For some people, change isn’t something preferred. For others, its welcomed. And for most it just happens. Personally, change just confuses me. It’s not easy trying to decide between what was and what is, especially when there is the thought of what will be. But I’ve come to learn, with the wisdom of a 15 year old, mind you, that you have to just let it be. Changes will happen, whether its as subtle as a change in brands of toilet paper, or as chaotic as moving houses. There will come times when you aren’t okay with changes, but if you don’t want to crash and burn and ruin your life sulking, you will have to learn to accept it.

One of my most frequent struggles with my friend change is dealing with music. Many of my childhood bands have succumbed to the new age music era, and its quite an internal war to listen to them. As of January 14th, Switchfoot is included in this chaotic conflict. With that day came the release of their new album, Fading West.  Now, I’m not saying its bad. It isn’t possible for Switchfoot to be bad, it is as impossible as having consistent weather around here. But its different.

Instead of their normal edgy alternative rock sound, they altered their style to a more encouraging, airy sound. Their new album features Jon Foreman as the lead singer with his normal band set up behind him.  While their lyrics are still original and ingenious, they have changed dramatically. Instead of telling stories with messages, they just send messages. And the messages are easier to interpret than before due to repetitive phrases. Lyrics aren’t the only new thing to adjust yourself to in this album.

Foreman exchanged his gruff, hard voice for a similar flighty auto-tuned voice. He’s still one of the best vocalists I have ever come to know, but I have to admit that I miss his old style. Whether he meant to or not his voice mixed with the bands sound is hard to discern from today’s hottest hits. Except it’s Switchfoot so they are still better. Judging on previous albums and the time period they were published in, Switchfoot isn’t a band that tries to fit in. The similarities in sounds must be coincidental.

Along with the lyrical and overall sound changes, the album’s inclusive song Who We Are features a singing group of children. I know some people might find this cute or inspiring, but frankly I find it downright horrifying. I just envision little ghosts swooping around me in the dark or something.

Although their style has changed somewhat, it doesn’t have a bad sound. In fact, the music is easy and calming to listen to. It lifts your spirits and clears your mind, giving you a hope that can normally only be found at the beginning of a summer. The melodies along with the lyrics work together to inspire and set your thoughts free. So all you Switchfoot fans out there, don’t be put off by the changes, embrace them.  This album isn’t killing the old Switchfoot, its the birth of new one.