365 – New Music Daily

Thank you, Dave Grohl, once again. This album had a lot leading up to it, and honestly I wasn’t sure if it would ever come out. I admire Dave Grohl greatly – not just for his musical ability but for being someone who views life in an incredibly positive, emotionally intelligent way, and has dealt with incredibly difficult situations throughout his life.

For those that are unaware, Dave Grohl has had some really difficult losses in his life – two of them being Kurt Cobain and his best friend Jimmy, both detailed in his fantastic autobiography that I will continue to plug. Towards the end of this book, Dave details his amazing friendship with then drummer Taylor Hawkins – who he discusses lovingly, admirably, and as someone he deeply loves. I immediately thought of the many losses Dave has already had and how much he loved Taylor when learning of his tragic death this past year. I thought of Dave again when his mother passed as well, that same summer.

After all of this, creating an album can be viewed in one of two ways (probably a lot more than two ways). Of course it’s something that seems like one of the least necessary things in the world – however it can also be viewed as a way to express emotions. This album is everything that it needed to be, could be, and more. It is an incredible sonic display as usual, on par with some of their best work, but it is also a raw, powerful outpouring of emotions from someone who has experienced two incredibly tragic losses back to back.

From the first song to the last, this album is Dave expressing grief, sadness, dealing with loss and the finality of death. The second song, Under You, will make anyone tear up. Dave talking about losing Taylor:

I woke up and walked a million miles today
I’ve been looking up and down for you
All this time it still feels just like yesterday
That I walked a million miles with you

Over it
Think I’m getting over it
But, there’s no getting over it

There are times that I need someone
There are times I feel like no one
Sometimes I just don’t know what to do
There are days I can’t remember
There are days that last forever
Someday I’ll come out from under you
Out from under you

Someone said I’ll never see your face again
Part of me just can’t believe it’s true
Pictures of us sharing songs and cigarettes
This is how I’ll always picture you

Over it
Think I’m getting over it
But, there’s no getting over it

Even if this isn’t your type of music it will move you. Sonically, it is inherently a bit more melancholy than a lot of the Foo Fighters albums – but also has all of the marks of a great rock album (even a Floyd like mid-song transition on Teacher). The album ends with an ode to his mother in “Rest” – ending it how it started with lyricism and musicality that allows you to really feel Dave’s emotions in dealing with her passing:

Waking up, bottom of an empty cup
Laying in your favorite clothes chosen just for you
Make you laugh, maybe I could make you laugh
Books of faded photographs, moments saved for you
Angel dust, tiny little paper cuts
Close my eyes and feel your touch, holding on to you

Rest, you can rest now
Rest, you will be safe now
Rest, you can rest now
Rest, you will be safe now

These raw lyrics and deliveries can be found throughout this masterpiece of an album. It is so difficult to make something like this, and fuck is it amazing. I seriously had goosebumps listening to this entire thing, the emotions that Dave feels are so tangible, real, raw, and powerful. One of the best albums I’ve heard all year and an incredible tribute to loved ones.

Favorite songs: Under You, But Here We Are, The Glass, Nothing At All, Show Me How, The Teacher, Rest