Album A Day: Foo Fighters – There Is Nothing Left to Lose

Artist: Foo Fighters
Album: There Is Nothing Left to Lose
Release Date: November 2, 1999

When critics of the Foo Fighters make the argument that the band peaked with 1997’s The Colour and the Shape, and that everything since has been the result of them “selling out”, they tend to cite the sudden shift toward melodic pop rock on this album. Even though I thoroughly disagree with the sellout claims, the fact that There Is Nothing Left to Lose tests the definition of rock n’ roll does present a valid point. The third album by the Foo Fighters is an anomaly in the grand scheme of their catalog. It doesn’t rock nearly as hard as other albums, with the notable exception of “Stacked Actors”. But even that track has a more subdued roar to it. Instead, There Is Nothing Left to Lose is all about melody and hook. In that regard its a fairly effective album; every track has its own distinct sound and tune that’s different from the one preceding it. That sounds like a statement of the obvious at worst and at best faint praise, but in a time when mainstream rock seeks to emulate itself, it’s actually a strength on this album. Certainly, the diminished fire of There is Nothing Left to Lose is a turn-off for the Foo Fighters fans who were attracted to Dave Grohls gravely shout and Nirvana-leaning attitude. But with the help of single “Learn to Fly” and its flat-out goofy video prove that its still the same old Foo Fighters.

All in all this is a decent album, but I share the usual complaints folks have about this album, that it just feels lackluster in comparison with what came before it and with what follows it. Certain tracks, namely “Learn to Fly” and “Next Year” (extra credit for the reader who names the TV show that used this as its theme) shine, but in large part this record doesn’t live up to its predecessors.

Foo Fighters – Learn to Fly [iTunes] (YSI)

==TJ==