The tenth album of the "Foo Fighters" called "Medicine at Midnight" was released on February 5, 2021.
The album "Medicine at Midnight" marks the tenth release by the band "Foo Fighters," following their previous album "Concrete and Gold" in 2017.
After concluding the tour for "Concrete and Gold" in October 2018, the band announced a hiatus. However, drummer Taylor Hawkins revealed in August 2019 that Dave Grohl had already begun working on demos for their next album.
The official recording sessions commenced in October 2019, taking place in a large, old building from the 1940s. Greg Kurstin, who produced their previous album, took on the producer role again. BTW, during Hanukkah 2020 & 2021 & 2022, Grohl and Kurstin presented songs by Jewish artists.
Initially, the band intended to release the album around the "half-anniversary" of their formation, which was 25 years from their debut album. But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the release was delayed by almost a year. Grohl mentioned that some songs on the album were completed in just 45 minutes, while one track incorporated a riff that he had been working on since his time in Seattle, 25 years ago.
Undoubtedly, "Medicine at Midnight" represents a departure from the typical sound we associate with the Foo Fighters. The album is filled with vibrant energy, happiness, and infectious catchiness that gives it a lively and celebratory atmosphere. The opening rhythm of the theme song "Medicine at Midnight," which shares similarities with Michael Jackson's style, sets the tone for the entire album. The chorus of the opening track "Making a Fire" further exemplifies this new direction, showcasing the album's party-like and upbeat vibe. By listening to these examples, one can truly grasp the distinct and refreshing nature of this album, which stands out from the band's previous works.
This album also holds the record as the shortest studio album of the Foo's, with only 36 minutes of music.
Grohl aimed to create a "fun" album similar to David Bowie's "Let's Dance," making it stand out from their previous works. The album is more pop-oriented, and drum loops were utilized during the recording process, according to Taylor.
The first single, "Shame Shame," released on November 7, 2020, exemplifies the band's new direction, exploring uncharted musical territory. Bassist Nate Mendel revealed that the song originated from Dave's clicks, with the bass parts added later in the recording process. The single received immense popularity, amassing over five million views in under two months, indicating a positive response from their audience to their experimental approach and musical evolution.
On January 1, 2021, the band released the second single from the album titled "No Son of Mine." The song made a powerful impact, starting our year with a burst of energy, featuring a fast and intense riff. NME magazine likened the riff to a homage to "Stone Cold Crazy" by "Queen" and "Ace of Spades" by "Motorhead."
Continuing their promotion, the band performed "No Son of Mine" on the late-night show "Jimmy Kimmel Live" on January 14, 2021, showcasing their electrifying live performance to a broader audience.
On the same day, January 14, 2021, the band also performed another song on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," which happened to be the third single released from the album, titled "Waiting on a War." This particular track held special significance as it was released on Dave Grohl's 52nd birthday.
"Waiting on a War" was inspired by a heartfelt conversation Grohl had with his daughter, Harper Grohl, on their way back from school, during which she asked him if there would be a war. This emotional exchange moved Grohl to immediately pen the song. It stands out as an anti-war anthem and is predominantly accompanied by an acoustic guitar. In terms of both its sound and style, the track remains closest to the classic "Foo Fighters" sound compared to the other songs on the album, providing a familiar and nostalgic experience for longtime fans.
Indeed, the three singles, "Shame Shame," "No Son of Mine," and "Waiting on a War," offer a glimpse into the diverse musical styles present on the album. The band's willingness to explore new territories and evolve musically is evident in these tracks, and it seems to have been influenced, in part, by the celebration of their 25th anniversary.
However, some listeners may perceive that this desire to experiment and grow musically has resulted in the album feeling more like a collection of eclectic songs rather than a cohesive and uniform album. The songs may vary significantly in style, tone, and arrangement, making it challenging to find a consistent thread that ties them all together.
While this approach can be exciting and refreshing for those who appreciate the band's versatility, some fans may prefer a more cohesive and thematic approach to album creation, where the songs flow seamlessly into one another and contribute to a unified narrative or atmosphere.
Ultimately, whether this eclectic approach resonates with individual listeners depends on their personal preferences and expectations for a "Foo Fighters" album. Some may embrace the band's willingness to take risks and explore new directions, while others may long for a more traditional and cohesive album experience. In any case, "Medicine at Midnight" remains an intriguing chapter in the band's musical journey.
Listen to the album on: Spotify, Apple Music