Jon Foreman's Songs and Music Reach Deep into the Heart

Switchfoot has been a part of the Christian music scene for some time now, with singer/songwriter Jon Foreman captaining the ship. Now the band's front man is reaching out with his own style of Christian songwriting, and is really shaking things up.

In fall of 2007, Jon Foreman released the first of a series of four EPs. One new short album hit stores and iTunes every season throughout the following year, named Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer respectively. Each one bore with it a mixture of deeply introspective lyrics and atmospheric songs and music that surprised most Switchfoot fans with their heartfelt lyrics and unique musical mixture of unusual instruments and atmospheric melodies.

At many points in his journey through the seasons, Jon Foreman's music feels uncannily reminiscent of the album's respective seasons. This kind of atmospheric musical prowess is responsible at various times for deeply moving songs about love, haunting melodies about failure, and happy ditties about success.

These very appropriate musical compositions are created through Jon Foreman's versatility as a musician. Throughout the seasons project, the songwriter used any variety of instruments including the sitar, cello, violin, clarinet, saxophone, guitar, flute, and synthesizer, among others.

His versatility in his music shows a deep respect for musical form and for the power of different instruments to create moods and emotions to match any particular song. No matter what the project may be, Jon Foreman seems to know exactly the right instruments for the job.

Much of Jon Foreman's solo projects are a far cry from the music of the alternative Christian rock band Swtichfoot, and rightly so. His lyrics are deeply personal and candid, often bluntly stating the revelations that he has come to on a private level. As such, the mainstream market just does not seem well-suited for his songs. Jon Foreman's songs would not feel appropriate played on the radio directly following another alternative band, but rather would find their home when played in private, and listened to by people who deeply enjoy music and are willing to learn life lessons along with the songwriter.

Jon Foreman's uniquely candid lyrics are no more apparent than in his song "Instead of a Show," an indictment of hypocrisy within the Christian community, told from the point of view of God:

Away with your noisy worship
Away with your noisy hymns
I stop up my ears when your singing 'em
I hate all your show

Instead let there be a flood of justice
An endless procession of righteous living, living
Instead let there be a flood of justice
Instead of a show

Jon Foreman's piercing lyrics and unique musical style deserve the attention of any music lover. When you listen to his songs, close the door, turn off your phone, take up a spot near the window, and gaze out into the world. Watch as the seasons pass you by, and understand what Jon understands: that life just makes more sense with music.

To listen to some of Jon Foreman's music and songs, check out his EPs on iTunes:

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer