Foo Fighters - One By One
With the promise of a much more rock oriented, hard driving effort, One By One comes across as a mixed bag.
The Foo Fighters return with their much anticipated follow up to their successful LP There Is Nothing Left to Lose. With the promise of a much more rock oriented, hard driving effort, One By One comes across as a mixed bag. The single "All My Life" has permeated radio waves as a fast paced, noisy yet melodic anthem that satisfies the anticipation for a louder, harder release. But as the second track "Low" kicks in, adorned with fuzzy guitars, pounding drums and a low key Dave Grohl, you begin to see the direction in which this album takes. It's more akin to "My Hero" off Colour and the Shape with a slight "Watershed" sound from their debut LP. It's loud but lacks the tempo that the opening track displayed. It is a precursor to the rest of the album – while it certainly has the Foo flair, a distinct quality is missing. The third track "Have It All" is packed with typical Fighters feel; moderately paced, mix vocal volumes accented by Grohl's lyrical touch – "She drains me / when I'm empty … in too deep / she's spilling over me" and is surrounded by crunchy guitar work by both Grohl and Shiflett.
While the album as a whole exudes musical erudition, it lacks a certain raw passion that they displayed with Colour and the Shape. It isn't as melodic or pop rock induced as There Is Nothing Left to Lose but it definitely lacks some sort of individuality from the rest of the Foo catalogue. It feels like a mélange of sounds from their three previous LPs – with no real strong personal distinction to set it apart. It's up tempo, loud, quiet, desperate and plodding all at the same time. Loud enough to rock with "All My Life" while feeling desperate to sound radio friendly with southern rock in "Halo", One By One isn't a stellar album but is by no means something that is easily left behind. The track, "Tired of You" seems unnecessary; with over 5 minutes of distorted guitar work accompanying Grohl in an endless backdrop that is reminiscent of Bush's "Glycerine". Foo enthusiasts will most probably enjoy the release but will be disappointed by its lack of personality. It certainly is far from the magnificent aura of Colour and the Shape.
In a brief lapse into anticipated promise, "Times Like These" comes across as a beautiful blend of pure heartfelt emotion and melodic rock sensibilities. It is the most complete track off the album and is perhaps the direction and feel that the rest of the album wishes it could achieve. It comes off sounding a little like "Everlong" and like Grohl so passionately sings, "Its times like these you learn to love again". And with this track, even the most ardent doubters will soon learn to love the Foos again.
(RCA Records)