The Colour and the Shape - Foo Fighters

Great guitar-heavy CD in Rock Band 2.

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Common Sense rates it

Heard the music?

Music details

Artist(s): Foo Fighters
Genre: Alternative Rock
Label: Roswell/Capitol
Parental Advisory: No
Edited Version: No
Release Date: 05/20/1997

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this album was first released in 1997 and is now being featured in the widely popular video game Rock Band 2. Cutting lyrics about relationships and a hard-rock sound are tempered by the band's ironic humor and simpler tracks, making the songs age-appropriate for teens.

Families can talk about how alternative rock has changed in the decade since this album was first released. Is alternative rock now mainstream rock? Is there a new alternative sound? Also do you think video games like Rock Band and Guitar Hero have played a critical role in introducing classic rock bands to a new generation of listeners? Do you think today's current music will be popular in 10 or 20 years as well?

Message
Violence
Sex
Language

Message

Social Behavior:

Some songs discuss a relationship breaking up. Other songs are more positive. "My Hero" celebrates ordinary people who are heroes.

Consumerism:

"Everlong" is being featured on the video game Rock Band 2.

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Violence

Sex

Although "My Poor Brain" includes the lyrics "Sometimes I feel I'm getting stuck/between the handshake and the f--k," there are very few sexual references.

Language

There are only a few instances where bad language is used. "Monkey Wrench" has the line "Into my head I still remember every single word you said and all the s--t that somehow came along with it."

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Jacqueline Rupp

Back in 1997, THE COLOUR AND THE SHAPE marked the debut of the band and was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rock Album. The collection of 13 songs is widely reported to be a concept album which documents the evolution and dissolution of a relationship.

Is it any good?

Allow the Foo Fighters to take you on an emotional roller coaster ride through the euphoric highs and depressing lows of relationships. It's a ride you won't want to get off. The band does an impeccable job of precisely balancing the album with hard rocking, punk-infused tracks and mellow sentimental ballads. There are plenty of popular standout tracks, including "Everlong," an adrenaline-stirring single that has definitely stood the test of time. Most of the other songs, such as "My Hero" and "Monkey Wrench," also sound current -- even by today's sometimes over-synthesized standards.