Foo Fighters made In Your Honor to split the difference between metal and pop. The band wanted both sides of their sound on one record, and they put eighteen songs on it to get there. That ambition shows in every track, for better and for worse.
Opening With Two Sides
The record opens with “In Your Honor,” a quiet guitar line that builds into a big chorus. It sets the tone for the whole album: soft verses, loud choruses, and a bridge that hits harder than the verse ever did. It is the clearest statement of the record’s mission.
“No Way Back” follows, and it is the first sign of strain. The song is competent, not terrible, but it does not add much beyond what came before it. It is the kind of track that fills space rather than earns it.
Then comes “Best of You,” and the album finally finds its footing. This is the record’s strongest moment, a slow, patient ballad that builds slowly to a climax. It is the best song here, period.
The Middle Stretch
“DOA” brings back the heavy riff, and it lands. The song is tight, with a chorus that sticks. It is a relief after the weaker opening tracks.
“Hell” is a shorter, sharper cut, built on a driving rhythm and a simple hook. It does not overstay its welcome, and it leaves the listener wanting more.
“The Last Song” is the first real misstep. It is a forgettable rock song with a chorus that never quite takes hold. It is the first track that feels like filler rather than content.
“Free Me” is better. It is a mid-tempo rocker with a strong melody, and it earns its place in the running order. “Resolve” follows, and it is the most straightforward pop-rock track on the record. It is pleasant, but it does not leave much of an impression.
The Deepest Blues Are Black
“The Deepest Blues Are Black” is a standout. It is a slow, bluesy track with a mournful feel, and it stands apart from everything around it. It is the kind of song that rewards patience, and it is one of the best things the band has recorded.
“End Over End” and “Still” follow, and they are the weakest stretch of the record. Both are competent, but neither rises above the pack. They are the kind of songs that work in a live set but do not demand attention on record.
“What If I Do” is a slight improvement, with a hook that is more memorable than the previous two. It is not a great song, but it is a better one than the tracks around it.
“Miracle” is a surprise. It is a ballad with a big chorus, and it is one of the most emotional moments on the record. It is a highlight, even if it is not the best song here.
Another Round
“Another Round” is a return to form. It is a fast, aggressive track with a driving riff, and it is one of the record’s best cuts. It is the kind of song that reminds you why this band is still around.
“Over and Out” is a shorter, punchier track, and it works as a palate cleanser after the heavier material. It is not a great song, but it is a good one.
“On the Mend” is a slower, more reflective track, and it is one of the record’s quieter highlights. It is a solid song, even if it does not demand much attention.
Virginia Moon to Cold Day in the Sun
“Virginia Moon” is a pop-leaning track with a bright chorus, and it is one of the more accessible songs on the record. It is a pleasant listen, even if it does not leave much of an impression.
“Cold Day in the Sun” closes the album on a quieter note. It is a slow, melancholic track, and it ends the record on a somber note. It is a fitting closer, even if it is not the strongest way to end.
Comparing the Two Halves
| Metal Side | Pop Side | |
|---|---|---|
| Best song | “DOA” | “Best of You” |
| Worst song | “The Last Song” | “End Over End” |
| Highlight | “The Deepest Blues Are Black” | “Miracle” |
| Low point | “Still” | “On the Mend” |
The record’s problem is its length. Eighteen songs is too many, and the middle stretch drags. The band’s ambition is real, but the execution is uneven.
The highs are high, and the lows are low. The best songs — “Best of You,” “The Deepest Blues Are Black,” “Another Round” — are among the band’s finest work. The worst songs — “The Last Song,” “Still,” “End Over End” — are the kind of filler that weakens a record rather than strengthens it.
In Your Honor is a record that aims for greatness and falls short of it. It is a flawed masterpiece, and it is worth hearing from start to finish.
- In Your Honor
- No Way Back
- Best of You
- DOA
- Hell
- The Last Song
- Free Me
- Resolve
- The Deepest Blues Are Black
- End Over End
- Still
- What If I Do
- Miracle
- Another Round
- Over and Out
- On the Mend
- Virginia Moon
- Cold Day in the Sun
