Foo Fighter’s release 10th album “Medicine at Midnight”

Foo Fighters had a creative idea for the release of their new album to mark their 25th anniversary. Dave Grohl, ever sentimental, came up with the plan to have their U.S. tour follow the same route as their very first tour, using an old Dodge van. In fact, Grohl was so attached to the van's sentimental value that he repurchased it in recent years. It's a cool piece of Foo Fighters' history, although it might pose a challenge to fit it inside a Hard Rock Café. The story evokes a sense of romance, imagining the band, all piled up in a van, making memories together.

However, due to the current circumstances, this nostalgic journey couldn't come to fruition. Much like Weezer, who postponed the release of their album "Van Weezer" until they could perform live in stadiums, Foo Fighters also had to adapt their grand plans for "Medicine At Midnight." Instead, they had to make do with releasing their album during a time when large gatherings and concerts were not possible, leading to a change in their original release schedule.

For Dave Grohl, the stage is where Foo Fighters truly make the most sense, and it's where they feel most alive. However, with no stages available during the pandemic, they had to adapt to the situation and find alternative ways to connect with their fans. Despite the disappointment of not being able to execute their initial ideas, they understand that the circumstances require flexibility and creative solutions.

In some aspects, experiencing "Medicine At Midnight" at home rather than in a football stadium has its advantages, especially when it comes to immersing oneself in the material. Despite the band's talk of old tours, being onstage, and their identity as a "garage band" playing massive shows, the songs on this album might not be the most immediate ones Foo Fighters have ever written. The high-octane energy found in tracks like "Monkey Wrench" or "All My Life" is not as prevalent in this release. Additionally, the band's penchant for heavy music, which often adds an explosive element to their live performances, isn't as pronounced in these songs.

However, this doesn't necessarily detract from the album's appeal. The more nuanced and restrained approach on "Medicine At Midnight" allows for a different kind of connection with the material. Listening in a more intimate setting may enable fans to appreciate the subtle nuances, songwriting intricacies, and underlying emotions woven into the music.

While it might not be the Foo Fighters' typical high-energy rock record, "Medicine At Midnight" presents a different facet of the band's musical identity, showcasing their ability to evolve and explore different sonic landscapes. This change of pace may not be what fans initially expected, but it offers a fresh perspective on the Foo Fighters' versatility as musicians.

Absolutely, you've captured the essence of "Medicine At Midnight" and its nostalgic vibe perfectly. While the album does evoke a sense of nostalgia, it takes listeners on a journey reminiscent of the great American radio-rock of the '70s and '80s, drawing inspiration from artists like Peter Frampton and The Eagles. This unexpected direction may surprise some fans, but it showcases Foo Fighters' versatility and willingness to explore different musical territories.

Songs like "Making A Fire" exhibit a groovy Aerosmith-like feel, while "Shame Shame" adopts a loose and jammed atmosphere, building around a finger-clicking beat that gradually swells into a captivating chorus. The title track, "Medicine At Midnight," exudes a sense of understated sharpness, reminiscent of David Bowie's work on his comeback album "The Next Day." "Chasing Birds" takes a laid-back and strummy cool approach, further diversifying the album's musical landscape.

Though the tempo picks up in tracks like "No Son Of Mine," "Holding Poison," and "Cloudspotter," the album remains in control, avoiding anything excessively rowdy or boisterous. Instead, "Medicine At Midnight" showcases Foo Fighters as a simply, fundamentally good band, highlighting Dave Grohl's exceptional skill with tunes and melodies.

While it may not be entirely stripped back, the album's less hectic nature allows the individual elements of each track to shine with sharper focus. This results in a cohesive and well-crafted album, which demonstrates Foo Fighters' ability to venture beyond their traditional sound while maintaining their signature style and musical excellence.

You've beautifully expressed the silver lining of the current situation surrounding the release of "Medicine At Midnight" and the uncertainty of live performances. Despite the setback and not knowing when live shows will resume, it doesn't diminish the value of the album and the joy it brings to listeners right now.

Instead of dwelling on the missed chance to experience these songs live, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to fully immerse ourselves in the music and appreciate its essence at this moment. "Medicine At Midnight" allows us to savor the songs and find joy in them, even in the absence of live performances. Dave Grohl's sentiment aligns with this perspective, recognizing that sharing the music with fans, even in the current circumstances, is a meaningful and worthwhile endeavor.

In these challenging times, the album provides a source of comfort, connection, and positivity. By living with the music and embracing its melodies, we can experience some of the joy and energy that Foo Fighters have poured into "Medicine At Midnight." So, while we eagerly await the return of live concerts, we can revel in the gift of this album and find solace in its powerful tunes and vibrant spirit.

I would give this three out of four stars.