1. “Still” – What a soothing, hypnotic song to start a mellow, acoustic album with. This one has so many layers, I can’t believe it’s fat-free. The first 15 seconds sound like the sunrise. I actually feel warmer when I hear that intro. And the crazily-loud piano note at the beginning of the chorus practically breathes down your neck. The lyrics only help establish the idea that it’s a warm, surreal, and sunny day outside. Everything just seems to sit still. (Overall 10/10)
2. “What If I Do?” – Lord? What if I don’t? This song is very melancholy is its nature. It’s almost hard to hear what the actual melody is doing sometimes because the lyrics are by far the most up-front aspect of the whole tune—and for good reason. Questioning the possibility of rekindling that old fire means giving up a lot (and in Dave’s case, apparently “everything, just to find you”). (Overall: 9/10)
3. “Miracle” – This one will have to grow on you, but don’t worry, it will. This one is the quintessential “prom song” as done by a band you wouldn’t think of producing such a thing. Straightforward lyrics and a relatively simple melody line leave this song wide open to just be enjoyed. When Dave holds that last note after saying “And there ain’t no way I’ll let you take it away,” all you’ll wanna do is slow dance with that special someone and close your eyes. Go ahead… no one’s watching. (Overall: 8/10)
4. “Another Round” – The imagery of “we could just lay around” pops up more than twice in this album. Dave really sounds like he wants to just take things slowly and relax a little bit. This one has a slightly different preface, though. Yeah, he wants to go another round, but that first time wasn’t necessarily the most enjoyable (When she goes storming out / I run for cover)—yikes! Regardless, let’s make amends. How bout it? (Overall 8/10)
5. “Friend of a Friend” – You want some depth? Check this one out. Grohl said this was the first song he ever wrote (in 1991 at Kurt Cobain’s house). It sounds eerily similar to “Something in the Way”—Cobain’s autobiographical song about living under a leaking tarp underneath a city bridge (check out the acoustic version for the haunting cello that plays through it). “Friend of a Friend” seems too simplistic at first listen. You want more detail, but it never comes. This is not entirely a bad thing. All of a sudden, “he” becomes you in whatever situation you think of when you become entranced by this somber number. (Overall 9/10)
6. “Over and Out” – A simple riff played through most of the song keeps you interested as to what’s going to happen next. The chorus is certainly much more cheery, but still seems like something is missing. All is forgiven by the time the outro/2nd chorus hits. You catch the full ambience of this song and wonder if Dave is saying this whole thing over a CB radio. (Overall 8/10)
7. “On the Mend” – At first glance, it could just be about a breakup, but I think there’s more to it than that. I think this is about losing someone entirely. “Close your eyes and stay a while / But take me when you go / Single file we walk the miles / Wandering back home.” This last little bit of a verse sounds like Dave wants to go the crossroads with whomever he may have lost. He’s telling the person to “pay no mind, I’m doing fine / I’m breathing on my own” as if saying “I’m not the one people should be worrying about.” Then again, the whole thing could be a dream… (Overall 8/10)
8. “Virginia Moon” – Who knew Norah Jones and Dave Grohl would sound so kickass together? Quite simply, this song sounds like one giant “wish upon a star.” And the moon they’re talking about may not be the physical “hunk o’ cheese” moon. Nevertheless, this bossa-nova-fused piece is easily one of the best songs on both Disc 1 and 2. (Overall 10/10)
9. “Cold Day in the Sun” – Granted, Ringo never had the best voice in the world, but it was always a breath of fresh air when the Beatles let the drummer take a turn doing lead vocals every once in a while. The same applies to this song. That’s right, that’s Taylor Hawkins singing. And yes, that’s a bit of some “chorus” effect to help drown out possible vocal errors, but it works well with the song. The 12-string guitar intro reminds me of the mid 60’s hit “California Dreaming” by the Mamas and the Papas (I know that song doesn’t use a 12-string, so what?). On the whole, it would be fun to see Taylor do some more vocal work, but perhaps as a harmonizer to Dave’s leads. (Overall 8/10)
10. “Razor” – Wow. That was my first reaction when I heard this song. It was also my second, third, fifth and sixth (my fourth was “goddamn!”). You know you’ve got a great song to work with when you can strip it down to its core elements (vocals and whatever lead rhythm instrument is used) and the song still kicks ass. No doubt this song touches on the subject of suicide, but it’s not a depressing or sad look at it. In some twisted way, Dave is glorifying his “sweet and divine” razorblade. Whether or not razor is going to be used for its initial intentions is up in the air, until then, “we could spend a lifetime waiting here.” (Overall 11/10)
The only bad part about this disc is that it ends. At just over 43 minutes, you really want to hear more of what the Foo’s are capable of. Yeah these 10 help answer that inquiry, but I want more, more I say! Regardless, if the Foo’s do decide to do an acoustic portion during their setlist for this next tour, I will be well prepared with lighters.
Must Listen To: “Razor,” “Virginia Moon,” “Still,” and “Friend of a Friend”
Could’ve Done Without: “Uhh…?”
Overall: 10/10
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