seasons

The other day, I got to talking to koosters about the impact of the season EPs that Jon Foreman has been releasing throughout the year. So far, there’s been Fall, Winter, and Spring, and both of us are anticipating Summer with great excitement.

The EPs have been made available through iTunes, and through popular demand, the Fall/Winter EPs were released as one album. Both koosters and I have been listening to them from the beginning, and as we talked about the sheer awesomeness of these songs, I realize how important they have been to my spiritual walk throughout this year (and the latter chunk of 2007). The beauty of these EPs is in their simple musical arrangements...they are a wonderful contrast to the “normal” switchfoot sound – no crazy experimentation with noise, no energetic build-ups of brass/drums, no catchy electric guitar riffs. if you love the more reflective side to switchfoot’s music (epitomized by ‘on fire’ or ‘24’, amongst many), you will indeed love these EPs. Jon's voice sounds more heartbreaking and vulnerable than ever...(I would take him over Damien Rice any day!) , and yet also reach some awe-inspiring highs that will give you definite goosebumps (exemplified in fall’s ‘the cure for pain’). The arrangements are bare – many times, it’s just Jon and his acoustic guitar, some haunting background vocals, and gorgeous cello work. In these EPs, he’s also found room for some forgotten instruments in the rock world – oboes, trombones, alto saxes....and it’s all just enough magic and melancholy to make you want to keep listening on, and on, and on...

At the heart of it, it’s Jon’s lyricism that’s always impressed me. It’s terribly hard to find thoughtful Christian music, and I never feel like he’s dumbing down his thoughts/reflections. He so openly discusses his struggles with God in song, and it is almost like spying on someone’s prayers (I’m really trying to explain this in the least creepy way possible). The music he’s written have been a source of great comfort during times of sorrow, and also a great grounding device when I have become too occupied with the world’s concerns and forgotten about what God cares about.

From the Spring EP – Your love is strong

Heavenly Father, You always amaze me
Let your kingdom come in my world and in my life
You give me the food I need to live through the day
And forgive me as I forgive the people that wronged me
Lead me far from temptation, deliver me from the evil one

I look out the window, the birds are composing
Not a note is out of tune or out of place
I look at the meadow and stare at the flowers
Better dressed than any girl on her wedding day

So why do I worry?
Why do I freak out?
God knows what I need
You know what I need

Your love is,
Your love is,
Your love is strong

The kingdom of the heavens is now advancing
Invade my heart, invade this broken town
The kingdom of the heavens is buried treasure
Will you sell yourself to buy the one you've found?

Two things you told me
That you are strong and you love me
Yes, you love me

Your love is,
Your love is,
Your love is strong