Foo Fighters nail it on “The Sky Is a Neighborhood,” the second single from their highly-anticipated album, ‘Concrete and Gold.’

The Foo Fighters make a highly-anticipated return in 2017 with a new album, Concrete and Gold.  The last outing by the band, Sonic Highways, was respectable, but not nearly as accomplished as Wasting Light from 2011.  As of yet, Concrete and Gold is off to a good start with single “Run” being relatively satisfying.  Things get better with the second single, “The Sky Is a Neighborhood.” “Run” was good, but “The Sky Is a Neighborhood” is the ‘cat’s meow.’

“The Sky is a Neighborhood” begins lushly, with an ambient sound, led by choral vocals, guitar, and cello.  Soon enough, Dave Grohl enters in, something like a “bull in a china shop.”  His entrance changes the vibe of the song, giving it an edgier, more hard-rock oriented sound.  Even though the sound is rock through and through, there’s a soulfulness as well.  The complete transformation occurs once menacing guitars enter in at a massive forte on the chorus.

Speaking of the chorus, it’s among the many selling points of “The Sky is a Neighborhood.”  It’s catchy, latching from an initial listen.

“Oh, my dear / Heaven is a big band now / Gotta get to sleep somehow / Bangin’ on the ceiling / Bangin’ on the ceiling / keep it down.”

Lyrically, the song is pretty simple. Grohl isn’t delivering a poetic performance on “Sky,” but nonetheless, it’s incredibly enjoyable.  Musically, Foo Fighters do a fantastic job of capturing the oft-overused ‘epic’ sentiment.  To reiterate, the massive wall of guitar on the chorus, along with some colorful accentuating lines, is decadent, sweet ear candy to say the least.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, “The Sky Is a Neighborhood” is excellent through and through.  It’s fun, well-produced, and catchy.  While this keeps the spirit of rock alive and well, there’s a dash of soul and pop, which makes sense once one finds out it was produced by standout Greg Kurstin. This is a gem.

Foo Fighters • Concrete and Gold • RCA • Release: 9.15.17

Photo Credit: RCA