".

You can see a complete list of all Switchfoot discography, or go back to the Switchfoot tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.