With their signature knock out riffs and reverberating rhythms, the Foo Fighters have been the gold standard for anthemic stadium rock for more than two decades . The band has consistently churned out hit after hit providing many of us with the soundtrack of our lives in songs like “My Hero” and “Learn To Fly.” The Foo strayed from their formula with their 2014 “Sonic Highways” album as they took to the road exploring the musical history of different American cities and utilizing local musicians, a process that was also chronicled in an HBO documentary. The band further pushes the boundaries for their ninth album “Concrete and Gold,” with an eclectic mix of eleven tunes.
This time out the Foo decided to work with pop music producer Greg Kurstin the man behind Adele’s monster hit “Hello.” The album kicks off with the very Beatlesesque “T-Shirt” setting a trend for the rest of the record. The lead single “Run” is up next and is the closest to a typical Foo Fighters rocker that you will find on the record, a song that will no doubt have fans on their feet at arenas around the world. Musically the Foo are at the top of their game with Dave Grohl’s vocals sounding better than ever. I loved the funky riff of “Make It Right” and the heavy groove of “The Sky Is a Neighborhood.” “Arrows” has a bit of a surreal, psychedelic touch and the Beatles influence is strong again on the quirky pop song “Happy Ever After (Zero Hour.) “Sunday Rain” is a stand out song reminiscent of a great McCartney tune and featuring Sir Paul himself, no not on vocals but on drums. Throughout the record there is the Foo’s signature blend of melody with heavy choruses. Really no band does this better than Foo Fighters and “The Line” is a great example, just a perfect blend and a fun road trip type song. The title track closes things out with a heavier, dark feel to it reminding of a really ominous sounding Pink Floyd.
With “Concrete and Gold,” the Foo Fighters take their creativity to a higher level. At a time in their career where they could easily rest on their laurels, it’s fantastic to see the band continuing to push for more. The end result is an outstanding album and the next step in their musical journey.
