Released: September 15, 2017
Label: RCA - Roswell
Duration: 48 Minutes
I have developed a very cut and dry, specific perspective on the Foo Fighters over the years; they have only two types of albums. The first type, which makes up the bulk of their 2000s discography as well as the recent Saint Cecilia EP and Sonic Highways, is mediocre, perfectly functional releases with one or two songs that shine a little brighter. There's nothing inherently bad about these albums, but there's very little special about them as well, even if I wish there was. The other type of album the Foo Fighters is capable of releasing are fantastic, energetic hard rock albums like 1997's The Colour and the Shape or 2011's Wasting Light. I can happily say that their new, ninth album, Concrete and Gold, falls into the latter grouping.
The album's name itself hints at what one can expect to find within. The dark, sullen nature of "Concrete" calls back to the bands grunge/post-grunge origins. "Gold", on the other hand, calls to mind the glamorous hard rock of the 70s and 80s; influences that Dave Grohl and the rest of the Foos wear more openly here than ever before.
Dave Grohl's deep respect and love for groups such as Led Zeppelin, Cheap Trick, the Beatles and other classic rock giants is no secret. Celebrating these past groups was the whole thesis statement behind 2014's Sonic Highways. Concrete and Gold finds the group fully representing their influences, with the complete "dad rock" vibe that summons. Is dad rock such a bad thing though? Not when done like this. Much of the album is a fun blast, something you'd expect from a twenty-year old band trying to sound like the mainstream rock of the past century. The Beatles-esque "The Sky is a Neighbourhood" is a wonderful, energetic and melodic piece. The album's title track finds itself using choruses (which spring up periodically throughout the album) in a way reminiscent of Pink Floyd's The Wall, calling forth both melodrama and true energy. The band is having fun, and that can't help but spread to me as I listen.
Occasionally, the cheesiness of the material does override the quality, such as in the track "Make it Right". Though the verses boast a grooving blues riff that easily sounds like a Led Zeppelin B-side, the lyrics of the chorus ("On a train to nowhere, baby/want to hitch a ride?") are difficult to sit through without laughing. Other tracks fall dangerously close to the mediocrity of weaker Foo Fighters albums due to uninspired riffs, and fail to leave any lasting impression.
There are other stand-out moments where the raw "concrete" side of the band peaks through, such as the sections where Grohl's voice turns into a throat-tearing growl on "Run". At other times, however, this is far less effective. Fuzzy guitar riffs clash with the more nostalgic vocal melodies on La Dee Da, creating an experience that is less enjoyable and far more schizophrenic.
The strongest songs on this album, ultimately, are the ones where Foo Fighters do what they do best; fast-paced arena-ready rockers. The slower, more intricate pieces do not have the variety and risks to stand as tall.
I should also mention the guest appearances on this album, including Justin Timberlake and Paul McCartney (who drums on the track "Sunday Rain"). They're there. Dave Grohl has famous friends, and that's honestly all there is to say about it.
Speaking of "Sunday Rain", it finds the Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins taking over for Grohl on lead vocals, and it actually works quite nicely. Hawkins tone pushes the band even further towards the late 70s tone they're looking for, and the track ends up becoming much stronger than it likely would have been with Grohl behind the microphone.
Ultimately, there's little more to say other than that I'm a sucker for when a band is clearly having fun, and the Foo Fighters are definitely enjoying themselves here. Concrete and Gold proves itself a stronger homage to the influences that made Dave Grohl the musician he is than the much more inconsistent Sonic Highways. Though several of the tracks are quite middling, it is much stronger than the band's worst material, even if it doesn't reach their strongest. If you want a collection of energetic "contemporary classic rock" songs, that's what this album will give you. I look forward to listening to it more, and will continue to watch whatever Grohl and company choose to do closely.
Score: 7.5/10
Best Tracks: Run, The Sky is a Neighbourhood, Concrete and Gold
Worst Tracks: Dirty Water, La Dee Da
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