This review covers the alternative rock track Switchfoot – Dare You To Move.
This track was released in 2000 on the album Learning to Breathe.
The track starts with some guitar strumming. Main vocals then enter the track. A drum kit then enters the track.
After that, the vocals take the track into the main chorus. Lead guitars join the track almost immediately after. Towards the end, the lead guitars drop out, leading into an instrumental with strumming guitar.
From there, the vocals take the track into the next verse. Part way through, the lead guitars re-join the track. The vocals then take the track into the main chorus again. The vocals then extend the main chorus. Those lead guitars then drop out. A short instrumental section then makes an appearance.
The main vocals then return for another round in the main chorus. They are joined by the lead guitars. After this round, the lead guitars then lead the track out.
One thing I find interesting is the fact that the instrumental side of the track is cut into sections, but those transitions aren’t in the same places as when the vocals transition. A problem that a track can run into is that it would give the track a bit of a disorganized sound. This is because when transitions happen at different times, at minimum, it gives the track a fluid sound in the background. So, in order to make it work, those cuts have to be very strategically placed.
In this case, the track actually accomplishes this successfully. The transitions of the instrumental sections are timed with very specific lyrics. As a result, it doesn’t lose a whole lot of audible structure. It also gives the track a much more live sound to it. So, I thought this is quite well thought out.
The mix between acoustic strumming and lead guitars gives this track a very nice flow. They help give the track a nice louder, quieter, louder, quieter rhythm.
I also think the vocals are nicely done. They enunciated the lyrics sufficiently while at the same time offer some style at the same time. This can be a tricky balance to maintain because there is a risk of mumbling and slurring, but in this case, the vocals gets it right.
Overall, this is a very solid track. It has nice vocals and a great instrumental section to back them. It manages to cut the section in an interesting way to give the track a fluid and live feel to it while at the same time, losing very little structure. So, an overall very solid track.
Score
7.5/10
Drew Wilson on Twitter: @icecube85 and Facebook.
