Foo Fighters - Rescued | Single review
May 10 | Written By Calvin Phang
Foo Fighters has finally made their long-awaited return on the 19th of April 2023. The band released their first single titled Rescued since the unfortunate passing of the Foo’s long-time drummer Taylor Hawkins in March 2022, whilst the band were touring in South America. Foo Fighters has won a total of 15 Grammys, unequivocally making them one of the most accomplished rock ‘n’ roll bands in recent history. Rescued is the first piece released off of the band’s eleventh studio album, But Here We Are which is scheduled for a summer release on the 2nd of June 2023.
Rescued along with Foo Fighter’s eleventh album is produced by the band and Greg Kurstin. Kurstin, a long-time collaborator with the Foo’s has previously produced tracks such as Waiting on a War & No Son of Mine for the band. As of now, it is still unclear who drummed on in place of Hawkins in the band’s latest album. Regardless, Rescued undeniably draws its inspiration from the band’s earlier emotive rock sounds in the band’s debut album The Colour and the Shape released in 1997. According to a press release by Foo Fighters, Rescued lyrically propounds the themes of “Rage and Sorrow to Serenity and Acceptance, and Myriad points in between”.
Rescued kicks off with a gentle yet melodical strumming of the electric guitar which leads into Dave Grohl’s passionate vocals. It is then followed through by the ingress of drums and a bursting second guitar which builds upon the boundless energy of the track. The track’s opening lyrics “It came in a flash, It came outta nowhere, It happened so fast, And then it was over” indisputably serves as an allusion to the late Hawkins, the band’s renowned drummer’s tragic and sudden passing. The track’s pre-chorus continues to augment the harmonious energy up till the track heaves back for an instant and ties back to Grohl’s eminent vocals “We’re all free to some degree to dance under the lights.” In essence, the building of energy in the pre-chorus creates a sense of urgency to be rescued; followed by Grohl providing assurance that everyone is indeed capable of making changes in their lives.
The track then picks up again with energetic guitar strums, riveting drumming and a steady bassline. As Grohl inaugurates into the mesmerising and catchy refrain, a guitar doubles a variety of Grohl’s notes to display a rich and harmonised melody. The track resumes for another subsequent verse and refrain before the inception of a new-fangled post-chorus with a refined yet strong sound accompanied by a hasty percussion. Once again, the track then drags back for the tranquilising first line of the refrain; providing an elevated sense of empowerment. As the track draws close to its end, a guitar compellingly strums the final chord of the track. The chord resonates dynamically while another guitar faintly plucks strings. The roaring feedback eventually grows quieter, as the track gradually fades into utter silence.
Fundamentally, Rescued illustrates a perfect blend between Grohl’s exhilarating vocals and Foo Fighter’s tantalising guitar-led instrumentals. The well-paced and upbeat drums perfectly compliments the elements of the track, withdrawing at quieter segments and steering the track in high-octane moments. Ultimately, Rescued serves as a bittersweet tribute to the late Hawkins; the zestful and vibrant elements of Rescued should leave listeners watchfully excited as it exemplifies that Foo Fighters will indeed continue to rock on!