Echoes, Silence, Patience, & Grace Songs Ranked
Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace is the sixth studio album by American rock band Foo Fighters, released on September 25, 2007, through Roswell and RCA Records. The album is noted for a blend of regular rock and acoustic tracks with shifting dynamics, which emerged from the variety of styles employed on the demos the band produced. It also marks the second time the band worked with producer Gil Norton, whom frontman Dave Grohl brought to fully explore the potential of his compositions and have a record that sounded different from their previous work. Grohl tried to focus on songs with messages that resonated with his audience, writing reflective lyrics which drew inspiration from the birth of his daughter. The album topped the charts in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Austria, and had three successful singles, “The Pretender”, “Long Road to Ruin” and “Let It Die”. Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace was nominated for five Grammy Awards, winning Best Rock Album, and was also awarded the Brit Award of Best International Album. Here are all of Echoes, Silence, Patience, & Grace songs ranked.
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12. Summer’s End
“Summer’s End” is a laid-back, bouncy sing-along that shows off the diversity of the band’s sound (think “Good Day Sunshine”), and another great guitar solo. But it’ll probably be a puzzler for the more old-fashioned Foo fan.”
11. Ballad of the Beaconsfield Miners
“The short, fast-paced, finger-flying instrumental called “The Ballad of the Beaconsfield Miners” also reminded me of another brilliant acoustic guitar performance, Lindsey Buckingham’s “Big Love (Live).” Musical talent again pours out of this one. I’d love to see this one performed live. (Gives me chicken skin just thinking about it.)”
10. Home
“Home” is a simple, somber epilogue, heavy on piano but also with some drums and strings in the second half (though guitars would be a welcome addition). The lyrics are rather straightforward, and perhaps a bit too reminiscent of Lennon’s “In My Life.”
See more: Foo Fighters Albums Ranked
9. Come Alive
“My favorite track on this album is Come Alive, because it reminds me of February Stars, my favorite Foo track of all time. And that’s my point. They have reached back, taken some of their earlier ideas and expanded on them to create something at once familiar and brand-new. “
8. But, Honestly
“But Honestly” the final, and most cathartic, use of the album’s acoustic-to-electric motif. Great interplay on vocals from both Dave and Taylor, followed by fun, out-of-left-field guitars and drums to finish things out.
7. Statues
“Statues” is part 1 of an excellent 1-2 climax, and possibly the best track here: sweeping, evocative, and moving. The band pulls out all the stops here with an orchestral background, accordion, two delicate guitar solos, and a piano utilized so well it makes you wish they’d use it more often.”
6. Stranger Things Have Happened
“Stranger Things Have Happened” instantly reminded me of a song called “Donkey Jaw” from America’s debut album (sans America’s vocal harmonies, and their building, electric guitar ending). I loved, loved that raw, quirky, layered acoustic guitar arrangement and very basic percussion from America and love it even more from the updated Foos.”
5. Erase/Replace
I like the whiny guitar opening and the high octane riff. Almost punk until it gets to the slower chorus. Erase/Replace” is a heavier, sober, inconsistent number.”
See more: Foo Fighters Songs Ranked
4. Let It Die
“Let It Die” isn’t the first or last song here that goes quiet-to-loud, but the start-and-stop path along the way makes this one stand out. Unfortunately, Dave’s primal screams seem a bit forced at the end here, as the music doesn’t quite match the ferocity of the vocals.”
3. Long Road to Ruin
“Long Road to Ruin” is an addictive pop-rock number that’s fairly straightforward, but a lot of fun. A nice change of pace made even better by one of the band’s best guitar solos. One of those Foo songs that makes you glad to be alive.”
2. Cheer Up, Boys (Your Make Up is Running)
“Drums kick on this one. The beginning sounds like the song is about to explode but it settles down and turns into a very accessible track along the lines of “Long Road To Ruin” but with an edge.”
1. The Pretender
“The Pretender” sports the standard-issue aggressive Foo chorus, but the delayed gratification makes it better, thanks to a great 90-second build-up. The song that turned me into a Foo Fighters fan! Rocks and has a unique sound.
