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The Beautiful Letdown (by Switchfoot, Christian Rock)

common sense media says

Christian rockers get (sort of) down.

parents & educators say
See all 11 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the preaching is subtle and the lyrics squeaky clean. You don't necessarily have to be a Christian to like Switchfoot, but it probably helps.

Positive messages: It depends on how you feel about religious testimony.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The Beautiful Letdown

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about their attitudes toward Christian music. Does it bother you when songs sound preachy? Has the band's skillful delivery of the message made it more palatable?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Face it, there's a lot of contemporary Christian music out there that's, well, kind of sappy. Just scan your car radio dial while driving around and you'll hear one sweetie-pie after another singing about Jesus with all her heart and soul -- which is fine, if you like overproduced saccharin ballads. But if you happen to love Jesus, yet hate middle-of-the-road pop, there are way fewer choices. Enter Switchfoot's THE BEAUTIFUL LETDOWN. On their fourth album, the band demonstrates greater confidence and better musical performances than ever before, with well-crafted and beautifully produced songs. There's the predictable message, of course, but it is presented with eloquence and charm, and doesn't hit you over the head.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Guitar-fueled rockers and intense power ballads show off the band members at their best, and interesting lyrics promote the idea that there's more to life than the superficial, and we are all important and have a purpose -- and that's a terrific message for anyone to hear. Bottom line: The Beautiful Letdown is beautiful, but by no means a letdown.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: June 22, 2004
Label: Sony Music
Genre: Christian Rock
This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 
 

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What parents & educators say

9

Most useful reviews by all members

bandgeek100
teen, 16 years old
 
Great!
I'm Christian, so I have high standards, and this albums meets them. SF doesn't preach their faith in their music, but it's reflected in the lack of language, violence, etc.
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CSM Screen ...
adult
 
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rphjem
parent of and 12 , 14 , 17 year old
9
 
I would classify Switchfoot as alternative and not Christian, although nothing in lyrics conflicts with a christian worldview. Music enjoyed by my teens that I love too. Their newest album "Hello Hurricane" is terrific too.
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Ariel9285
adult
 
Interesting Story
Teh topics that are discussed in the CD are of great and pivitol importance to the fundemental structure of a teen's descions. As a young Christian I found all of their CDs especially helpful and inspiring.
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JesseVitu
teen, 15 years old
9
 
Great Album
This album was my first experience with Swtichfoot, and I listened to it when I was about 9. I absolutely loved it. Now I am 15 and still am in love with their music. They have a great mix of rock, and other softer music. Lyrically, they are great. Songs like, "Meant to Live" show listeners more to this life, and our purpose, while another like, "Gone" has a more upbeat rythym, and gives a lesson on not wasting your life. Nothing inappropriate at all. Great for anyone over 8.
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Netbug009
adult
 
Deffinatly not a Letdown
It's always nice to have the praise music where somebody sings how great god is, but sometimes you just want some good music with christian values. Switchfoot isn't "Adding to the Noise" once again with their best CD so far. This one includes both Meant to Live and Dare you to move, which are two of their most popular songs. The other songs on this CD are also amazing, making this a great buy. If you havn't expiriences Switchfoot yet, make this your first CD.
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Dj15Bs
teen, 16 years old
 
Amazing Soundtrack!!!
I love Switchfoot!! They are a great band with a good message!!!!! Plus they Rock!!!!! Awesome Soundtrack!!!!!!!!!!!!
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tedlilly
adult
 
Mostly Boring
Not that great. It has some good songs like "Meant to Live," "Dare You to Move," but other than that is pretty average. Has some very annoying songs like "gone."
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catdog5555
teen, 18 years old
 
This cd is great !
I like this cd because it is great rock music without having the bad themes other music has overall great album!
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wowiamcool108
adult
 
Best Album Ever Made
This is simply put, my favorite album ever. and just so you know Switchfoot is NOT a Christian band. their messages do tend to to sync up with Christian teachings, but that does not make them a Christian band
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geckogirl
teen, 16 years old
2
 
On Fire is one of the many great songs off of this cd!
It's pretty good... a little more boring than other Switchfoot cds, but I love it just the same. On Fire is my favorite song off of it, it's a great song!
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