Album Review: Fading West by Switchfoot

BREAKING NEWS: The best album of 2014 has released. And only two weeks into the new year! Well, that is actually just my humble opinion and it isn't only because they are my favorite band and I have been waiting for this album for over 2 years. In their 8th studio project, Switchfoot once again reaches new heights and has songs that you will hear everyone at the concert singing along to. I describe their music as "Surfer Indie Rock," which is exactly what it is. I found out about this movie/cd combination in June of 2012 when I went to their concert and there were cameras and Jon said "Tonight we are recording a movie called 'Fading West.'" About a year and a half after it, the soundtrack that accompanies the movie is released. Coming off the best 2 albums of their career ("Hello Hurricane and "Vice Verses"), they had a lot to hold up to. They didn't want to just write "another 3-minute pop song." They wanted to reach new heights and I believe they did that and then some. The 11 songs on the album not only reflect their journey as a band, but their memories of being one of America's most popular bands that travel the world for a living. Ladies and Gentleman, I give you "Fading West."

The album's lead-off track is one of the best I have ever heard. "Love Alone Is Worth the Fight" is about how love is such a touchy subject these days. The title says it all. Love is one of the few things that is truly worth fighting for. That's what the band has always focused on. Jon Foreman, rhythm guitarist, lead singer and main songwriter for the band, has always written about probably every kind of love that their is. The band is so successful because they are full of love. "Who We Are," the album's lead single and is the most personal song about the band's journey on the record. At the beginning of their career, they were told a lot that they would never make it far, which is what made them so popular. They even state that the band has came farther than they ever expected.

"When We Come Alive" is basically Jon reflecting on how surprised and excited he is that Switchfoot became so popular. He even states in the film that he never in a million years thought they would release eight full-length studio albums. When they come alive, they light the sky. Being a musician is one of the hardest careers out there, since you are away from your family for most of the year. The fourth track on the album, "Say It Like You Mean It," is my favorite. I love the beginning bass riff. This is the song about people criticizing the band and saying that they would never make it. They didn't believe those words, even if the person saying it said it like they meant it. They took those words and never gave up. In fact, they turned it into eight full length albums.

"The World You Want" features a little snippet of them singing in Bali. The song has very similar lyrics as their 2004 hit "This Is Your Life." Everyday that you live, you make the world that you are living in. Your choices, your actions make the world around you. Who you choose as friends, what you do, etc. For Switchfoot, their music makes their world and if I were them, I would enjoy every minute of it. "Slipping Away" is another reflection of Jon's of how all of Switchfoot's success feels like a dream. He never quit and he and Switchfoot deserves every bit of success they have gotten. They have gone through hell, but survived because of their perseverance.

"BA55" is the longest song on the album, yet has the least lyrics. It's almost like a worship song. In the song, Jon writes on how he wants and believes that God is the fire that can burn him clean of all his mistakes. He is telling God to take his soul in the song because, without God, they would be nowhere near where they are today. "Let It Out" is another one of my favorites on the album. When Switchfoot first started out, all their members were in high school. They were really scared to sing in front of everyone and were scared that they would never be successful. They then realized that life is short and sometimes you got to step out of your comfort zone if you want to be a successful person in life.

"All Or Nothing At All" is basically Jon's song to Switchfoot's fans. They are the reason they kept fighting. It is probably what he told himself even in Switchfoot's darkest times. He wants to have it all or nothing. If you have nothing, then whatever are you going to ever make of yourself? Being from a city that is an ocean city and spending most of their off time in the ocean, there was no doubt you would hear one or two songs that relate to water. "Saltwater Heart" is just that. This is Swichfoot's song to their home city and state of San Diego (where I was also born and lived in for a total of about 10 years of my life). It is the city where all their career started and it will most likely be the place of their final concert (God forbid that ever happens though). "Back To the Beginning" is the perfect way to end the album. First of all, because i will go back to the beginning of the album several times over. But it reflects on, again, how successful they have become. Sometimes Jon wants to just go back to the beginning of the band's career and trying to remember how it felt.

Well, this album makes me completely speechless. It is so good and is perfect in so many ways. I mean, it's Switchfoot for Pete's sake. Like most of Switchfoot's albums, "Fading West" has such a summery sound. That being said, even though I listen to them year-round, Switchfoot is always perfect in the middle of July on the way to the beach. That is very true, considering all of the band members are just about on the professional level of surfing. I can say one thing to you, if you like indie or Switchfoot, you will not be disappointed. They just keep getting better with every release. Cheers to the best album of 2014.

Rating: 10 out of 10

Purchase Links: iTunes, Amazon MP3

Top 3 Songs: "When We Come Alive," "Let It Go," "Say It Like You Mean It"

For Fans Of: They are Switchfoot. If you are reading this, you probably know who they are. If you don't, go listen and fall in love.

My 5 Favorite Tiffany Alvord Covers

Well hello y'all! Two posts in one week? I absolutely had to. So, I have been listening to Tiffany Alvord for about four years now. She is one of my favorite artists because I love how she puts her own spin on popular songs. She has become a big reason why I started writing songs. I also think she is one of the prettiest girls alive, but that doesn't relate to this lol. Let me say, though, I do love a good cover so its awesome that she does it all herself. She isn't signed to any record label, so she does most of it herself. If you can work hard like her, I promise you will achieve your dreams. So here, I'm honoring her with my five favorite covers of all time. And why I like them so much.

5. Blurred Lines
I LOVE her remake of the original song. I honestly think she did it A LOT better than #THICKE. #TIFFANY for life.




4. Kissed You (Goodnight)
Tiffany is actually the reason I found this song in the first place. Its one of my favorite country ballads of all time and I love her pop version of it.



3. Both of Us
Okay. I like girls that can sing. But if you can rap AND sing. That is so awesome. Its called talent because not many girls can do both.



2. Sweeter Than Fiction
Want me to be honest here? She did better than Taylor. I love Taylor and I love this song, but Tiffany just remade it in a way that was just pure perfection



1. It's A Small World
I thought this song was corny by itself. But holy crap, Tiffany. MAD props to her for making a corny song sound cool. Which has honestly never ever been done till this.

Runner-Up: Kiss You
I DID not plan on a runner up, but I forgot how amazing this one was. Better than 1D for sure.





So there you have it! My 5 fave Tiffany covers. What are yours? Comment below :)

Until Next Time, Alex

My Top 5 Moments of 2013

Hey guys! I'm just saying that cause idk if people even read this lol. Well sorry I slacked last week. Was busy with Christmas and all haha. Well tomorrow is the final day of 2013. How is that even possible? This was the best year of my life and I just wish I could relive it over and over. I graduated High School and started college. Stuff like that so in this post I'm gonna list my top 5 moments from 2013 so be ready...

5. Meeting Mac Powell (Lead Singer of Third Day)

Yes, I did not get to talk to him much, but he is one of the nicest and most collected people I have ever met. On stage or listening to his music you would never guess, but in the 30 seconds I got to talk to him, he seemed quiet and shy haha. I've actually met a lot of artists that are like this. They are crazy and fun while performing live, but when you talk to them in person, they are quiet. In my opinion, its better that way because they aren't all braggy about how popular they are. I like that.

4. Getting My First Tattoo

Well, let me tell you, I wanted to get one this year, but honestly never thought I would get one. The ONLY reason I have one is because I won a $100 gift card from Devoted Ink in Temecula, California and I think I will go there whenever I have money for a second tat. They did an amazing job and their rates are pretty good. If you live in the Lake Elsinore area, I HIGHLY suggest going their. Rob and Matt are the two tattooists there and I linked to the site so you can see some of their work. They even just hired a new piercer if you want any new piercings.

3. Working At the Fair

Let me say, it was so fun to work at a fair and is truly a unique experience and I think everyone should try it out because, not only is it fun, it is also a really good place to gain work experience. One of my favorite parts about working there was (of course knowing me) was meeting new friends. Most of the people I worked around were really cool people and I loved having conversations with them. The other awesome part about working there was all the bands/artists I got to see live. Which leads right into the next favorite part of 2013.

2. Seeing Train Live

 Now this was always one of my dreams and when I found out that I could do it for only $19, I couldn't refuse. I'm glad I paid that money because these days, you really can't see a mainstream artist for that much, and I was pretty close for that cheap. AND it was the best band I have ever seen live, so it was just perfect, considering they also played a 2-hour set, including some old favorites like "Meet Virginia" and my personal favorite "Drops of Jupiter." I highly suggest seeing them live if you ever get a chance.

1. GradNite at Disneyland

Ever since I found out Disneyland did this (which was about 7th grade) I have looked forward to it. Back then, I would have never guessed that I would be going to it with a bunch of people I never met until that actual night. And never did I think that I would have the best night of my life with them either. There were dance parties (which I loved), exclusive merch, exclusive World of Color, etc. It was all amazing. One of my favorite parts was getting to know all of them and going on all the rides with them. Another awesome part was ending the night at Ihop and getting Tiramisu pancakes.

2013 was the best year of my life and those 5 favorite parts doesn't even shed a light on how awesome a year it was. God put made it such an awesome year because He felt it was a good time for me to have a good year, and I'm glad. I made more friends than I thought possible too, which was really humbling. I hope you all had a good 2013, too and may God bless your 2014.

Until Next Time, Alex

I Love Songs About Sex

Well good Tuesday morning guys! I literally have been on Christmas break for about 20 minutes as I am writing this. Well I have finally kept to my promise and am doing a weekly post. I just came up with this idea a couple days ago when I was listening to Switchfoot and Lecrae. You are probably wondering how does sex have ANYTHING to do with Christian music? Well it does! Read on and I will tell you.

Premarital sex just keeps rising rates. I was in the class of 2013 and out of all of the 2013 graduates from High School in America, there were only 23% that were virgins. I'm glad to say I was part of 23%. I think it is just sad that God created sex for marriage and less than a quarter of my fellow graduates in June have never had sex. (I got the 23% from mtvU if you're wondering.) I don't even wanna know how much of the 77% are pregnant. It makes me sick to even think about this. Well, let me tell you how all of this relates to Christian music.

I have noticed that more and more "Christian" artists are singing about sex. But, they are singing AGAINST it. Well, they aren't against it. They are just against it before you get married. One of my favorite Switchfoot songs is called "Easier Than Love." In the song, they sing about how sex has become so public. Sex is the world's next "drug" is what they are relating to. They call it a monster. In the song, they are also talking about having a girlfriend and she is "easier than love" because people really only "fall in love" to have sex these days. It is such a monster anymore. Its getting almost frightening.

Lemme take a little break to tell you all that I'm not trying to degrade anyone that has had sex, God will forgive you. That doesn't mean go on and keep doing with with your boyfriend/girlfriend, cuz that just ticks God off. He gives you mercy and then you throw it away by doing exactly what He forgave you for two days ago. Sex is the new drug, it is addicting because it feels so good (from what I have heard). It's just like smoking a cigarette. It's not illegal, unless you are under 18. Except smoking isn't really a sin. But you get diseases from both, so that is where I'm getting at. If you have sex (no matter if it is with a condom or not) you are at high risk to get really bad diseases that will stick with you for the rest of your life and their is no cure. Okay, time to get back on track

Jon Foreman (of Switchfoot and Fiction Family) has written a few songs about how sex has become a monster and so publicized. I mean, you can see girls posting on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram with a picture of her and her pregnancy test with a caption that might look something like: "OMG YES! I'M GONNA BE A MOMMY. #BabyInMyTummy #ImGonnaAMommy." It is scary. Because of MTV, girls are trying to become pregnant to be on TV (16 and Pregnant). That where Jon gets at with his songwriting. He is just as scared as any Christian should be for this country. Along with Lecrae. His song "Hallelujah" talks about his old life and how he used to sleep with a different woman every night. But now, he uses his talent of rapping to sing how God has saved his life. Which is amazing because it is hard to comeback from a life of hell.

In conclusion, sex is not bad. Sex is a very beautiful thing created by God for marriage. Not saying you can't be forgiven if you have. God is the most forgiving being I know. He is the Holy Spirit. He has seen worse hell than you and your partner naked on a bed. Trust me. As long as you don't keep going back, He will forgive you. They say it only takes 3 weeks to stop an addiction. If that doesn't help, then it is time to call your relationship over. God loves everyone who reads this :) And so do I :)

Until Next Time,
Alex

Why Am I So Obsessed With Switchfoot?

Why am I so obsessed with Switchfoot? Why are they even my favorite band when I used to hate them (not even kidding)? I sometimes ask myself the same questions. In fact, it is probably every day that I ask myself that. They are the only band that I listen to on a daily basis. Is it that Surfer Indie Rock that I like? Well that is part of it. I did get my heart broken at the first concert I saw with them. That is maybe a huge reason why they are my favorite. Even though I was never in the relationship, it broke my heart what the girl said to me (which I will not say what). Yes, I was heartbroken but I'm just thinking I CANNOT enjoy a concert if I'm just going to be depressed the whole time. So I just put the depression off and after the concert, I never really felt sad or depressed. Was it their music that helped me? Probably so. Not saying I never went into it (because I was depressed from about a few days later until about September). But that is not the point here. I liked them since "Stars" was released but never in a million years did I think they would be my favorite, considering I was into harder rock at the time. They are one of the bands that God put in my life to help me get out of the slump I was in. I will say it did suck, though. But you know what I did? I listened to Switchfoot every day of my depression. My youth pastor (who, at the time, I haven't talked to in at least 2 years) Saw my posts on Facebook and, being a former youth pastor, sensed something was wrong. So, amazingly enough, he still had my number and asked if he could call me up. Of course, I agreed. He was the one person, besides my family, that I can still talk too and get Godly advice from, which is just awesome knowing that. We were on the phone for about an hour and we talked about just about anything we could. Even though he called me at the beginning stages of my depression, and I never felt better until a couple month later, he texted me and checked up to make sure I was getting better. That helped. But once again, I am off subject lol. 

Switchfoot came into my life when I was just 10 years old (I turn 20 next year). Most of the time, I didn't like their music. But something changed the night I first saw them live. They got my mind off of things for a couple hours. My two favorite songs by them are "The War Inside" and "Souvenirs." Why? Because I relate to those songs. More recently, I love their new single "Love Alone Is Worth the Fight." It is from their upcoming January 14th, 2014 release "Fading West." That song has such a powerful message and has such amazing lyrics, which is probably a reason Jon Foreman is the reason I started writing lyrics. I have written lyrics about God, girls and life. Which is what all of SF's songs are about. I one day dream to write a song with Jon Foreman, because not only is he the front-man of my favorite band, he is also my hero and favorite songwriter. So thanks boys, for being with me in spirit and in song over the past year with my battle with depression. Can't wait till June to see you live again at the annual show at the SD Fair! See you then guys :)

Until Next Time,
Alex Vanderspek

Happy Thanksgiving! :)

Well hello guys! Haven't done a post like this in awhile. Well Thanksgiving is in just two short days! You know one of the reasons I like it is you can eat as much as you want and no one judges you hahaha. Its hard to work off all those calories, but luckily, I'm going to Disneyland all day the next day, so since I will be walking most of the day, It will be easy to work off. Well, that isn't the only reason I love thanksgiving. The main reason I love it is you are with friends and family and you go around and say what you're thankful for. If I said everything I'm thankful for, I don't think this blog post would ever be done. Some of the biggest things are God, my family, and my friends. I wouldn't be here without God, so that's a given haha. My family are the only people who will love me forever, and my friends (even though I only have a few) I'm thankful for, also. I guess what I'm trying to tell all of you is, if you don't feel like anything anything in your life is positive, cause God is here. He will give you a life like you have never imagined and if you haven't discovered that yet, I suggest doing it soon, cause not even Jesus knows when he is coming back. It might be right now, or it could be in another million years. So just know He is always there if you need someone to talk to. He has gotten me through so much crap in my life. Whether this post touches one or a million life, I want it to be an impact. Share this with a friend who seems like they are down, cuz with my and God's help, you may save a life. I'll leave you with a verse from the Bible:

Give thanks to the LORD for His love endures forever
   - 1 Chronicles 16:34, NLT

God bless you on this Thanksgiving holiday,

Alex

Top 20 Songs of 2013

Normally, I don't do this this early but all the huge award shows are happening so why the heck not? Well, in my opinion, these are the best songs released from November 2012-November 2013. Tell me if I miss any, but these are my faves, what are yours?

20.) Heart of Dixie - Danielle Bradbery
19.) Never Never - Korn
18.) Dead American - Anberlin
17.) Same Disease - RED
16.) That's My Kinda Night - Luke Bryan
15.) This is How We Do - Katy Perry
14.) Something Better - Flyleaf featuring Sonny of P.O.D.
13.) Tennis Court - Lorde
12.) Empty - Love & Death
11.) Bright - Echosmith
10.) Young Volcanoes - Fall Out Boy
9.) Suit & Tie - Justin Timberlake
8.) Wrecking Ball - Miley Cyrus
7.) Ain't It Fun - Paramore
6.) What I Believe - Skillet
5.) Stay the Night - Zedd featuring Hayley Williams of Paramore
4.) Up In The Air - 30 SECONDS TO MARS
3.) Love Alone Is Worth the Fight - Switchfoot
2.) Complicate You - Thousand Foot Krutch
1.) Bonfire - Building 429

5 Honorable Mentions:
5.) I'm Turnt - Lecrae
4.) Boys 'Round Here - Blake Shelton featuring Pistol Annies & friends
3.) Living For The Other Side - Capital Kings featuring Royal Tailor
2.) Wake Me Up - Avicii
1.) It's You - Duck Sauce

That's the top 20 of 2013, in my opinion. What are you're favorite songs from this year? Leave your answers in the comments :)

Below is a playlist for the songs :) Take a listen. WARNING: Contains Explicit Content