The Best Yet

Switchfoot’s path to pop stardom is laid out clearly on The Best Yet, an 18-track anthology overlooking few key moments in the band’s decade-plus recording history. Early compositions like “Company Car” and “Concrete Girl” prove that Jon Foreman’s formidable songwriting talents and the band’s sure feel for dynamics were present from the start. From “The Beautiful Letdown” through “Dare You to Move” and “Stars,” the group’s ability to craft mind-prodding, ear-grabbing radio hits is given full exposure. “This Is Home,” the yearning number first heard on the Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian soundtrack, brings things up to date. What remains consistent amidst the growth documented here is Switchfoot’s empathetic, all-embracing spiritual vision, one that doesn’t preclude them from being forceful or funny. This compilation is especially commended to those unfamiliar with the band’s lesser-known first two albums. But whether these songs are old favorites or new discoveries, The Best Yet is very good indeed.