Switchfoot’s Oh! Gravity. is even more consistently rock than their previous release, although the lyrics are somewhat different and there is more experimentation on everything. The opening and title track “Oh! Gravity.” shows this immediately.
The next track “American Dream” has a message to live for more than just selfish ambition.
“Dirty Second Hands” begins with cool, almost Southern guitars (and possibly a banjo in there somewhere). It’s a very rhythmic and intriguing track, and it still rocks.
“Awakening” contains the first real slowdown of the album, during the verses; it apparently reminds you to catch (or reawaken) dreams and then follow them.
“Circles” is another rhythmic track, rocking during the chorus and last bridge. It lyrically describes modern life for many— joyless, endless work, etc.— but then shines a bit of hope by reminding you that’s not all there is.
“Amateur Lovers” expresses the need for deeper relationships and true love, not the temporary (and eventually empty) false feeling that some unfortunately choose.
“Faust, Midas, And Myself”, a concept track, musically builds in steps; lyrically, it describes a night of successive dreams (one ‘waking’ into another), after which he finally truly wakes up to reality in a flood of relief and joy. Easily one of this album’s best tracks, “Faust, Midas, And Myself” has a very intriguing story and a great message.
“Head Over Heels (In This Life)” is an excellent rock love song, another of this album’s best.
“Yesterdays” is a fairly soft yet memorable tribute to someone.
The solid rocker “Burn Out Bright” picks the pace right back up, and its lyrics remind you to live life fully and always follow your dreams.
“4:12” encourages you to never despair.
And the final track “Let Your Love Be Strong” musically contains a very different acoustic guitar, and builds somewhat throughout; lyrically, it illustrates that love will be all you need if you lean totally and completely upon it and in it, no matter what else happens.
Our rating for Oh! Gravity.: 4 & 3/4 Stars 