Foo Fighters

One by One (2002)

RipperWalk

Following their commercially successful third album, There is Nothing Left to Lose, Dave Grohl and company suited up after a lengthy 2001 tour, to create one of the best albums of the year. Gleaming in the shadows of rock immortality, the Foo's have created an absolute classic, with no slowing down in sight.

The Foo's previous three albums contained many songs that we all found ourselves humming at work, in the car or in class. Irresistable songs like: Monkey Wrench, Big Me, Everlong and Learn to Fly.

Well, we can't hum anymore, we have to scream.

Amidst a drinking problem with their drummer Taylor (I used to play drums for Alanis Morrisette) Hawkins, Chris Shiflett's departure to attend Me First and the Gimme Gimme shows, Nate Mendel's search for a cure for AIDS, and Dave's stint in QOTSA, the Foo's still found time in Dave's basement that seems to put an end to the "rock is dead" comments.

Dave grows from a mild-mannered rock singer to a wild, throat ripping screamer within a just few notes while the band keeps on.

The lyrics show vulnerability and have a taste of self-doubt hidden between the screams of the guitars and the thunder of drums.

"Down and out again/but I'm down and out with you."

Almost romantic at times with songs like Disenchanted Lullaby, which just cries out to be a lost song from the Frank Black or Neil Young catelogs.
The first classic rock album since the 70's. Take your lighters out, sing every word, breathe every note.
Their songs are stronger and better than ever before. Dave is finally growing up, in his own special way.

This album shows a lot of stuggle and confession in it's lyrics, but they make it certain that the Foo's will be around for a long time and they haven't yet begun to amaze you. They have nothing left to lose.

It's not quite grunge anymore, its better.
Mixing great production with intelligent lyrics and crunching guitars, One by One takes every other album released this year, kicks their ass from behind, and then they turn around, never knowing who did it.

"Done, done, and I'm on to the next one."