I think most of us latch onto certain music during different periods of our lives - our teenage years especially. Most people can tell you the songs, albums and bands that meant a lot to them in that awkward time of their lives. For me it was Switchfoot’s “Legend of Chin”. It was unlike anything I had heard up until that point in Christian music. The majority of Christian music is positive and uplifting - and while there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, I feel there’s a definite need for more Christian music that acknowledges the pain, sadness and even doubt that we all deal with. After all, there is plenty of scripture in this vein, and it’s comforting to know that other people have gone through the same things we have. Switchfoot’s “The Legend of Chin” struck that chord with me at the time, all the while maintaining the threads of hope that are present in every Christian’s life. However, after that debut album in 1997, Switchfoot seemed to go in a different direction, and while they’ve still made good music since, they explored those themes less and less.

So when I popped in the new solo project of Switchfoot’s Jon Foreman, I was immediately hooked from the first song with the line “I’ve spent 10 years trying to sing these doubts away.” To my ears, it was a poetic return to form for Foreman. The lyrics on these two EPs are by far the most personal and mature I’ve heard from his writing with Switchfoot. They are the reflections of a man who is broken and weary, who is crying out to his Saviour. It’s very refreshing hearing such honest lyrics like this in Christian music.

I must warn you, most of the music is outright depressing. Nearly every song deals in some way with misery, apathy and brokenness. But the songs also acknowledge the hope that God brings us, and His ability to comfort and restore us. The final result is a unique offering that goes against both ultra-positive Christian music and the dismal secular music about these themes.

So far, two EPs- “Fall” and “Winter”- of his solo project have been released (”Spring” and “Summer” are being released accordingly). It’s no surprise that the music reflects the seasons for which the EPs are named. The instrumentation is sparse and mostly acoustic, with various instruments such as piano and clarinet weaving their way in and out of the songs. It’s very reminiscent of other exceptional singer/songwriters such as Nick Drake or Iron and Wine. While the lyrics are very much the highlight of the album, the music itself is pretty good as well and serves as a great compliment.

Jon Foreman’s “Fall and Winter” EPs are for sale together as one 2 CD set, or available individually for digital download. The “Spring” and “Summer” EPs are on their way, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what he creates within the context of the “happier” seasons.

4 out of 5
www.myspace.com/jonforeman