ALBUM REVIEW: But Here We Are – Foo Fighters
2023 marks almost three decades since the beginning of FOO FIGHTERS‘ career. The Seattle sextet have definitely come a long way since the release of their self-titled debut back in 1995. The last year has been one of the toughest yet for the band, with the unexpected death of long-time drummer Taylor Hawkins undoubtedly taking its toll. Following Hawkins‘ passing, the future was uncertain for FOO FIGHTERS. Despite going through one of the hardest times in their lives, the band have poured their heart and soul back into music, with the release of their latest studio album But Here We Are courtesy of Columbia Records/Roswell Records marking the first with replacement drummer Josh Freese. It is evidently clear that the band are not ready to forget their roots, with this brand new album echoing their 1995 debut in the best way possible.
Lead single Rescued is first on the list, kicking the album off with a typical FOO FIGHTERS melody. Before too long Dave Grohl‘s instantly recognisable and impactful vocals blast through your eardrums. This is a strong start with a real mix of emotion hitting you left, right and centre. It takes listeners on the most emotional journey, conclusively reminding us that the band have a lot of hope for the future. Under You is another remarkable track, openly discussing the death of the late Hawkins with Grohl vocalising his struggle to accept that Hawkins is gone. This is a hard hitting track for FOO FIGHTERS fans old and new, and most definitely one of the strongest on the record.
By the time the album reaches Hearing Voices, you really start to feel the raw and honest emotion from Grohl as he pours his heart out more and more. This song starts off at a slower pace, with acoustic instrumentals taking the lead. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that this track is any less impactful. It depicts one of the hardest times in the band’s existence, with Grohl recollecting “hearing voices” following Hawkins‘ passing, wishing that he could just have a conversation with him one last time. It is admirable how the FOO FIGHTERS have managed to create such a stunning piece of art during one of the most devastating periods of their lives.
Title track But Here We Are follows this, reverting back to the harder, grunge-filled FOO FIGHTERS sound that we all know and love. Even though this isn’t as memorable as some of the other tracks on the record, it isn’t a bad song by any means. The Glass is another sure-fire highlight too, with Greg Kurstin‘s outstanding production in the limelight. Nothing At All almost has a harder YELLOWCARD sounding melody at the forefront, reminding us instantly of Here I Am Alive from 2012. As the track continues, the hook becomes more and more evident, with Grohl using all of his vocal power in the remarkable chorus. Show Me How is one of the softer songs on the album, leaving listeners with a whole range of feelings as a result. Taking the position as one of the most personal tracks, it solidifies how the group attempt to move on following Hawkins‘ tragic death with a glimmer of hope in the process.
Beyond Me provides a much darker outlook on the situation, with the topic of Grohl‘s mental health at hand. The Teacher explores a deeper meaning of life with Grohl seemingly struggling to separate the past from the present moment. Coming in at just over 10 minutes in length, it manages to keep your full attention from beginning to end, certain to resonate with any fan who has witnessed a traumatic event in their lives. In the last few seconds of the track, you hear some distortion within the production, almost marking the end of the latest chapter in FOO FIGHTERS‘ book. The final track on But Here We Are is Rest. This is such an emotional close to the album, laying the late Taylor Hawkins to rest. It brings a tear to your eye hearing even more fuzzy production in the midst of the finale.
But Here We Are is one of the best FOO FIGHTERS albums to date. The true and real emotion you feel from start to finish is truly astonishing, exceeding initial expectations at every twist and turn. It consequently marks the end of a painful, life-changing era with the long-lasting memory of Taylor Hawkins still very much in FOO FIGHTERS‘ hearts.
Rating: 9/10
But Here We Are is out now via Columbia Records/Roswell Records.
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