“Rope”
from the album Wasting Light
2011
iTunes
After Nirvana, Dave Grohl could easily have spent the rest of his career hiding behind a drum kit somewhere, but instead he risked undeserved scrutiny by jumping to the mic in front of his own creation. Rock fans should give thanks, because Wasting Light proves the frontman hasn’t lost his fire and, seven records into the Foo Fighters’ successful career, is still peaking. The light/heavy influence via Led Zeppelin is there, with an emphasis on heavy that’s due in part to his hanging with John Paul Jones in Them Crooked Vultures. Hell, lead single “Rope” has a main riff that’s wicked close to “The Wanton Song” from Physical Graffiti. “White Limo” is one of the most bombastic tracks the band have ever done, echoing the beefiest Queens of the Stone Age material, and the built-for-radio-glory “These Days” is the best wishing-the-worst-on-an-ex song in recent memory. As with much of the F-squared catalogue, the payoff is in the big choruses, massive melodies, and instant accessibility in the hooks — witness the collaboration with Hüsker Dü’s Bob Mould, “Dear Rosemary.” Bringing in Nevermind producer Butch Vig risked dangerous nostalgia, but his analog recording gives a fresh, warm feel to the proceedings. Guitarist Pat Smear makes a welcome return to the fold of Foo — yet another weapon to fill out the sound. And hooking up with bassist Krist Novoselic for “I Should Have Known” — an emotionally charged piece that almost breaks the album’s no-ballad rule before exploding in the final minute — shouldn’t be as big a focus as it’s become; Grohl’s welcome of his old rhythm partner is a nice touch, and further proof that he’s comfortable with his past.