At the center of every album is a musical thesis. The thesis at the center of “Sonic Highways” is as big and broad as the United States. At the core of this album is a great experiment; Can the cradles of music in this country be used to influence one of our biggest rock bands? Now, I know the members of Foo Fighters have been reluctant to call this a concept album, but I don’t buy that for a second. I don’t see how visiting 8 American cities, learning their musical history, and talking to fellow artists could not in some way influence the direction of the project. Sure, in most concept albums the songs flow together to form a complete piece of work. Each one of the songs on this album stands on its two feet, but taken together they reveal a rock anthem for our country. They also serve as a reminder to be present. Embracing the path, allowing it to educate us and influence the direction we head is important, but nothing is more important than being present. “Sonic Highways” does a superb job of providing this lesson. More than that, it provides a lens through which we can view our heritage.
Thanks for entering my world,
-Nathan