Foo Fighters - Wasting Light

I've not updated this blog with any of my writing or musings for over a year: I need to sort this! For me to do so, there is nothing better to be done than to write a mini rant expressing my undying love for Foo Fighters...

Wasting Light, released on the 11th April 2011, is Foo Fighters' 7th studio album and is nothing short of masterful. Their finest effort to date, it effortlessly oozes rock and roll, never deserting their roots and never selling out; they have achieved the ultimate status within the music world whilst always remaining true to themselves. Tracks like 'Back & Forth' and 'White Limo'could easily have featured on their self titled 1995 debut, whilst tracks like 'I Should Have Known' draw influence from early works of grunge band Alice In Chains; Dave's Nirvana roots shining through (Krist also makes a guest appearance for the first time on a Foos record, playing his thunderous bass on 'Miss The Misery').

With legendary vocalist Bob Mould (of Husker Du) providing goosebump inducing backing vocals on the thunderous track 'Dear Rosemary', you are left not far short of amazed at the musicianship that is visible on the album. Foo Fighters musical advancement in harmonic understanding and rhythmic complexity shine through, with their music undeniably able to appeal to people from all musical backgrounds. Dave Grohl's voice has evolved into a perfect rendition of its former self; his growl perfected and proudly proclaimed as he screams "I never wanna die!" in the closing track of the album that sends shivers down the spine as you believe with utter conviction every word he says.

What strikes me as the underlying theme throughout the entirety of the record is the passage of time; issues of great maturity that rarely surfaced in older works are humbly addressed in tracks like 'These Days' and 'Walk' as time undeniably catches up with the epic rock band after a series of unfortunate events ensuing in their three year break. Hawkins, the drummer, as is explained in their new feature length documentary 'Back & Forth', had a drug overdose, almost destroying the fragile remains of the band following their 2007 Wembly shows. Dave Grohl persued his drumming with Them Crooked Vultures alongside legendary ex-Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones and Queens of the Stone Age's vocalist Josh Homme. Taylor Hawkins played a stint of festivals following the release of his album with Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders. Everyone thought that might be the end for the Foos. It does however seem that, through musical accomplishments at least; Foo Fighters are back stronger than ever. Their music screams effortless cool whilst addressing issues that touch the souls of all those who listen.

Upon the millionth listen it has become clear to me that this is their finest effort to date. No other work of the Foo Fighters retains such undeniable class and cool throughout. Fantastic riffs a plenty, there is a song for everyone. More upbeat than their last record; 2007s Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace, Foo Fighters have produced an absolute corker. This is the album that people will talk about all summer. This is, in fact, the album that people will talk about in 20 years time. Foo Fighters have undeniably made the album of their career.