So it probably seems strange that so far all five of these “We Recommend” blogs go back at least several years, with four of them taking us back to the 90’s. The reasoning for this is that most current music is what gets the most focus as new tunes are coming out almost daily. However, musical gems still exist on the shelves of many music stores as well as music fan collections. For this, our fifth “We Recommend” Blog, I’m taking us back to 1997 with Switchfoot’s The Legend Of Chin. My older brother worked for a local “mom n’ pop”-owned Christian bookstore called “Hackman’s Bible Bookstore” at the time and brought home the demo for The Legend Of Chin. I popped it in and didn’t really care for what I heard. This little San Diego alt pop rock outfit was too indie for my more contemporary-rock teen tastes. But one afternoon, while watching a Christian music video show as part of my afternoon routine, I caught the video for “Chem 6A” and instantly became interested. I ran back upstairs, snatched up The Legend Of Chin and the rest is history. While it’s not their best record, there’s plenty of depth in this quirky Switchfoot album to make it well worth the listen eleven years later – if only just to experience this incredible band’s humble beginnings. I still especially like “Chem 6A,” “Life and Love and Why,” the melancholic “Don’t Be There,” and a song I related all too well at the age of 17, “Might Have Ben Hur.” (haha!)
Anyone else familiar with this record? Let us know if you recommend it!
Switchfoot
The Legend Of Chin (1997)
Click here for a Staff Review.
Our synopsis: “This was the start of something really great. Definitely a ‘legendary’ rock release.” (Recommended by JFH’s John DiBiase)
Perfect For: Teen life, Love, Melancholy rainy days, pensive listening
Song Highlights: As stated before… “Chem 6A,” “Life and Love and Why,” “Don’t Be There,” “Concrete Girl,” and “Might Have Ben Hur.”
So, what are your thoughts on and experiences with the album The Legend Of Chin? Do you recommend it? If so, why?