Often music fans dismiss albums or listen to one song because of its popularity. Many albums have had this treatment, the clear scorn from fans and critics. And we get the odd obnoxious music lover who wouldn’t listen to an album as it isn’t worthy enough, which is ludicrous. But, that is what the modern times have spawned, and you know what, let them miss out on charged songs and intricately developed lyricism that resonates. Pop music occupies the platform, the top pedestal, and there’s nothing we can do about it other than aid the smaller acts to prominence.

This article is about a colossal act that has created a space for themselves. A band that was created after the tragic death of one of grunge’s forefathers, Kurt Cobain. Dave Grohl, who hit the drums for an institution in Nirvana, assembled Foo Fighters, and the rest in history. Even Grohl launched his project as a one-man band before enlisting other musicians to create melodies and harmonies, of which, blew open a tiny revolution.

Foo Fighters have released 9 albums to date with their 10^th on the way. This is some feat from a band born in Seattle. Although, there have been many bands from that area including Nirvana and Soundgarden which conquered the scene in their own right. And through the years Foo Fighters have grown into a band that is worthy of being placed beside these iconic acts, trailblazers even.

2005 was the year Foo Fighters released their most ambitious album In Your Honour, a 2 disc LP of fast, unapologetic songs alongside a collection brimming with acoustic flair. The album may have been audacious to some, but to Grohl and his bandmates, the record had to be current and relevant. The band pushed themselves musically and lyrically, creating an opus conceptually different. It wasn’t a rock opera, but it sounded bold and colossal.

It terms of critical response, the record didn’t fully enchant the media. Some music magazines said it was Foo Fighters’ most daring album, their most courageous, but other outlets deemed it too long and repetitive. In all honesty, In Your Honour included some of Dave Grohl’s most personal statements, lyrics that were poignant story driven and sincere. Though many fans are here for the musical overlays, the guitars, the composition, and that’s perfectly fine as In Your Honour comprised some monumental instrumentals.

Straying back to the one song deemed popular, it would be a song that riffled through the radio and car stereos. A song so prevalent it had become an unmistakable hit. “The Best Of You” started the craze. But In Your Honour had so many other well textured songs bursting from its chamber. Take “No Way Back,” number two on the record, a track that hung on brilliance, a song maxed out with superb riffs and a chorus bursting from the seams. Truth be told, it didn’t gain the same attention, and it was a shame. DOA also blasted through a track yet again filled with a large riff and technicalities. Compelling in its flow, it is one truly adept song. “Resolve” was another charm stretching the band’s capabilities, and it aborted the breakneck speed for good honest songwriting and sincere lyricism.  

Disc number two almost flooded the flames. A collection of songs, subtle and somewhat sobering. Grohl sang with urgency but hadn’t gone over the line. The acoustic guitar took center stage, and Grohl created a joyous atmosphere. In time, this collection had become an afterthought, which was a shame. “Miracle” was a standout track, though. It detailed Grohl’s woes and his tired eyes. It showcased the musician’s intelligent wordplay and his adeptness at playing an acoustic guitar to its limits.

In Your Honour isn’t heralded. It is an album overshadowed by other records. But what it does is showcase an intelligent, composed side to a goliath act. There are moments on the record where it could swim up against larger sharks, and maybe even pummel them for a slender instance. And to some it is Foo Fighters’ most vulnerable opus, an LP that lets the guard down.