Ah sophomore albums... they usually have "disappointment" written all over them. The Colour and the Shape is probably one of the few successful sophomore albums to date. Unlike
Foo Fighters (self-titled),
The Colour and the Shape has the pain and struggle of divorce, and the guilt and pressure of being a Nirvana "spin-off."
The Colour and the Shape not only earned Dave Grohl a spot on the Billboard Charts, it earned him respect from loyal Nirvana fans.
The Colour and the Shape is full of explosive guitar riffs, storming drums, and thundering bass lines, but that's not what defines this album as "a classic." The overall mood of the album is of being innocent and afraid, and the ability to overcome those fears, no matter what they are. Here is the tracklisting.
Doll- As the "calm before the storm", it starts out with just Dave and an acoustic guitar. As Dave strums he whispers "I wish I never made this dare." And this means? Well, it could a lot of things. Most evident would be the dare of making a band of his own, and challenging himself. Very innocent, and sets the tone for the album. 5/5
Monkey Wrench- Just like that, guitars speed through like a bull in a china shop. The power chords and palm mutes, the screaming vocals, the professing of self respect. A Foo Fighters' classic. 5/5
Hey, Johnny Park!- Very strange song, the vocals are very bluesy. Another song where Dave Grohl questions whether or not he's made the right decision. Relaxing, yet fun song. 4/5
My Poor Brain- I love this song. Most people consider this song the worst on the album. VERY underrated It's a hard listen, especially with the noise in the beginning. If you try and listen to the lyrics, they are very self-explanatory: "Sometimes I feel getting, between the hand shake and the ***!". I like how the verse transcends into the chorus. 5/5
Wind Up- I do agree, this song is not that good. Probably my least favorite on the album. Very AC/DC like guitar riffs. It seems like he tries to hard on this track. Nonetheless, a decent track. 3/5
Up In Arms- Fan favorite. Played at concerts, an excellent song. Starts off with a slow drum beat with mild electric guitar, and bursts into a soaring heavy chorus. Can be considered the "ballad" of the album. 5/5
My Hero- The third single of the album, very popular song. I used to think it was overplayed but I've really grown on it, or it's grown on me. Very good drums, and cool bass lines, guaranteed a listen. Dave's vocals are also very gloomy in the verses. One of the best on the album. 5/5
See You- Very underrated. One of my favorites, a strictly acoustic song like no other. I don't think Dave did a song like this before. Very offbeat, but it makes the song original and unique. I love the claps inbetween verse/chorus. 4/5
Enough Space- Probably the hardest song on the album. Doesn't really do much for me. The bass lines are the best part. The weakest part is the lyrics, they don't really signify anything. Very cool transitions. 3/5
February Stars- The tearjerker. Beautiful song. Makes me cry everytime, well not really. Hey, I'm a guy! ;-). Anyway, beautiful guitar that plays through the entire song. The tension is really in the climax as Dave yells "February Stars.." 5/5
Everlong- When I first heard this song as a kid, I experienced pure euphoria. The second single off the album, amazing song. Begins with a repeating guitar riff that sends chills down your back. Pure sublime, probably my favorite song off the album, if not ever. Dave Grohl puts all of his energy into this song. 5/5
Walking After You- I love this song. 4th song off the album. However, the single version is no where as good. This version is slower, and more relazed. Gives off a certain vibe with the dual acoustic guitars. Beautiful love song with catchy lyrics. 5/5
New Way Home- Not a big fan of this song. The lyrics are very meaningful, showing a more happy side of Grohl. Releases all of the anxiety onto this track. As he sings "I felt like on my way home, I'm not scared!!!!!", you feel his emotions build, and spray into the ears of the audience. Dave shows courage, and that he can overcome his fears. 4/5
Excellent album. Underrated, ignored, looked down upon. This album is more than "average," it's one of the best albums in the 90's. Recommended? Hell yes.
